mclarenno9

While pressurizing my cooling system to try and find the source of a very slow leak at the front of the engine (turned out to be the water pump gasket - next time I'll use some spray-on sealant goop), I discovered that my stock radiator leaks above ~14 psi at one of the end tanks. So, I'm looking for a replacement...

OEM radiator prices are easily $350+, and I've been contemplating an all aluminum unit. There are what seem to be 2 variants (Chinese) floating around ebay for $300. Has anyone tried them?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aluminum-rad...96bfd7&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/56MM-ALUMINU...62dbe6&vxp=mtr

Of course the Wizard is an option as well. A little more pricey at $600 though. Ultimately I'd like as little fuss as possible installing the new one. That being said, if an OEM replacement lasts another 26 years I'd be happy... I just figured getting rid of the plastic tanks would be an improvement.

ehall

Spend the money. It's 600 bucks once. you shouldn't ever have to do it again. Chinese make ****.

refresh951

If it is leaking at the seal, you can try crimping the metal tabs on the end cap. This has worked for me. The seals get dry and then they leak. If it only leaks at 14 psi I am not sure it is a big concern.

chrenan

This. Ask me about my OBX header experience.

Techno Duck

I would go with an OEM, hard to beat in terms of fitment and price. Also plenty of cooling capacity.

If you know anyone with a WorldPac account, i bought one maybe 2-3 years ago for around $450; they are made by Laengerer & Reich which is the OEM supplier for Porsche. Infact the end tanks have all of the Porsche markings and part #'s ground off.

Iridium

Fordahl motorsports has all alu ones made by one of the big guys, I forget who at the minute. I have it in my car and its a stock replacement.

They are in Seattle, call and ask for Greg.

mclarenno9

The thing is, I've been on a few longer road trips where the car's developed these unexplainable coolant leaks. At first I thought it was some of the new clamps simply needing a bit of extra tightening after a few heat cycles. Now I'm thinking otherwise.

I agree with the disdain for the Chinese knockoffs... I've been burned before. From what I've read however the Wizard unit might not fit that great either. Maybe OEM is the way to go...?

Willard Bridgham 3

It's a race car, get an OEM radiator.

SamGrant951

I tried a stainless griffin, leaked,
Repaired then leaked again. Threw it away and bought turbo oem.

mclarenno9

Well, an OEM radiator is on the way! Thanks.

tjbreen

I replaced my old stock radiator with a low mileage OEM, it leaked through the fins. Bought a Griffin, which worked for a few years, then it leaked through the face of the aluminum end tank and from where the fins joined the end tanks. Put back the original, and it works fine. Pressure tested all of them and only the original one didn't leak at 15psi.

RajDatta

I have a 3 core aluminum radiator available, factory placement and same fittings.

joster86turbo

Raj,
What are your impressions of the 3 core? Any measurable differences?