Considering Aluminum radiator

[ValleyZ]

I have a 1975 280z project that I've been working on and there so many things that I need to do. But I guess I should prioritize things and do them in the sequence of most urgent. My radiator is leaking and I am considering upgrading to an Aluminum radiator. My question is, should I go this route or stick with the OEM style radiators? Also where should I consider buying an Aluminum radiator from? I can't seem too many vendors out there selling the aluminum radiator for a decent price.

Thanks in advance.

[justinr54321]

I, myself, have an aluminum radiator in my 240z, however, it has an engine form a 280z. My radiator was also leaky, and getting the overheating probs and what not. However, when I did upgrade to the aluminum radiator, I don't over heat at all, even sitting in traffic, with the hot days here. I have the same radiator as Zs-Ondabrain has (Dave), with custom made mounts. But I tell you what, it was really worth it.

Now, just for me to replace my heater core hoses.....

[beandip]

I am running a 280 ZX engine , in a 240Z which I have been told run hotter, than the other blocks. However I was running a 2 row 240 radiator and didn't have any over heating trouble. The rad was in good clean condition and even with triple digit heat in traffic no problem. I needed to replace that radiator because of a leaking condition . Now I am using a 280 radiator which is a 3 row and again all is good. It is just a longer unit and the bottom tank extends just past the lower rad support. I am fabricating a metal ''extension'' it the lower support so it will protect the tank and allow the sheet metal shield to again fit in place. In the years I have been driving my Z I can see no need for other than a OEM unit. And it does get hot in Oregon. Gary

[sblake01]

I have a 78 280Z w/AC and I live in Southern California. It tops 100 degrees in the summer here. I replaced my radiator with a Modine #634 3 row which is an OEM type brass/copper radiator and I've had no overheating problems even on the hottest days. It even has a limited lifetime warranty, however that works.

[conedodger]

I have one. Griffith or Griffin, I forget... Works well. My last Z I replaced with an OEM which also worked well. It just has to work, up to you...

[hls30.com]

After seeing an installation on 280Masters car, I bought the new thicker core version of the radiator recommended by Jags That Run V8 ( http://www.jagsthatrun.com/V8-chapters/V8-DatsunZ-Cooling-System.pdf ) for my turbo project because of using a water cooled turbo-and wanting ice coming out of my AC. I have the older thinner radiator they reccommended(from a base model Camero) and stepped up purely as a precaution to deal with the extra heat. Both are Aluminum with plastic tanks, and I plan on installing the Ford 2 speed electric fan as well-even the shroud fits like it was made for the radiator.

Will

JTR Radiator ........................................$185

JTR Mounting Kit.....................................$85 Can be fabbed w HDepot parts for $25)

2 speed Thermistor control.......................$22 Discount AutoParts

Ford 2 speed fan w/shround......................$25 Salvage yard

Hose parts-must be fabbed.......................$30 Discount Autoparts

[ValleyZ]

thx for the response all, I think I am going for the aluminum one. Its a little $$ but the aluminum is so pretty..hehe.

[jtl260z]

I have a 1975 280z project that I've been working on and there so many things that I need to do. But I guess I should prioritize things and do them in the sequence of most urgent. My radiator is leaking and I am considering upgrading to an Aluminum radiator. My question is, should I go this route or stick with the OEM style radiators? Also where should I consider buying an Aluminum radiator from? I can't seem too many vendors out there selling the aluminum radiator for a decent price.

Thanks in advance.

I had overheating issues for years. If I wasn't moving, my temperature gauge was. I bought an aluminum Howe Racing radiator originally designed for a Chevy. My radiator did not come with mounting brackets but the size and hose locations are perfect for the Z.

Much cheaper than a drop in replacement. I just had to fabricate a mounting bracket and, presto! no more overheating.

[280~Master]

Valley,

I have the radiator HLS30.com was talking about above. I also installed a 2 speed electric fan from a ford. I have an escort fan shroud and a auto switch to turn the fan on. I live in Southern GA. it hits the 100's and is humid as he!!. I can not get the temp guage to go past the middle unless i turn off then fan. Best cooling I have ever used on a Z and it was more cost effective with radiator supports ect. HLS30.COM priced safely above what it cost me to do the convertion. Hopefully will have a full write up in a week or 2.

[ph240]

Good advice on using the aluminum rad. They have bigger tubes than the stock copper brass rads. 1" vs 1/2". Be careful using a Ford fan, they work very well but can pull 70 amps on start up and on high they will use 40 amps. Be sure your charging sytem is up to snuff. As for me I work for Be Cool Radiator, Inc and while we don't offer an off the shelve part for a Z, I'm building a custom one with Dual Spal 11" fans since I will be using our aluminum a/c condensor.

No matter which one you end up using it will perform better than stock.

[Tyrone]

Has anyone ever bought, or know anyone who has bought radiators from this guy on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/75-83-aluminum-radiator-NISSAN-Datsun-280Z-280ZX-MT-NIB_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a4Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem1c0a5ba422QQitemZ120432862242QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQQsalenotsupported

[manny1973]

I bought the Champion 3 row aluminum for my 72 Z on ebay. Perfect fit, excellent quality and my Z never even gets close to over heating anymore. For the price it is a great value. Paid $170 plus shipping.