Would running a new radiator and overflow etc for say, a dodge neon, be a problem on a pinto with a 2.3? I ask because my gf's neon has a tiny radiator (I can measure if anyone is curious) and I think it'd be great for cooling a pinto/saving space. Plus, I don't know about you guys, but I don't like the idea of using a 30 year old radiator to keep my engine cool.
Ah, nevermind. I've found that the neon one is a tick smaller, about 1/2" less wide, and 6" shorter top to bottom, the depth is identical. So it wouldn't be worth the hassle probably. On top of that, the cost of a new one is within $10 of each other, so if you wanted a new rad, you could just go with a new pinto one. I do think going to an electrical rad fan is a good idea though.
Oh, but if anyone wants a pic of the neon rad, here it is:
(http://cordova.asap.um.maine.edu/~raymondj/imagehost/neonrad.jpg)
It measures 16.25" wide, 14.5" tall, 1.75" deep. One big downfall I can see is that there is no cap on the neon rad :-(
Anyone use some sort of aftermarket aluminum rad in their pintos?
I still use my stock Rad. I have flushed it and cleaned it several times and it works great.
If you wanted to go with an aftermarket one, just get a universal one, close to the size of the stock one. You may have to do a lil custom work to mount it, but it shouldnt be that hard.
If you want, give me the measurement of the stock one, I will search for you, as I am at home sick today.
Cool, thanks for the help. (Cool that you're willing to help, not cool you're sick lol)
The stock rad is basically 20" x 20". I'm not too worried though, if I could find a nice aluminum one thats lightweight that'd be cool. But a stock replacement isn't too bad anyway, and easy enough to get. The best mod is to simply get a cap and resevoir tank so you don't piss your fluid on the ground if it gets a little hot. The other good mod is to ditch the mechanical fan which robs a bunch of hp and mpg, and put on an electric fan. Should give about 3-5hp and 1-2mpg.
Would this one from Jegs do?
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&catalogIdentifier=&categoryId=13407&parentCategoryId=10597
I dont see why it wouldnt?
Just make sure you are able to get enough air drawn through it at IDLE and you should be fine.
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&catalogIdentif ier=&categoryId=13407&parentCategory Id=10597
(http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&catalogIdentif%20ier=&categoryId=13407&parentCategory%20Id=10597)
Here is this correct link, somehow when you posted it it came out funny
One more question, I see all this lightweight, smaller stuff, why are you trying to goe sthis route. Ive seen your other posts on MPG and stuff like that. Is this the reason.
I used a Pontiac Fiero aluminum radiator radiator in my last Pinto.
Quote from: MattG on August 07, 2006, 09:05:37 PM
I dont see why it wouldnt?
Just make sure you are able to get enough air drawn through it at IDLE and you should be fine.
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&catalogIdentif ier=&categoryId=13407&parentCategory Id=10597
(http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&catalogIdentif%20ier=&categoryId=13407&parentCategory%20Id=10597)
Here is this correct link, somehow when you posted it it came out funny
One more question, I see all this lightweight, smaller stuff, why are you trying to goe sthis route. Ive seen your other posts on MPG and stuff like that. Is this the reason.
Thanks for fixing the link. A lot of it has to do with me wanting more mpg than anything. "I have a dream, that a man can have a fully mechanized vehicle, no computers, no fuel injection, and still get 32mpg on the interstate." <- myself
The radiator could stay stock and just use an electric fan, the new rad would just be so it could have a new rad. Lightweight is always nice, and aluminum is just wicked cool looking, and an effective radiator. The really nice thing with this Jegs rad is that it is $110 whereas the pinto replacement ones go for $180-$250 from what I have found.
Plus it would probably shave 4-5 lbs off the front. Between that and relocating the battery to the trunk, the car will be substantially better balanced.
well keep your car tuned up. and your foot out of the pedal. cant see why you cant get what you want hehe :welcome:
I put a 65 Mustang 289 radiator in my 71. The mounting points are the same, too. The radiator itself is about 3 inches taller, and all that extra height is on the bottom, so the hood clearance isn't affected. I'm running a 2.3 turbo in mine, so I did have to make up some radiator hoses so it would work. The upper was kinda tricky, but I got a universal type at the parts store that has a molded in 90* bend that helped a lot. The lower was easy to make. I used a portion of some lower hose I had laying around, and it really could not have fit any better. The radiator itself is all brass or copper, so it looks the way it should, but the actual core is about twice as thick and it has a lot more fins on the outside. It's been working pretty well now, even here in FL during July and August, but it's not perfect. I keep the fan on all the time (a slim electric pusher between the intercooler and the rad), and try to run it almost too cool all the time (I don't have a T-stat either, but an aluminum plate with a 5/8" hole drilled in it). Fitting the thing in there WAS a chore because the core is much thicker, and the 2.3 isn't the right engine for that year anyway. The water pump pully is about 1/4" or less (seriously) from the radiator. I beat the bejeezus out of the car, so I know that the clearance I have IS sufficient, but it was so close putting it together that I had to remove that spacer on the water pump and get some shorter bolts, too.
I really, really wish I had started with a car that a 2.3 to begin with.