[stugilmour]

Well, seems I need a replacement radiator. I thought this issue was behind me when I bought the car, but apparently the approximately two year old aluminium replacement has failed.

My local shop is planning to order up a replacement from the same supplier and install it. I don't have the original OEM unit, so the re-core option mentioned in the recent radiator thread is not available. I have not looked at the failed radiator yet, but the shop has had their rad specialist look it over in place, and it is not considered repairable.

So, a few questions. Where should I source a replacement radiator? Should I go aluminium again? I will see about going by the shop today to see if they can show me how the darned thing failed (not sure if I hit something or what), why it can't be repaired, and who their present supplier is. Less worried about the replacement cost than getting the most reliable option as don't want to do the job again.

Thanks in advance.

Stu

 

[firefighter1c57]

NOTE: This will take some modifying to work properly. Namely, relocating mounts, and welding the filler neck.

I'm probably going to go with this. http://www.ffdynamics.com/jeepradextb1.html

The Cherokee radiator is supposedly a direct match, dimensions wise for the Esprit. I'll know soon enough, I've got an extra XJ copper radiator setting in the garage, and I should have the front stack dropped this weekend. I'll compare/measure, and verify that an XJ radiator works, and see what needs to be modified for sure.

This may not work for your V8... IDK. I know there are a lot of options though for Jeep XJ radiators, and they sure are a lot cheaper than Lotus radiators.

 

[mhalsey11]

Sorry to hear about your radiator. I recently upgraded from the stock radiator to the aluminum unit designed by Wayne Ellison and built by C&R Racing. It is true that aluminum radiators are less forgiving to twisting or bending, so it is critical that it is mounted in a way that prevents this. I haven't had this radiator long enough to talk about reliability, but others on the forum speak very highly about it.

The radiator is discussed here: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/aluminum-radiators-v8-99625/ and here: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f164/wayne-ellison-design-c-r-racing-esprit-radiator-161858/

If you are interested, I have one for sale.

 

[dollyg]

PM

Hi Matt, I sent you a PM a few days ago, did you get it ok?