1975 280Z Radiator Question

[shadesh]

Hello again,

I have a 1975 280Z with A/C. It has a five speed tranny and L28 engine which I think is original to the car.

My question is, what type of radiator should my car have. ?

Should it have a single, double, or single core?

Can I swap a radiator from a 260 or 240?

I think the radiator in my car is from a 280/240 with an Automatic tranny because it has the pipings at the bottom for the tranny.

How can I tell if mine is a single or double core? I am not sure if it will be more cost effective to have the existing radiator re cored or just buy another.

As always, I look forward to your helpful comments.

Thanks,

[sblake01]

I'm not sure as to the number of cores but a 74.5-78 radiator is taller than a 70-74 radiator. Mine is three core but it's aftermarket. Most of the aftermarket radiators sold now have the trans cooler in them regardless of whether it's being installed in a stick or automatic car.

[shadesh]

Thanks Blake,

Would you recommend re coring the radiator or just buying one? I am in southern californina. Any ideas as to how much re coring should cost me vs buying one..?

[sblake01]

I purchased a Modine radiator from a local shop about three years ago for just a shade under $160 out the door. I couldn't have my stock one re-cored because one of the tanks was shot.

[beandip]

I installed a 280 Z radiator in my '73 240 and it extends below the radiator support about 2''. It is a 3 core. My 240 rad was a 2 core and worked just fine in hot weather , but developed leak. the upper tank needed to be re-soldered. The rad shop wanted $125.00 just for that. I bought a perfectly good unit for $75.00 and it took about 45 min to install. Motorsport has 3 core units for the 240 and 280s

[Arne]

These days with the environmental concerns about working with solder that contains lead, it is often cheaper to buy a new aftermarket 3 row core radiator than it is to re-core your existing unit.

[shadesh]

Thank You All. Each time I have posted questions, I have been rest assured that I will get great feedback. This site and the folks on it are very resourceful.

I will go ahead and buy a new radiator from MS. It seems like the best option. Thanks again..

I am ready for the weekend!!!

[280~Master]

I found it was cheaper to buy a radiator from JTR and convert it to a crossflow than it was to buy a new 3 core from MSA. I also notice a huge difference in the temp of the car. I also did an electric fan while I was at it.