RA23/28 radiator upgrade

[hypo23]

joel, ill have the radiator out during the week so will get some pics up later, mine bolts in at the bottom with two tabs similar to the top not too sure if they are the standard mounting points or not as the radiator was in when i origanally bought the car.

as for the remote header tank, i was origanally running it in the engine bay, with not too much success, as wasnt real happy with the amount of room it took up either, so i got rid of it got the guys at the radiator shop too braze me on a normal filler was only about $40 and just use an aftermarket overflow bottle.

[ra23celica]

I used a KA/KB Laser radiator in my 1G-GZE conversion mounted in front of the place where the original radiator bolts up, and still able to fit an A/C condensor and its fan behind the standard grille. Did re-arrange the the pipe and filler neck on that rad as well.

[stradlater]

I'd suggest getting the standard one triple cored, they work very well then.

[Pube]

Just digging up an old thread, I need up upgrade my radiator for the rona. They use the same radiator as a '23/28. I have already got the stocked re-cored to standard specs so it should be performing as efficient as it can but it still cant keep the temp down for the 1g. I have a 16" thermo in front (couldnt fit it behind) and even with it running constantly it struggles and its still winter! It sits on about 90deg cruising around town and 100-110 on track so its a problem. I cant go any wider as my cooler pipes run beside the radiator. Will I benefit from a triple core? Also what was the outcome from using the camira radiator? What are its dimensions?

[TheToyman75]

Pube,

What thermostat are you running ? Keep inmind the engine will only run as cool as the thermostat so it might pay to check that and possibly fit a slightly cooler temp range unit. ? From memory I think they should be an 82deg item from factory tho.

[JustCallMeOrlando]

There are 82 and 88 degree ones available. I dunno which one they come with though, mine came with a 65

Perhaps knock up a proper shroud around the thermofan and space it out slightly, make it as efficient as it can be?

[timbosaurus]

Just digging up an old thread, I need up upgrade my radiator for the rona. They use the same radiator as a '23/28. I have already got the stocked re-cored to standard specs so it should be performing as efficient as it can but it still cant keep the temp down for the 1g. I have a 16" thermo in front (couldnt fit it behind) and even with it running constantly it struggles and its still winter! It sits on about 90deg cruising around town and 100-110 on track so its a problem. I cant go any wider as my cooler pipes run beside the radiator. Will I benefit from a triple core? Also what was the outcome from using the camira radiator? What are its dimensions?

Pube, it's strange that it's hotter on the track. I thought there would be better airflow at the higher speeds and also the water pump running faster at higher revs.

I also would've thought a recoed 28 rad. would be fine for a 1G. There is no chance the the thermo fan is running in reverse and trying to pull air through forward is there?

Timbo

[Pube]

The thermo fan covers quite a large amount of the stock radiator. Its definately running the correct way. I can put a rag on the front of my intercooler and the thermo draws enough air to hold the rag there so its doing its job. I could check the thermostat as its only the stock unit and possibly change it to a lower deg unit. On the track when the revs are really up there it seems to suffer the most maybe more due to drifting at my level is at lower speeds. Around town though if you are only putting about I still fell as though its a bit high. Whats an acceptable temp though?

[TurboRA28]

For a track day, i'd say anything under 100 is acceptable. Lower to a degree is of course better. On Wakefield days after a few hard laps I find mine sits around 90, sometimes up to 95.

[thomasbl]

Does anyone have some more pics of the GA70 rad in a 23 or 28? i would be interested in seeing these as i will be doing it soon. Cheers.

[jcmunga]

hey, joel you mentioned the old holden radiators.

i will be using a LC/LJ torana radiator, the are alot thicker and are only about 10-15mm wider than the ra28 on over all but the torana radiator has a wider core as the celica has wider panel on the side to bolt to.

also there are radiators to suit tuff V8s in toranas in the standard LC?LJ torana size and will still fit the celica with out much trouble at all. no cutting involved

i fitted one to mine buy just drilling a few extra holes.

hope this helps
Jesse

[mrshin]

I'm tipping you've probably got an airflow issue somewhere if it struggles to keep things cool when cruising (e.g. freeway.) Have a good look at the front of your car, you need to have a clear path for airflow both in and out. As much as possible must come IN the front, and must all pass THROUGH the cooler, radiator, etc. and then be able to get OUT again. Are there any gaps that air could be going around the radiator? Is there too much air pressure under the car, preventing outward flow?

[TurboRA28]

Good point.. I found by putting some foam down the sides of the radiator and a nice piece of stainless across the top of it filling up all the gaps the temps dropped considerably!

[Robbos_Toyotas]

Hmm thats interesting, last time I measured it up it was like 100mm too wide? Will you be sitting it between the chassie rails, or up on top of them?

VN commodore Heavy duty alloy radiators are good, they are not very wide either compared to a lot of others.

[Robbos_Toyotas]

if you can fit, but unlikely i guess you could put what i have in my ma61 - a 4 CORE HQ radiator. Tis massif. Keeps my hot 302 under 85degrees no worries. only under severe load does it go over 85, even then only reaching 90-95