radiator offset; painting radiator; fan upgrade

[Grubester]

Ref. Mk4 289-style; BP 347; have Breeze radiator options: upper & lower mounts + shroud for FFR fan.

Using FFR radiator (from "complete kit), the manual says mount it with 5/8" offset towards driver's side.... Why the offset? Is that what most are doing?

The radiator is bare aluminum, of course, but I'm inclined to protect it, probably black or dark grey. I've read that black paint doesn't really improve heat emission and if it's a thick coat it can impede heat rejection.
Is ceramic coating a good way to go? Controlled paint thickness... protect against corrosion... Ideas?

Further, I'm using the FFR-provided fan, but also there is an upgrade that folks have talked about. Can I modify my FFR shroud to accept it if I were to switch? (is it reasonable possible or just not worth it?)

Comments welcome. Even ones that begin with: "Grasshopper..."

[JJK]

I used Eastwood satin black radiator paint, took a few cans to completely cover the aluminum, but it works fine. I have the same BP347 with Breeze shroud and mounting hardware and the FFR fan cools things just fine, even here in Texas. If I had a higher hp engine, then a higher cfm fan may be warranted, but not in my case. Some complain about the noise of the FFR fan, but I rarely hear it and it does not bother me. I believe others have used the Breeze shroud with other fans, but not positive.

[cv2065]

Not sure I see a need to paint the radiator. The Breeze shroud is nice and you can PC that. Same for a radiator fin protector. I opted for the higher capacity fan. Pushes more air and is much quieter than the kit fan. .

[michael everson]

There is no need to offset the radiator. That is a throwback to when people used donor radiators. It needs to be offset to clear the radiator cap on the driver side top.
Mike

[rich grsc]

Black is the color of choice for a radiator.

[Mike.Bray]

The fan that came with my kit sounded like a J79 jet engine at takeoff and didn't move enough air to blow out a candle. Maybe they're better now, IDK. I installed the Breeze shroud with a Flex-A-Lite fan. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-105390

[cv2065]

Black is the color of choice for a radiator.

Agree when purchasing that way and its powder coated but painting it in the garage doesn't always lead to a great result over time.

[rich grsc]

Radiators shouldn't be powder coated. Powder coating is a plasticized coating which would not transfer heat well. Never had an issue paining radiators in over 60 yrs.

[JJK]

I concur with rich, would not recommend powder coating a radiator.

[cv2065]

Radiators shouldn't be powder coated. Powder coating is a plasticized coating which would not transfer heat well. Never had an issue paining radiators in over 60 yrs.

Powders are not plasticized. It's a polymer resin that is cured into a plastic film but contains no plasticizers. PPG, Cardinal and tiger all make high temp powder coatings that will withstand up to 900 degrees. You just have to get the right kind. Used in aerospace and manufacturing all the time. You can also use them as high heat primers for other topcoats as well.

[rich grsc]

So it become a plastic film, which is better at blocking heat than dispersing it. Why else use it to reduce 'snake bites'?
this is what I found on a quick search: "AI Overview


Powder coat generally acts as a
heat barrier (insulator) rather than a dispersant, although specialized formulas exist for heat management. Standard powder coatings typically withstand https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==200∘F
200∘F
–https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==400∘F
400∘F
, with specialized high-temperature coatings (often silicone-based) capable of enduring https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==600∘F
600∘F
to over https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==1,000∘F
1,000∘F
for applications like exhaust systems. "

[cv2065]

So it become a plastic film, which is better at blocking heat than dispersing it. Why else use it to reduce 'snake bites'?
this is what I found on a quick search: "AI Overview


Powder coat generally acts as a
heat barrier (insulator) rather than a dispersant, although specialized formulas exist for heat management. Standard powder coatings typically withstand https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==200∘F
200∘F
–https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==400∘F
400∘F
, with specialized high-temperature coatings (often silicone-based) capable of enduring https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==600∘F
600∘F
to over https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==1,000∘F
1,000∘F
for applications like exhaust systems. "






















Yep, that's true. One would just have to be sure they prep right when painting. Having that flake and peel after installation would be a bit of a mess, and even more so if it had to be redone.