GTV radiator options

[festy]

I'm looking for a reasonably priced radiator upgrade for a '77 GTV, and hoping to find something off the shelf. There's a million cheap aluminium radiators for sale on ebay, but the GTV's shallow nose makes it difficult to find something that will fit in the available space 

Has anyone fitted a radiator from another car to an early GTV? I'm not afraid to modify sheetmetal to make something fit (within reason), and I'm already running a custom top radiator hose so outlet locations aren't a big concern.

The closest fit that I've found so far is a Mk2 Golf, it's dimensions are 524x310 which is smaller than the standard 580x340 and would require a pressurized overflow bottle, but good points are that they're cheap and common ($170), they have correct sized outlets (32mm) - both on the right hand side.

Has anyone found a better option? Ideally I'd like to find something that is a little larger than the Golf radiator, and with an integral radiator cap but I'd also like to avoid paying $$$$$ for either the 'custom' or 'alfa' tax...
Then again, at the moment I need to put the front up on ramps to bleed the cooling system because the Bosch spider inlet manifold I'm using has a stupid thermostat arrangement, so a pressurized expansion bottle located high on the guard could help there.

[Alfapride]

So what are you trying to achieve? Is the car not running cool enough? If it's running hot there could be other problems at large.The original should be ample? A lot of radiator places can put a new core and keep original tanks the original Gtv radiators were pretty good. I had overheating issues last year and initially was on a similar path here is what I did to solve my issue
New radiator core using same tanks
Ran a coolant flush
Replaced original fans with new ones draw less current and push my air I used two 9 inch fans run in series
Removed original air con system
Reset ignition timing to original spec
Make sure fans are sucking in and not out
Car operates at perfect temperature now even in 40 degree day in traffic
Hope that helped!

[festy]

So what are you trying to achieve?

I need to repair/replace my radiator. I am hoping to find a cost effective replacement with a higher cooling capacity than the original one.

Is the car not running cool enough? If it's running hot there could be other problems at large.The original should be ample?

No, it's not running cool enough, and the problem is the radiator. With the coolant at 100* the bottom 1/4 of the radiator is cold - but even if the radiator wasn't blocked, I'm not sure the original is sufficient.
This engine is fuel injected and turbocharged, and the radiator's air flow is partially obstructed by an intercooler and oil cooler which is why I'm looking at upgrade options.

[Cool Jesus]

Turbo injected in a '77 GTV??? What donk is in 'ere then?

[festy]

Still a 2L nord, but with a bunch of bespoke bits and pieces.

[GTVeloce]

Not what you are after, but an idea I have been contemplating is a custom combined radiator. The top part is intercooler, the bottom is oil cooler and the rest engine coolant. Also allows me to keep the condenser and hence A/C. I'm not expecting it to be cheap however. Hopefully it will be more successful than my recent attempts at improving the bushing on the bottom of the gear lever...

Maybe good cheap solution is a GTV6 radiator and the dual 11in SPAL radiators with shroud that has been done by a few in the states.
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/alfetta-gtv6-1972-1986/192183-radiator-fan-upgrade-spal-fan-modification.html

[carlo rossi]

take the thermostat out and test it in a pot of boiling water
that symtom is a thermostat
$10 check

[festy]

Maybe good cheap solution is a GTV6 radiator and the dual 11in SPAL radiators with shroud that has been done by a few in the states.
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/alfetta-gtv6-1972-1986/192183-radiator-fan-upgrade-spal-fan-modification.html

I wouldn't call a new GTV6 radiator "cheap" - and I don't think they fit in pre '82 cars without a fair bit of cutting?
Fans aren't an issue, I haven't decided exactly which thermos I'll be fitting but I'll work that out once I settle on a radiator and know how much depth I have to play with.
Spals are great for squeezing into tight spaces, but there are various OEM units that may suit my budget better if space allows

take the thermostat out and test it in a pot of boiling water
that symtom is a thermostat

The top 3/4 of the radiator being the same temperature as the coolant while the bottom 1/4 of the radiator stays cold is a symptom of a bad thermostat? 

$10 check

These thermostats are closer to $150 actually (and I'm sure it's not the thermostat anyway), but I'm working on a new housing to fit a generic tstat for when I *do* need one down the track...

[carlo rossi]

I was probably making it overly simple,  but i was refering to the gasket.
cost to check the thermostat $10
it might be only partially opening throw it in a pot to check
irrespective of how good the radiator the thermostat  will kill its performance
this is a new thermostat for $30
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ST15-180-GATES-Thermostat-ALFA-ALFETTA-1-8L-2-0L-4-Cyl-1974-86-/261353357313?hash=item3cd9dfc001

[rowan_bris]

I know all about spending lots of money on radiators.  I just had one built for a GTV6 with a custom shroud and 2 huge high end Spal fans - $3,000!

[105gta]

Have a look at vl commodore. Similar size and has the cap on the radiator

[hmd]

Get your radiator to a decent radiator shop, get it re-core and add an extra core, job done.

Cost between $300-$400.

This is what most of the group S guys have, since they can't have aluminium radiators.

[MD]

Hi festy,

Got a couple of tips for you. They are general in nature as I no longer have the original information.
If you want to install a new core, I think some of the ones from a SAAB will work. Just remember not to exceed 12 fins per inch. This is important to maximise flow and heat scrubbing.

If you shop around the wreckers for a substitute, a Honda unit will do as in this photo of the one in my race car. Really sorry but I don't remember the model. Only thing is that you need to move the bottom hose connection as indicated. It has a couple of good things going for it. The tanks are removable for repairs, it has a drain plug and a built in thermo fan switch.