Recommendation for new radiator and elctrical fan for 280Z

[Marios280Z]

Hi All,

 

First off I apologize if this topic has been covered elsewhere. I though I've researched the forum good enough, but I have not been able to find good discussion that would cover this topic extensively. If there is a threat out there that you know of, please point me to it.

 

The problem

My 280Z radiator is leaking slowly at the very top. It does not leak when sitting in the garage, but shortly after I fire it up is sips  and splatters the coolant in the engine bay and on the hood.

 

I'm looking at replacing it with an aluminum radiator. I plan to use the car form spring to fall, no winter driving. Mostly for driving to and form work but also for weekend SCCA autocross type events. I also would love to be able to take the car to the track even and not be afraid that it will overheat or brake mechanically on me. That's my ultimate goal. I have done one autocross even this year and the car had no overheating problems. However after discovering the leak I have not take the car anywhere outside town :/ I typically have to drive 1-5 hours to get autocross or track event, so I need to be able to do that as well in this car.

 

The options

From what I could find online, there is couple of options on MSA website:

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/16-6967  three row 

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/classic15e/16-7017  cross flow (expensive!)

 

Here is the Champion, 3 row option:

http://www.championradiators.com/Datsun-280z-radiator-1975-1978

 

Here is the Koyo cross flow (2 row  I think):

http://www.koyoradracing.com/news.asp?id=61

 

Here is abalcdragon options, however I think it is not aluminum:

http://www.blackdragonauto.com/icatalog/ZR/full.aspx?page=51

 

Anybody has any other piston to consider that they had food experience with? Did anybody worked with any of the options above? I also would like to consider to install electrical fan instead of the stock engine driven one. MSA, Champion, and blackdragon have options for electric fan kits. Did anybody used them in their installation? What about the the fan shroud if I change it to electrical? 

From MSA:

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/classic15p/16-7052

From Champion:

http://www.championradiators.com/cooling_fans 

 

Another thing I need to consider is new water pump or at least water pump gasket since mine is leaking. I have been reading that the original water pumps give up easily, so since "I'm there" and have good access I would like o replace it. MSA has a water pump for about $50, which seams reasonable. Any thoughts on that? 

 

 

[cbuczesk]

I had a Champion radiator in my 280Z race car and then in my 240Z race car. It worked fine but developed a leak. I don't why the leak started. It could have been from debris during a race or a defect. I've head lots of good things about Champion. I replaced it with a cheap 3-row  from ebay and it's been working on the race car for over a year. fmautopart was the seller and the price was $132.86 shipped. We don't use fans so I can't help with that.

 

A good stock brake system will work for auto-x.

 

If you want to track the car then you should consider getting some good pads (Carbotech) and brake fluid (Motul 600 or 660).

 

Rock Auto has water pumps pretty cheap and they might come with a new gasket.

 

Chuck

[siteunseen]

This is the same, and best in my opinion, impeller design as the original.  Amazon.com has the Asin for $29.99.  

http://www.amazon.com/Aisin-WPN-013-Engine-Water-Pump/dp/B008EEZ2XY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1441037491&sr=8-5&keywords=240z+water+pump

[Marios280Z]

Thanks siteunseen,  I will order it!

[Zed Head]

This is the same, and best in my opinion, impeller design as the original.  Amazon.com has the Asin for $29.99.  

http://www.amazon.com/Aisin-WPN-013-Engine-Water-Pump/dp/B008EEZ2XY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1441037491&sr=8-5&keywords=240z+water+pump

 

Hey, are you sure that the AISIN has the cast impeller?  I notice that they don't show it and their web catalog shows all stamped steel.

 

http://aisinaftermarket.com/uploads/rh4yebzy_CoolingCatalog2013.pdf

 

The catalog is interesting to read, regardless.

 

I replaced my leaking radiator with a cheap Murray brand from OReilly Auto Parts.  The mounting holes needed work but it does a great job cooling.

[siteunseen]

Mine from amazon was/is.  Here's the same p/n from another vendor, http://www.carid.com/aisin/engine-water-pump-mpn-wpn013.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9o-vBRCO0OLi2PfPkI8BEiQA8pdF4D510vY6639m1BhvtjBAIAbsGgCAkAJlK7Jo1W2cvi8aAhkI8P8HAQ

[rcb280z]

Its out of stock too.

[rcb280z]

For radiator, I have the one in your first link. Installed it 3 yrs ago, no issues yet. Make sure you install some rubber insulators.

 

I want to install an electric fan but am not sure what to get yet.

[siteunseen]

Its out of stock too.

rockauto.com has 10.

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?make=NISSAN&ck[iD]=0&ck[idlist]=0&ck[viewcurrency]=USD&ck[php_SESSION_ID]=gv3q52jaue20u5l4f2jr4c8tv5

 

Edited August 31, 2015 by siteunseen

[Zed Head]

How many people submerse the rotor of their water pump in water prior to installation, to lubricate the bearing?  And do not spin the pump before installing?  Who can resist that?

[Marios280Z]

ZedHead, ha,ha, yes I saw that...Probably a good practice. I will sure do that (submerge) before installation.

 

Siteunseen, I think I will use Rockauto is shipping is not too expensive. I also need to order a starter, as indicated in my Hard Starting Issue post, and Rockauto has recommended ACDelco unit. I think I can get free shipping on amazon if my purchase exceeds $35 (my wife always has something to order...).

[siteunseen]

How many people submerse the rotor of their water pump in water prior to installation, to lubricate the bearing?  And do not spin the pump before installing?  Who can resist that?

Never knew that Zed, thanks for teaching me something for the day.  Now I can drink some beers and cut my yard.