52mm Radiator In R32 Gtst

[Rekin]

Hello all,

Thought I will create a thread detailing my radiator upgrade.

Decided to buy an ASI 52mm radiator for r32 gtst

As with all chinese radiators, the water temp sensor thread is the wrong size and hence it has to be enlarged in order to fit the factory sensor.

Once fitted, there is no space for the factory engine fan and shroud. (unless you heavily chop into both)

When fitted, there was only a clearance of 6.8cm between the radiator and the power steering pump pulley. Therefore only the slimmest thermofans on the market would be my only option.

I ended up purchasing Flex-a-lite 420 slimline thermofans (6.7cm thick)

Brackets also needed to be purchased to fit the thermofan onto the radiator.

The power steering lines also got in the way. Therefore they were modified so they ran to the side of the pump as shown below. You can see the U-bracket which used to guide the hoses.

Final results; There is 1-2mm clearance between the pulley and the plastic mesh surrounding the fan blades. The fan blades sit further in, so if there is any movement, it will not hit the blades.

Thanks to Revzone in Ringwood, Victoria for installing the lot! (customizing the power steering lines and mounting the thermofans onto the radiator)

Conclusion:

- Dont get 52mm radiator

- Whilst driving on the street, water temps sit on 78-80degrees with no thermofans running (weather temperatures ranging from 8degrees - 18 degrees)

Hopefully others will realise the challenges of fitting a 52mm radiator and have a good think about it before purchasing.

Thanks again to Revzone

- Patrick

[omega36]

Just for other curious members' info, I also have one of these fitted to my RB26. With the factory fan + fan shroud fitted to it, there is only a TINY gap between the fan and the harmonic balancer (not sure if my long nose crank / TuffBond harmonic balancer means more or less space). This also seems to amplify the noise of the fan quite a bit :S

[bubba]

Just for other curious members' info, I also have one of these fitted to my RB26. With the factory fan + fan shroud fitted to it, there is only a TINY gap between the fan and the harmonic balancer (not sure if my long nose crank / TuffBond harmonic balancer means more or less space). This also seems to amplify the noise of the fan quite a bit :S

The "long nose" crank is just a longer oil pump drive, it doesn't change where the harmonic balancer sits. The aftermarket balancer is probably bigger though.

[Hibino]

I bought a 52mm radiator when I was putting a 25neo into my R32. I just used the standard RB20 fan and shroud and it fits great.

[Sarumatix]

Hibino can you point me in the direction of that radiator. I want.

[Rekin]

more pics if anyone interested