TR2/3/3A TR3 aluminum replacement radiators

[newmexTR3]

Hey All,

It's been a few years since I've been on the forum, but I seem to recall someone talking about buying a high-performance replacement long-neck radiator for a TR3A.
Does this ring a bell for anyone? Any ideas or suggestions for replacing the original radiator?
As a result of a few fan-intersecting-with-radiator incidents, my radiator just doesn't cool the car enough.

Thanks in advance,
Gavin

 

[Guest]

Hey Gavin,
I know that CaptRoy has an aluminum radiator on order from Ron Davis Racing and should have received it by now. Try pinging him or send him a PM to check on what he has. I think you will like what you hear. I have a Ron Davis in my TR6 and am very pleased.


Bill

 

[newmexTR3]

Hey Bill,

Thanks so much for the info. Here is the website: https://www.rondavisradiators.com

The TR3 radiator price just went waaaaay up: now $759!
THey told me that they could make one that will work for $585, but that the top tank wouldn't look exactly like original equipment.
The benefits are lighter weight and the car should run 10% cooler- so probably about a 15-20 degree difference.

Any thoughts?

 

[billspit]

You could try Griffin Radiators. The owner once told me he could make any radiator, but might need the original (unless he has already made some and has the dimensions). His copper and brass unit was very reasonably priced. Don't know about aluminium.

 

[Guest]

You could also try Wizard Cooling. www.wizardcooling.com
Their site only shows TR-4 and -6, but they may have more.

 

[CaptRoy]

I ended up going with Wizard Cooling for my radiator. The shipped it this Monday so I should have it by next week. I'll post a picture when it comes in. I bought a TR3 Radiator on ebay for $25.00 and had it sent to them for a pattern so I know they have one. I paid 475.00 for mine, and then had them add my electric fan that came with my rack and conversion kit. That was 75 more. I also had a theromstat switch for the fan fitted along with the wiring.
I worked with Scott and he is great to deal with.

 

[newmexTR3]

Sounds very cool. So I assume you're going to forego the stock, belt-driven fan and go with just the electric?

Where did you purchase the fan from?

Cheers

 

[mcguijo]

I had a friend of mine who owns a radiator shop fabricate an AL radiator for my TR3A. I gave him an original for specs. Unforunately, we miscommunicated and he ended up putting the crank hole into the radiator. I suspect it works fine but I won't be using it. You think anyone would have an interest in this?

 

[Alan_Myers]

[ QUOTE ]
I had a friend of mine who owns a radiator shop fabricate an AL radiator for my TR3A. I gave him an original for specs. Unforunately, we miscommunicated and he ended up putting the crank hole into the radiator. I suspect it works fine but I won't be using it. You think anyone would have an interest in this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Your friend did a nice job! That's a very good looking alu replica. A thin coat of black paint and it would be hard to tell from original, but would still give the improved cooling and lighter weight of aluminum.

Seems like an ideal solution for someone wanting highly original looks *with* the crank hole, but still wanting improved cooling. I don't know exact figures, but if the aluminum were, say, 15-20% more efficient with heat transfer, that would offset the 15-20% loss of efficiency due to the crank hole design (because it blocks 3 or 4 of the tubes in the rad).

Judging from the photo, the only things that don't appear stock are the drain petcock and TIG welds that are a bit heavier than soldering on the original.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[trfourtune]

wow,
i'm sure many people would be interested in that.you should get a very good price for it on e-bay. when you look at the ones supplied in the uk and the price they want in british pounds,you should have no problems. personnaly,i found a rad (much larger)that i can make fit for my tr4 for about $200 from a us supplier, but my engine bay will not be stock appearing at all.
rob