Turbo Esprit Radiator - RS500 Cosworth?

[Neverweaken]

Hi all,

I need a radiator for a 1985 Turbo Esprit, I seen some info on a RS500 aluminium radiator fitting early esprits but not sure what models as the info was scarce. The photos of the Cosworth rad also seems to have the connections on the wrong side.

Currently debating whether to recore the original or replace so just seeing what options there are.

 

I know SJ has an aluminium rad for £445+VAT but dont want to spend near that amount.

 

[peteyg]

Just get it recored by a reputable company. I had mine done nearly 10 years ago before a trans-european trip and it's still tickety boo. Cost about £120 back then and when I asked advice about going triple core the guy said he'd be happy to charge the extra but it would make little difference to the cooling because of the setup. You also have the knowledge that you have a radiator that fits properly.

Pete

[Bazza 907]

KW - So did you finally manage to track down and buy an Esprit?

 

If you posted sorry but I must have missed it

[cbclotus]

I also asked this question .i have read that the rad from a jeep Cherokee might fit.My car is due to go to sw lotus hope this helps.Might be better getting yours recorded.Mike

[Advantage]

What's the idea behind attempting to bodge another radiator onto the car? The one fitted by the factory is more than adequate as long as it's in good condition. It's just that after many years exposed to the rigours of our roads and poor maintenance means performance drops off. Just get the original recored to standard spec (unless you're attempting to chase mega horsepower).

[cbclotus]

I have been told I have a v8 rad fitted by a previous owner.on my car I am taking the car next week to sw lotus. My car is a 89 se turbo.the gauge might not be right.Had a mate fire a digital themometer gauge is showing to be right. Mike

[Bibs]

You have got a V8 rad, it's the same as the 4 cylinder one!

[cbclotus]

I thought the v8 rad had improved cooling.might be wrong Mike

[Simon350S]

An Esprit with a standard 2 core rad, standard fiesta fans and good old fashioned water and antifreeze is more than man enough as already said.

Had an Esprit sat idling for hours on one of the hottest days I can remember, happily burbling away with the fans cutting is required....

[Neverweaken]

Cheers for the feedback guys.

Sounds like Im going to recore the original.

 

[Neverweaken]

KW - So did you finally manage to track down and buy an Esprit?

 

If you posted sorry but I must have missed it

 

Yep, finally got a car.

Will start a thread and post some pics when I get the chance.

 

I had my rad recored. Its a big ole rad and with 3 fans seems to me to have plenty of cooling. I did upgrade my fans to tripack ones and have been using Evans waterless coolant. So far all seems to work well enough.

 

Buddsy

 

Your rebuild thread has been a great source of info.

Also going to change the fans to Tripac ones. My plastic shroud is cracked and the metal fan mount brackets have seen better days so will probably bin them.

[Andyww]

I just got mine re-cored by SJ (or rather sent away to somewhere by them). They were the cheapest I could find when factoring in shipping costs. They made a nice job of it.

 

Ally rads are lighter but forget about driving it when the roads are salted, it will corrode away in minutes (well maybe an exaggeration but pretty quickly) and much more expensive. Dont see the point.