Radiator relocation?

[billjr212]

I'm still in the planning stage, but I can't help but wonder if anyone has considered relocating the radiator. For example, I was looking at how Porsche does it for the Boxster - 2 small radiators in the space below the headlights, which opens up the front space for use as a decent size trunk.

2nd option would be to use the vents that are just behind the doors and do small radiators back there (I think Ferrari may do this sometimes?), but I think space is at even more of a premium there.

Thoughts? I know this would take quite a bit of fabrication for mounts/airflow, but if there is space out there at the corners, might be worthwhile for the road trippers in the group.

One of the things I really like about my roadster is that the trunk is a good size, making a weekend getaway or a trip to the track with tools and helmet in the trunk easy to pull off.

[billjr212]

Sorry, I did a terrible job on my initial search for something on this topic and just found some pictures/discussion of the large space above the transmission in the back. May make this idea pointless, but still a little curious if anyone else had looked at it as an option.

[Frank818]

On Erik "The Flash" Treves build you can see he does use the front sides spaces for his AWIC's rads. I don't know if it would be efficient enough for the engine.

The large space in the back may disappear in all or part if you use an AWIC.

[michael everson]

I am considering an alternative too. Problem is, most if not all cars have them in the front. And for good reason. That never stopped me from doing something stupid though.
Mike

[Xusia]

I'd pay money to be able to reclaim that space in front for cargo (that, and hinged, lockable hood). Just sayin... :)

[RM1SepEx]

there is a double radiator thread on the GTM forum that you need to check out. I may do something like that long term

[Frank818]

there is a double radiator thread on the GTM forum that you need to check out. I may do something like that long term

Probably this one http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?4985-Split-Front-Mounted-Radiators&highlight=radiator

In our case, to retain OEM size but in 2 pieces, that would be about 14"x9"x2.5". If there is such space in the front...

[Santiago]

Hmmm, hadn't give this one much thought, but it sounds interesting. Not sure split up front would be the best way though. I'd like to see someone do at least a mock up of a 14"x9"x2.5" cardboard box in the space behind the large side scoops. Looking at some pics, there seems to be that much space available (though I'm most worried about the 9" dimension), and it's closer to the engine so it may prove to be easier plumbing.

As an aside, I have to say one of the things I'm really digging about this community are the number of different thoughts folks have for modifying their builds. Really cool and very inspiring.

Good luck with the looking into the project - I think if you're successful you're going to have a bunch of the S-crowd very interested in the solution.

Best,
-j

[RM1SepEx]

That is indeed the thread...

[Frank818]

That is indeed the thread...

And I saw you posted there. :)

The guy actually did the exact same setup as Porsche does (though I am unsure he installed everything in parallel like Porsche).

As for me I need the openings behind the doors for other fresh air reasons (one for my oil cooler and one for my air filter, or one for both my air filter and oil cooler and the other one for my AWIC rad).

Obviously I am way too early to decide between the following options:

1- Big rad up front (I need one fan) with AWIC rad in front using the engine rad's fan to cool both rads, oil cooler behind one door's vent and air intake filter behind the other;
2- Twin rads up front a-la-Porsche (I need 2 fans), AWIC cooler behind the door's vent (I need a 3rd fan) and the other door's vent for my oil cooler+air intake filter.

[Scargo]

I'm interested in doing something foolish! Has anyone gone forward with a rear radiator(s) design? It's really hard to visualize the space available in the rear without a kit in my garage...:confused:

The plumbing solution to the front bothers me. It looks like there should be a vacuum cleaner somewhere in the car! Don't like that solution. Don't like it snaking around the outside. Don't know if I can "delete it" from my parts.
I would (for lack of a better solution), go down the middle with thin-wall SS tubing. According to some there is two inches vertical space available at the bottom of the center "tunnel".

[michael everson]

Not sure you would be able to get hem down the center without relocating the fuel tank.
have you seen these custom cooling tubes. really looks nice compared to the Vacuum cleaner look
Mike

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?12751-custom-cooling-tubes&highlight=cooling+tubes

[JeromeS13]

Glyn,

I don't think there will be enough airflow if you relocate the radiators anywhere other than up front...

[Frank818]

The car is not designed to have a rear rad. Besides, rear rads are quite rare (damn, that's a lot of "r's" in just a couple of words). As stated, airflow may well be a problem unless you redesign the car to make sure you get a lot of flow at the exact place you locate your rad.

[Scargo]

Hell, I thought "redesign" was a kit car's middle name! The tube solution from Michael is nicer (than the flex tubing), but needs fewer breaks in it.
I am building a racer, so I don't think my tank will be in the way if I want to try down the middle, ala Porsche Boxster.
Is there room for a radiator, on each side, in front of the rear wheels?

[Frank818]

Hell, I thought "redesign" was a kit car's middle name!

That is why I said "unless you redesign the car". :) Yes it's meant for that if you want to.

[StatGSR]

I would think you could use an aftermarket custom size rad at the center front and then just box it in so that air exits out the bottom of the car or at the back of the fenders. I would say this would have to be the simplest approach to maintaining proper cooling and improving storage space under the hood without having to hack up the body at all.

EDIT

Looking at the below you should easily be able to get a narrower, shorter, thicker radiator moved forward and tilted back instead of forward then direct all the air strait down to the ground fairly easy imo..

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/media/img/projectcars/DSC_3244.jpg

[Scargo]

29432
I am back to this concept of dual or split radiators in the rear. A radiator on each side? See that big hole? I see opening up the current small slit as very doable. With the R you have another very large opening on the passenger side for fresh air for the intake and AWIC unit. I think the oil cooler might exist there too or behind the cooler of the two radiators.
Regardless, I am looking at this as a viable option, where no cooling lines go to the front and all cooling happens in the rear.
I'm interested in your comments.

[Bill Waters]

Scargo - where would you have the air having just passed through the radiator exit?

[Scargo]

I intend to employ the Meredith Effect and the exhaust will actually aid in downforce. Top secret right now.
This means I am unsure. I'm still trying to get the STi finished and a lift installed. Haven't really started on the 818 yet.

[C.Plavan]

I think two little radiators would work in front of the wheels- I would also modify the aluminum cooling tubes that some of the guys are selling. The aluminum tubes will act as a radiator also from front to back.

[Scargo]

I think two little radiators would work in front of the wheels- I would also modify the aluminum cooling tubes that some of the guys are selling. The aluminum tubes will act as a radiator also from front to back.
I get the impression you are talking about in front of the FRONT wheels.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

29432
I am back to this concept of dual or split radiators in the rear. A radiator on each side? See that big hole? I see opening up the current small slit as very doable. With the R you have another very large opening on the passenger side for fresh air for the intake and AWIC unit. I think the oil cooler might exist there too or behind the cooler of the two radiators.
Regardless, I am looking at this as a viable option, where no cooling lines go to the front and all cooling happens in the rear.
I'm interested in your comments.

Scargo,
I'm planning on stacking a radiator and intercooler together and mounting it like sixstar's intercooler. It avoids the air lock that can occur in the front radiator.
see below
Bob.
29438

[Scargo]

I'm not saying I have this figured out. :o
I think sixstar's intercooler may suffer from low airflow. There's nothing to make air go through it. A radiator with pull fans might work, but anything back there needs to have air directed through it. I don't think a passive system will do the job for either. So, just like dumping radiator heat back into the engine compartment without ductwork is a no-no, I think ductwork is needed if you put anything all the way in the back. In my opinion, even a front-mounted radiator needs some panels to contain the air and make it go through the radiator.

I think if you use an AWIC and bring in fresh air from the inlet behind the passenger area for it and possibly the engine intake, then you can dedicate the sides for radiators. Each would have its own fan and they would be hooked up in parallel. I believe parallel is how Porsche does it.