Discussion
The original rad is a reworked LR/RR unit and is of traditional construction (copper, brass, and some steel). I did think about an ally replacement but am unconvinced as to the durability, That said, the charge cooler rad I am just installing is ally (and will be in front of the engine rad)...
The conventional radiator in mine was slightly weeping. Took it to Plymouth Radiators, which I have used before with good results in terms of cost and quality. They tested it with the result that a re-core was recommended.
I asked about the feasibility of getting an Aluminium rad, but was advised that for normal road use a conventional type was more suitable as it can be easily be repaired if damaged by stone impact.
As I only use the car on the road, I opted for the re-core.
A new core was sourced from a UK manufacturer. The repair work was completed in 3-4 days. On collecting it I was told that the old core (which itself wasn't the original according to my records) had been of poor quality, possibly/probably made abroad with fewer "fins per inch" than the newly fitted UK manufactured core.
Have to say I was delighted with the result, as it looked like a new unit. Temperatures steady in traffic 90-95, open road 70-80 degrees. Cost was £230 inc vat.
Not the cheapest when looking at some of the above quotes. But it seems to me that cheap might not be the best. I suspect that the core removed from my rad was a cheap and thus poor quality variety. Like everything in life, you pays your money etc etc.
I asked about the feasibility of getting an Aluminium rad, but was advised that for normal road use a conventional type was more suitable as it can be easily be repaired if damaged by stone impact.
As I only use the car on the road, I opted for the re-core.
A new core was sourced from a UK manufacturer. The repair work was completed in 3-4 days. On collecting it I was told that the old core (which itself wasn't the original according to my records) had been of poor quality, possibly/probably made abroad with fewer "fins per inch" than the newly fitted UK manufactured core.
Have to say I was delighted with the result, as it looked like a new unit. Temperatures steady in traffic 90-95, open road 70-80 degrees. Cost was £230 inc vat.
Not the cheapest when looking at some of the above quotes. But it seems to me that cheap might not be the best. I suspect that the core removed from my rad was a cheap and thus poor quality variety. Like everything in life, you pays your money etc etc.
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