The cost isn't the problem--it's very fragile. I don't think I got two
races out of mine. The neck is unsupported, pushing down on the radiator
cap to remove it will crack the neck where it attaches to the upper tank.
Welded that, then the lower tank cracked at the mounts. Welded that, then
the core cracked from the upper tank. Threw the radiator as far as I could
(hey, it's aluminum, it was pretty far) and had Mac's radiator in Portland
build me a custom one for about $150. If you want an original-looking
radiator, take your old one to a really good shop that does manufacturing
(many do) and have them recore without the crank hole. That helps. Better
yet, do what the rules allow and have a radiator custom made that will
still attach to the original mounting holes. That can mean a completely
extreme bracket holding a radiator that fills the nose of the car, and no
sanctioning body can complain (as long as they abide by the period GCRs).
While you're at it, don't have the filler built into the radiator. Use a
surge tank mounted higher than the rad and connect a self-venting line
from the high point of the radiator to the top of the tank. Then your fill
line can connect anywhere and you'll never worry about keeping your rad
full. Install a modern check-valve style radiator cap and you can have
fluid recovery. The radiator is the weak point for pressure and the reason
we run seven pound caps stock. You can run a higher pressure cap, though
with a good radiator you'll never need it.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bolton, Rich [mailto:rbolton@chartbank.net]
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 9:44 AM
To: 'fot@autox.team.net'
Subject: RE: Tim Suddard checking in. - Radiator
I just checked that TR3 aluminum radiator at Cambridge Motorsport. It is
beautiful but expensive! #590.00 which is approximately $930 American at
current exchange rates.....Gulp!
Does anyone know a less expensive source for this style of radiator?
-----Original Message-----
From: BillDentin@aol.com [mailto:BillDentin@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 11:22 AM
To: GRMTim@aol.com
Cc: fot@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Tim Suddard checking in.
In a message dated 03/25/2003 10:06:20 AM Central Standard Time,
GRMTim@aol.com writes:
> I've been slammed lately, but wanted to check in. From a personal
> standpoint,
> JK and I have gotten the GRM TR-3 just about ready. We plan on testing
in
> May
> and running VIR June 7-8 with our new engine, trans, rear axles, and
myriad
>
> of other improvements. We also plan on making Mosport. I am about to
source
> a
> new radiator. What is the current "list" thinking on radiators? Does
> anybody
> make a good, light, effective radiator that fits a TR-3? if not, who
best
> to
> custom make one?
>
Tim:
The aluminum version available from Cambridge in England is a respectable
copy of the original, looks proper (it's gorgeous), is VERY light, and
works
GREAT.
The bad news is that it is pretty fragile. Ours lasted about ten events,
and
then the connection brackets busted, and the core got racked. I suspect
JK
could come up with beefy modications (prior to installation), that would
make
those connections better.
Obviously you can have a custom radiator built to fit, but I hope you will
consider running something that at least looks like a TR3.
We have gone back to a standard radiator, which we have modified (given up
the crank hole). I am also looking for someone who might repair our
aluminum
radiator.
Good luck.
Bill Dentinger
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