New copper radiator versus original radiator with new harness.

[BAHADORI]

Hi everybody,

I mounted an adaptable aluminum radiator 8 years ago on my S1 4.2 cabriolet, and it has always leaked slightly. I had it repaired and it still leaks a little. In the end, I don't want to hear about aluminum radiators anymore. Indeed, they are difficult to repair and often of poor quality, so I want to fit a copper radiator on my car.

For this I have 2 options:
1 - Buy a new copper radiator. Bastuck offers some at 800 Euros, but it is a reproduction (with the original shapes) and not an old stock.
2- Ask to change the complete harness with an new one on my original radiator. The cost is about the same (600 Euros).

I was initially motivated to take a new radiator, which allows to have the left and right water boxes new. But I also hear that:
* Rebuilds use poor quality of copper harness.
* the left and right water boxes are very thin and sometimes also of poor quality.
* a remanufacture can sometimes fit less well than an original radiator.
* The welds made by a local craftsman (in France) can be of better quality.
* an original radiator with a completely replaced harness, will give a finished product of better quality than a new reproduction radiator.

Anyway, I have some difficulties to choose an option. And I'm asking for your opinion and your feedback please.

Thanks in advance.

Best Regards.

Jacques

[gtjoey]

Your at the mercy of the reproduction world.
Call SNG , Moss or one of the best rebuilders in France, they will tell you which is best .
If your going stock.
I have had great reliabilty with the Ron Davis unit but its aluminium and cost DOUBLE.
Its a work or art, but IT COST DOUBLE.
Feel your pain my friend, but as Imight have mentioned, IMHO repro anything Jaguar is pretty poor quality.
IMHO.
Good Luck'
GTJOEY1314

[Heuer]

A properly built alloy radiator will last for years (mine was installed in 1999 and has never leaked). Try here:
https://cambridgemotorsport.com/alumini ... inish.html
It can be had with an integrated fan if you so wish.

Pair it with one of these: https://cambridgemotorsport.com/alumini ... -tank.html

[MarekH]

I have had great reliabilty with the Ron Davis unit but its aluminium and cost DOUBLE.

Tell us about the reliability in 45 years time, because that's how long the old one lasted. So far you are at least 40 years ahead of yourself and hugely out of pocket for your troubles. Spending double and being proud of it is nothing to crow about.

Look forward to your response in the year 2067.

kind regards
Marek

[gtjoey]

Marek Im with you….
Original if taken care is the best or even restored.
It’s the repro which is not to par.
My first radiator series 2 . I had a ww2 rad guy recore and boil out it’s still going!
But he died 20 years ago, We have no rad repair places for years around me with the epa and all.
I’ve had great success with Ron Davis quality but it doesn’t look original.
Gtjoey1314