Crossflow radiator inlet relocation

[stugilmour]

I have a crossflow aluminum radiator similar to this one shown in Ray’s RD Enterprises site

Elan 26R Alloy Radiator
This is a faithful replica of the lightweight 26R radiator and can be fitted to any Elan or Elan Plus 2. Three row crossflow design requires swirl tank (no cap on radiator itself). Dimensions 22" wide x 12" tall x 2" thick, weight 6.5 lbs.

Ref. 26R-K-0002 Alloy Radiator $995.00

Picture and description from RD Enterprises

28DBC2C6-06D9-4139-99F9-1E912B28CEB5.jpeg (34.25 KiB) Viewed 1272 times

Unfortunately the location of the top left inlet nipple and hose will foul the front brake booster in my Federal Plus 2. This picture shows how tight things are now. The inlet nipple presently on the crossflow radiator is aimed directly at the front booster.

Shows the two Federal brake boosters and the current narrow radiator. The stock radiator has been recored to a three row and the Otter switch and cap blanked off, but otherwise the nipple location is original.

Would it be possible / advisable to have the inlet nipple relocated inboard approximately 5” so it is positioned similar to the narrow style downflow radiator I have in the car now? When I had the crossflow radiator trial fitted it looked like there may be sufficient clearance to get something welded to the top of the left side tank. I am thinking of turning the nipple attachment 90 degrees and then attaching additional tubing to reposition the nipple.

Any ideas appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[lotusfan]

Hi Stu

I do not fully understand what you mean by 'have the inlet nipple relocated inboard approximately 5” ' unless you mean turn it anticlockwise 90 deg and extend it by 5 inches?

Certainly if there is head room turn the nipple 90 deg, you don't necessarily need to entend it 5 inches, that could be done with sections of hose.

The most important thing is to have the modification carried out by someone who is familiar with aluminium welding.

It could be a difficult modification because I suspect that the nipple is welded to the header tank first and then the header tank is welded to the radiator core.

[mbell]

Probably not a helpful comment but it would be a lot easier just to fit the standard wide radiator that has the inlet/outlet in the right position. With a electric fan or two it has more than enough cooling capacity.

Selling or returning that one would likely cover the costs...

[HCA]

The most important thing is to have the modification carried out by someone who is familiar with aluminium welding.

It could be a difficult modification because I suspect that the nipple is welded to the header tank first and then the header tank is welded to the radiator core.

I good pro welder will do small runs and smear the area with a heatsink gunge to protect the core.

(I would hope )

[h20hamelan]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/152602373122

$200 must be about the same price as a $100/hr welder, but maybe not.

If you are relocating the inlet 5 inch inward, it might work?

[mbell]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/152602373122

$200 must be about the same price as a $100/hr welder, but maybe not.

That will also need modifying to rotate the inlet/outlet angles as that is configure for a spitfire not elan/+2. Likely not expensive but extra cost/work to factor in.

[h20hamelan]

Yes, turning an existing tube, vs relocating. And hoping the new location is acceptable after drilling hole.

[HCA]

For heavens sake. The OP says he HAS a radiator he wants to modify.
Why would he want another one that is totally diffent to what he has?

[Donels]

I would just get the neck rotated by 90 deg and connect with a suitable 90 deg hose. Moving the neck could affect flow across the rad and would be more difficult. Turning through 90 and extending by 5 inches in aluminium would put a larger bending load on the neck with potential for cracking.

[Elanman99]

I'm curious why you would want to fit a 26R radiator in a Plus2?

If you have to modify the rad 'similar' to the RD picture (which we cannot see) or have to extend the pipework then its always going to look like a dogs breakfast.

Also I think you will need to fit a header tank adding to the untidiness.

What is wrong with your existing radiator and setup that you feel different radiator will cure?

Ian

[h20hamelan]

OP suggests “similar to”, and I sort of doubt that is the only adjustment required. ALSO, adding a different inlet is likely major surgery, I merely suggested a different way to look at the problem.

[stugilmour]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will follow up and see what my radiator guy suggests. Maybe selling this one on to someone without the brake booster issue ends up making the most sense. Sounds like a modification is not completely ridiculous, but might not be the best option.

[snowyelan]

I had an aluminium spitfire rad top inlet cut and welded back on rotated 180 degrees to suit my elan. It was $20 cash, but I had to wait a couple weeks till there was a batch of ali welding to be done at the shop.