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Post by ES_97Sport on Jul 3, 2012 18:46:21 GMT -5
I just wanted to get this information out there ...
I need a bigger radiator for my SAS'd '97 Sport. The stock radiator just isn't up to the task. After a week of searching, phone calls and emails I figured out that unless you need a stock radiator or you'll settle for a one off build no one manufactures bigger radiators for the Sport.
So ...
I'm currently working with Griffin Thermal Products on bigger core, aluminum radiator that will be ALMOST a drop in replacement for the '97-'04 3/3.5L Montero Sport with either the 5-speed or automatic trans. I say 'ALMOST' because I have no idea if going to a 2.75" or 3" core will work with the stock mechanical fan or stock shroud. I didn't bother sending the shroud because I presume anyone interested would be installing electric fans.
I sent them the automatic transmission radiator for a sample. My new radiator will mirror the stock radiator - radiator mounts, coolant drain, shroud mounts and inlet and outlet locations and angles - only without the automatic transmission cooler. I have a 5-speed manual so it's not needed in my application, but they'll have the details for the cooler and be able to add it if a customer needs it.
Since my radiator will essentially be stock with a thicker core - they'll have a factory template which they'll be able to modify however they please for the customer if necessary.
Mine is supposed to be done the end of July '12. I'll have a more definite time frame on Monday when I speak to Tom.
But, here in a month or two we'll finally be able to get a real aftermarket radiator.
Edward
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Post by dclambertt on Jul 5, 2012 16:21:47 GMT -5
Nice work Ed!
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Post by carlb on Jul 11, 2012 21:58:15 GMT -5
Great News. Can always use more cooling down South. Thanks for the effort.
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jul 18, 2012 18:39:14 GMT -5
Great News. Can always use more cooling down South. Thanks for the effort. No worries! I'm keeping my fingers crossed they're a reliable source. So far, their responsiveness could use a little work. Have to keep on them. This is what we ended up with, though.... 2 3/4" core x 3" tanks w/ dual 1.25" tubes. Everything in the factory location and angles. (no A/T cooler, since mine's M/T) I filled them in on EVERYTHING. Every nit and idiosyncrasy I could think of regarding my Sport, Montero Sports in general, the condenser and fan and the factory radiator set up, what electric fans, fan controler(s), the behavior of the 3.0 and 3.5L engines, timing, vehicle weights, operating temps, how and where they're wheeled, etc. The only thing that came up was the stock fan shroud mounts. I'm not quite sure what Patrick was talking about so I can't explain it. Something to do with the tanks and the thinness and not being able to put that kind of mount at that location. ?? If they have to move the mounts it won't be a problem for me - it will be really irritating, but not a problem - but the stock shroud won't fit. Anyway, according to the engineer (not Patrick - he's sales) this should be sufficient for my SAS'd Sport which means it's probably overkill for most over Sports. They want an extra $100 to do a CAD diagram. I haven't decided if I'll spring for that or not. May be easier to leave my sample with them so they have it. If this works out well I need another radiator for my 3-link project in a couple months anyway. Anyway, I'm supposed to call back in 10 days. So about the 1st of August. Edward |
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Post by carlb on Jul 20, 2012 7:26:36 GMT -5
ES, Let me know when that unit comes in. I'm doing a complete AC rehab and decided to replace the heater core as well. If I'm going to drain the radiator..... well, might as well replace that too.  |
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Post by ES_97Sport on Aug 3, 2012 15:43:44 GMT -5
ES, Let me know when that unit comes in. I'm doing a complete AC rehab and decided to replace the heater core as well. If I'm going to drain the radiator..... well, might as well replace that too. I spoke to Griffin yesterday. It's shipping on Monday, the 6th. I'll let you know when I get it in. They were delayed apparently. There were some pieces they had to do a batch of before they could finish. Yea, I'm at the same point. I'm replacing the condenser. If it's a full of red Moab dirt as my radiator was - it's time. Once that crud bakes to the fins it's virtually impossible to get out even with a steam pressure washer. I'll keep you posted. They're cutting it close. I'll only have a week an a half before we leave for UT.  Edward |
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Post by ES_97Sport on Aug 10, 2012 14:07:41 GMT -5
Woohoo! It showed up! The new radiator came in on Tuesday and it'll get installed tomorrow. So far I'm pleased. All the dimensions appear to be correct. All the mounts are in the correct places. Appears to be the correct height so the cap doesn't hit the hood. Doh!  The only variance from factory is the cap and the drain (mine is for a M/T, so no t-cooler) and, of course, the depth. Cap and drain are in the same location but use different parts. Looks good so far. I'll take pics and post 'em up when I get it in the morning. Edward www.4x4extremesports.com |
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Post by ES_97Sport on Aug 14, 2012 14:01:06 GMT -5
Ok. Had time Saturday to install the radiator. First thing - all the complaints on Pirate? They're not just whining. If you choose to have Griffin do a custom radiator, I strongly suggest reading all the posts on Pirate 4x4 and going in with your eyes open. Personally, I won't deal with them again. I lost count of how many times I was told "we'll call you back" only to never get a call back. I got this from both the owner, Tom and Patric the sales person. Then, they have the nerve to get snotty when you try to call them back and refuse to talk to you. I am NOT a high maintenance customer - I gave them two to three days after when they said they'd call me, each time they said "we'll call you back", before I started calling them. Their inability to follow their own directions extends to being unable to follow a customer's directions, too. I spent probably an hour of time total on the phone with Patric making sure they understood where everything needed to go. I sent pictures. I double checked that they were doing what they were supposed to. After spending five minutes on the last call making sure they absolutely knew where the mounts were supposed to be positioned - they did EXACTLY what I told them NOT to do. So, $850 + $130 to box and ship a stock radiator to them and I now have to track down and pay someone to grind the original mounts off and TIG new ones on. I'm sorry if this sounds like a rant, but if this was a $100 product I'd figure you get what you pay for. But when it starts hitting $1000 - I expect EXACTLY what I paid for, and I expect it to be correct the first time. Even though they weren't supposed to, they sent back the factory radiator with the new one. Which means that anyone doing a Sport radiator with them will need to send them a factory radiator. Patric said they wouldn't model the factory radiator unless I paid for it because they weren't going to bother for 10-15 radiators. Again, they were supposed to call me back so we could work this out - never heard from them. Next thing I know both radiators are at my post office pick up. So, I hate to say it but anyone dealing with this company is on their own. Everyone on Pirate that's had problems has gone with Ron Davis Racing Products - which is probably what I should have done - and they all seem to be happy. They'll be the next company I contact here in a couple weeks after we're back from Moab. www.rondavisradiators.com/custom.htmOff my soap box ... Physically, it fits. It's pretty close to the same size as the original radiator. The original shroud mounts are in the correct location, inlet and outlet are the right diameter and also in the correct location. The radiator cap is a weird one. Slightly larger than the Mitsu cap and about 1/3 smaller than a standard GM cap. So, I had no problem swapping fans off my factory radiator. Without changing the settings on my SPAL fan controller - the radiator seems to have helped quite a bit. The ECT rarely clips 216 degrees for less than a minute. Most of the time it's 203-214. Keep in mind that the OBD ECT readings are not in 1 degree increments. For instance, mine goes from 210 -> 214. It doesn't read in between. 203-207-210 and 214-216-219. Go figure. I figured out this morning that my second fan isn't turning on until between 214 and 216 and then its turning back off at 214. Given that, the radiator is working pretty well. Definitely got my cooling under control. SO, as soon as we're back I'll be on the phone with Ron Davis and get the second radiator started. Stay tuned....  Edward |
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Post by carlb on Aug 24, 2012 12:09:58 GMT -5
WOW! Can't thank you enough for steering us in the right direction. I hate when "professionals" do not live up to their own billing/bragging.
Keep us updated on Ron Davis Rads. Still looking for a solution here.
carl
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Post by ES_97Sport on Aug 30, 2012 17:43:58 GMT -5
WOW! Can't thank you enough for steering us in the right direction. I hate when "professionals" do not live up to their own billing/bragging. Keep us updated on Ron Davis Rads. Still looking for a solution here. carl Yea, seriously disappointed in their service. Too bad because their radiator does actually work AFAIKT. We just got back from Moab yesterday. Temps in the mid to high 90s and low 100s. Off road with both Contour fans running and the air on it'd mostly hang about 212 +/- two to four degrees. I did figure out that it would help to either hook up the full on when the AC is on or install a 3-pos switch to be able to switch full on when I want. My plan is to go with the latter because I'd like a full on option but I don't usually use the AC. Otherwise, it's kinda hard to tell. The 3.0L ECM just doesn't play well with the 3.5L. Had to stop twice on Vail pass and once on Loveland because it was starting to heat up. Sigh. Edward |
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The only variance from factory is the cap and the drain (mine is for a M/T, so no t-cooler) and, of course, the depth. Cap and drain are in the same location but use different parts. Looks good so far. I'll take pics and post 'em up when I get it in the morning.