Radiator Source

[DeesZ]

There have been a lot of good suggestions here! I am facing a rebuild of my cooling system, too, so I thought I'd add a few things that may be worth considering. Here's my $0.02:

I've collected all of my parts over the last six months, and will be doing this in conjunction with lots of other stuff (headers & new exhaust, cam & rockers replacement, bottom end bearings & rings, etc.) For the radiator I elected to have the original one recored. This way I have the original tanks top and bottom with a 21st century technology cooling core (things have changed in the last 35 years). I had a local shop do the recore job for about $225. Likely to cost about $200. ~ $300 (that's what it is in my area anyway). depending on what type of a core you choose to have put in, but pick a good source and you will have quality work as well as someone to stand behind the work if there is a failure of any kind. A new water pump is a good insurance if the old one is an unknown quantity - I've seen some that have almost no impeller remaining due to rust. Thermostat, hoses, etc., too, like you mentioned might as well be done while you're in there with the coolant fluid drained. I've also found that a fan cowling can work wonders for the stock system. If yours is missing, I'd get one on and see the difference that alone makes. I have an electric fan that I am giving strong consideration to installing. That will let me do away with the fan and fan clutch. More than likely I will go that way, but I've got the parts available to go either way when I get to that point. I'm weighing the pros and cons of each and leaning to the electric fan option, for now, anyway. Another often overlooked part that some people say really impacts the cooling is the lower engine splash board/pan. I'm looking for one of those for a 1972 240Z (I think any from 70~73 will fit; any opinions on that?) so that I can finish the job completely. Let me know if there are any sitting around not being used. I think the old part number is 74810-E4100. Of course like many of us, I had one of those 35 years ago and ditched it because it made getting at anything under there a pain in the neck. Wish I had it now. Anyway, great luck with the work you have planned. I hope it goes well for you. It sounds like your plans are well thought out, and the thoughts folks have been adding are insurance that you won't miss a thing. This is a great forum for things like this. The collection of experience out there and the willingness for everyone here to share knowledge gives us all an advantage that allows us to enjoy our cars all that much more.

Probably should have said this at the beginning: I'm relatively new to the site and this is only my second or so post. Sorry it went on so long. My name's John - Live in south-central Pennsylvania - 55 years old geezer status - 1972 240Z HLS3084646 - second one I've owned (first was a 1972 that I bought on 1973 which regretfully is long gone now). It's a pleasure to be here.

[sakijo]

Radiator shop can recore for you. Takes a couple of days, depending on how busy they are and what you want. I used to go to a shop that didn't paint the top tank and was very careful about soldering. Then, I'd polish up the brass tank for a custom look. I recommend a Lakes core, but Modine is good too.