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Thread: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

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    Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Hi all,

    After a bit of advice if possible! Im nearing the end of the st170 conversion on my mk1 escort. Im currently sourcing a radiator but most that are the right size it seems ill
    need to modify the front panel to RS spec, as my car is not a non RS model.

    I cant seem to find any guides online detailing where and how much modification is required, would anyone have any help or advice they can offer?

    Kind Regards

    Joe

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Quote Originally Posted by scortedvan View Post
    Hi all,

    After a bit of advice if possible! Im nearing the end of the st170 conversion on my mk1 escort. Im currently sourcing a radiator but most that are the right size it seems ill
    need to modify the front panel to RS spec, as my car is not a non RS model.

    I cant seem to find any guides online detailing where and how much modification is required, would anyone have any help or advice they can offer?

    Kind Regards

    Joe
    You have a couple of choices here.

    You can either buy something like this.

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Escort-MK...e/264422398110

    Or fabricate something of your own similar, this sets back into the lower radiator crossmember and you can also cut the slam panel back to set the rad further towards the front of the car.

    But personally I'd wait until you've got the new rad an see how it fits. You might just be able to get away with cutting the slam panel back this would mount the rad further towards the front of the car but only at the top of the rad and mount the rad on rubber mini cotton reel mounts.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Thanks for the reply! I agree then, it seems best to wait till i know what im dealing with a little more. I really don’t want to cut the slam panel as the engine bay as been smoothed and painted already, i was hoping any cuts would need to be made to the lower part of the panel where its less visible! In hindsight this work should have been done earlier in the project but unfortunately i wasn't aware.

    Kind Regards

    Joe

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Why bother? Just use a regular Escort radiator that fits what you have - there isn't a massive size difference but if you wanted extra cooling then a thicker core could be used. A Zetec is designed to run hotter so a smaller rad shouldn't be an issue if the water flow is correct!

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Hi Katana,

    Do you have a recommendation regarding which radiator would be most suitable for a non rs vehicle running a zetec? Unfortunately the one i removed seems to have gone missing (sent for repair 3months ago, guy no longer answers his phone to me???) so i wont be able to use that. And in fairness that had a 90 inlet, whereas i would want a straight inlet ideally.

    Kind Regards

    Joe

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    Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    I bought a new alloy "RS" rad for my zetec mk1off e-bay for £110. Relocated the bottom outlet to the pas side and it works great. 2 years, 6000+ miles and no problems....👍👍

    Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    So I have found this :

    Click image for larger version Name:	Capture.PNG Views:	134 Size:	92.0 KB ID:	85812

    It has measurements of:

    Core sizes are:
    273mm tall x 418mm wide x 70mm deep


    The maximum radiator sizes are:
    425mm tall including drain bung and filler cap of 40mm
    495mm wide including side brackets
    85mm deep on side brackets and tanks

    And its available with 42mm, 55mm or a 70mm core. It also seems the orientation of the mounting brackets would push it closer to the engine bay, which should mean the slam panel and lower panel wouldn't need playing with?

    My only concern with this would be clearance between the lower hose and the crank pulley, as with the rad being closer to the engine this may cause an issue. Perhaps meaning the 42mm core would be best? Does anyone have any thoughts on those sizes, and the likelihood of it fitting without bother (very difficult to answer this though I appreciate!).

    Kind Regards

    Joe

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Depends how much you can afford - I used a Retroford one in my RS2000 which needed modification although now the brackets are universal to fit either std escorts or RS models. The advantage is the inlet and outlets are both on the nearside of the rad so simplifying the piping.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Yeah i saw the RF ones but at over £440 delivered it just seems like an awful lot. I did speak to Chris there earlier and he explained it would be a straight forward fitment, but im sure there must be other rads that will fit the same for a more realistic price- i guess its just a case of finding one.

    Kind Regards

    Joe

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Quote Originally Posted by scortedvan View Post
    So I have found this :

    Attachment 85812

    It has measurements of:

    Core sizes are:
    273mm tall x 418mm wide x 70mm deep


    The maximum radiator sizes are:
    425mm tall including drain bung and filler cap of 40mm
    495mm wide including side brackets
    85mm deep on side brackets and tanks

    And its available with 42mm, 55mm or a 70mm core. It also seems the orientation of the mounting brackets would push it closer to the engine bay, which should mean the slam panel and lower panel wouldn't need playing with?

    My only concern with this would be clearance between the lower hose and the crank pulley, as with the rad being closer to the engine this may cause an issue. Perhaps meaning the 42mm core would be best? Does anyone have any thoughts on those sizes, and the likelihood of it fitting without bother (very difficult to answer this though I appreciate!).

    Kind Regards

    Joe

    These Rads that you found (Coolexperts) will make them to your own spec with regard to straight or 90 degree pipes, left or right top or bottom plus coolant sender bosses and fan mounting brackets, even making the side mounts bolt on so you could turn the mounts round if you wanted to. And all UK made and probably still staying just under £200.00.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Quote Originally Posted by scortedvan View Post
    So I have found this :

    Attachment 85812

    It has measurements of:

    Core sizes are:
    273mm tall x 418mm wide x 70mm deep


    The maximum radiator sizes are:
    425mm tall including drain bung and filler cap of 40mm
    495mm wide including side brackets
    85mm deep on side brackets and tanks

    And its available with 42mm, 55mm or a 70mm core. It also seems the orientation of the mounting brackets would push it closer to the engine bay, which should mean the slam panel and lower panel wouldn't need playing with?

    My only concern with this would be clearance between the lower hose and the crank pulley, as with the rad being closer to the engine this may cause an issue. Perhaps meaning the 42mm core would be best? Does anyone have any thoughts on those sizes, and the likelihood of it fitting without bother (very difficult to answer this though I appreciate!).

    Kind Regards

    Joe
    The above radiator does seen to have a rather thick core so clearance against the front of your engine may be a problem, serious measurments need to be taken before having a bespoke one made ortherwise you're in trouble. The reason the rad was moved forward towards the front panel on a Pinto engined Escort was because of it's was slightly longer dimensions, I am not sure what the Zetec engine length is.

    30 years ago most major Towns had at least one radiator specialist that would have made you what you wanted, sadly most have gone, once again the cheap imports seem to have killed them off.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Thanks for everyones input, really helpful. You are correct @rallyrob , the advert was that of coolexperts. They seem like a decent outfit, and very well priced imo. I didnt realise they were so open to customization though, that is really good.
    @Forest_rallying - yes there is a great place near me that Ive used for years that would have happily recored mine, but he was closed during lockdown. In my haste i used someone else, and its cost me the original radiator unfortunately. Also in terms of space at the front of the engine, im pretty sure theres more than when the pinto was in!

    So my plan now is - i have the measurements for the RF rad, which are the same as the ones supplied by coolexperts. So ill get one made by them, with bolt on brackets so i can fine tune the ultimate positon. This comes to a little over £200 including a mounted fan. Happy days!

    Thanks again everyone

    Kind Regards

    Joe
    Last edited by scortedvan; 25-07-2020 at 08:47.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Quote Originally Posted by scortedvan View Post
    Thanks for everyones input, really helpful. You are correct @rallyrob , the advert was that of coolexperts. They seem like a decent outfit, and very well priced imo. I didnt realise they were so open to customization though, that is really good.

    Yes I contacted them last year about a Radiator for my car. They said they can make it to whatever spec I needed with regard to mounts (I specifically asked if they could make the mounts bolt on so I could turn them round) They said yes they could weld nuts on the sides to make them reversible, inlets/outlets, sender bosses and fan fittings aswell.


    http://www.coolexperts.co.uk/product...nium-radiator/

    http://www.coolexperts.co.uk/product...ty-radiator-2/

    Another couple of page links there mentioning different sizes (Mk1/Mk2 Escort/Mk3 Cortina)

    Shows a bit more detail what other specs they'll happily change. They'll pretty much make whatever you want.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Quote Originally Posted by scortedvan View Post
    Thanks for everyones input, really helpful. You are correct @rallyrob , the advert was that of coolexperts. They seem like a decent outfit, and very well priced imo. I didnt realise they were so open to customization though, that is really good.
    @Forest_rallying - yes there is a great place near me that Ive used for years that would have happily recored mine, but he was closed during lockdown. In my haste i used someone else, and its cost me the original radiator unfortunately. Also in terms of space at the front of the engine, im pretty sure theres more than when the pinto was in!

    So my plan now is - i have the measurements for the RF rad, which are the same as the ones supplied by coolexperts. So ill get one made by them, with bolt on brackets so i can fine tune the ultimate positon. This comes to a little over £200 including a mounted fan. Happy days!

    Thanks again everyone

    Kind Regards

    Joe
    What a fantastic price for a British built product. I would make sure you use the fan they supply otherwise an aftermarket one might have different mountings to theirs.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Yeah i completely agree, Im more than happy with the price for a brand new custom made radiator. And the price includes the rad so it would be silly not to - i have a kenlowe which i can now sell making to drag some cash back in. I’ll be sure to update the thread when i have it, with regards to quality and service, although so far theyve been great over the phone to get the spec right and the price.

    Kind Regards

    Joe

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    I'll have to agree with you - if product matches the customer service and cost, you'd be silly not to go that route! I only used the RF one as it was part of an install package . . . . . didn't realise they were THAT expensive (although most of the RF stuff tends to be!). Certainly one to bear in mind for future (if required).

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    I have just bought and fitted a 3 row radiator from Coolexpert and it is absolutely fantastic quality and was only £139 delivered!!
    even has a drain plug in bottom, cannot fault it!
    Colin

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Quote Originally Posted by katana View Post
    although most of the RF stuff tends to be!
    Some of their stuff does seem to be very steep on price like cross members and steering arms etc. Compared to some other suppliers. I will be using them for selected bits for my duratec install.

    The coolexpert rads do seem very good value, to the point i may get one rather than mod my existing rad.
    Last edited by wildo105e; 26-07-2020 at 18:01.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    In all fairness the retroford stuff is brilliant. And for some parts the cost is perfectly justified, as you know it will all fit perfectly. The engine mounts, the cast sump kit - they’re superb. And its the same for the rads, you know if you buy the rad, and the hoses, you will have no hassle slotting it all together. Also inthe interest of fairness they do sell a copper rad for £108+vat but its not quite as pretty and wont fit a non rs car without cutting things around.

    In my project, all the parts to get the engine sitting in the car are RF, and everywhere else Ive researched and saved a few quid, Safe in the knowledge that if i cant, i can just get what i need from RF.


    Ive now ordered the rad from cooExperts - ive gone for a 55mm core, and the measurements are identical to the RF one. Ive had the inlet and outlet on the passenger side and adjustable brackets to trim the fitment. It comes with a 10” cutlass fan mounted and Ive had a polished finish. Total - £190.80 delivered to me by the weekend! Pics to follow.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Well as promised, the rad turned up this morning! So 3 days in total which is really good. Al in allim very pleased, its a lovey looking thing, and it fits very well. A couple of the welds i guess could be better, but you cant see them and it will make no difference to the operation of it. The fan is really nicely fitted aswell, and makes the whole thing nice and compact. So completely worth the spend in my opinion!

    Click image for larger version Name:	8E5B4F40-1C60-4100-AE86-A22E57C36B80.jpeg Views:	79 Size:	27.6 KB ID:	85843

    Click image for larger version Name:	B57EDF61-1EA5-4C40-996E-E968150B16B3.jpeg Views:	76 Size:	26.9 KB ID:	85844

    Click image for larger version Name:	DCEB3615-4691-49A0-9B7F-292C46A9B451.jpeg Views:	79 Size:	26.3 KB ID:	85845

    Click image for larger version Name:	93E3BD4F-12A4-4377-B55C-5DAE90011F89.jpeg Views:	79 Size:	26.2 KB ID:	85846

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Excellent, glad you're please with it.

    Any chance of a pic of it Fan side before you plumb it all up please?

    And am I correct in thinking you didn't have a fan switch boss fitted? (Can't see one in the photo's)
    Last edited by rallyrob; 31-07-2020 at 12:56.

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    Thanks! Ive just been playing with the fit and it really is neat - I think its worked out really well!

    You are correct, i didnt bother with the fan switch boss as I have one in my water rail (retroford) already. They do list it as an additional for around £15 though if you wish to have one. As someone mentioned above they all come with a drain bung which is a handy touch.

    Heres a couple of pictures showing the fan side:

    Click image for larger version Name:	CB5371C3-CDB8-4478-8BFB-2E9509079F42.jpeg Views:	74 Size:	145.2 KB ID:	85847

    Click image for larger version Name:	C3E9A6FA-167E-4431-85A9-9F106289B456.jpeg Views:	74 Size:	131.3 KB ID:	85848

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    Re: Fit RS Radiator to non RS mk1 Escort

    That’s a good deal and does what it’s supposed to at more than half the price of the Retroford version

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