Modder_J

Need to replace my rad, but am not sure if to get a standard replacement (cheaper of course) or an alloy one?

I remember reading somewhere the alloy one is more for show and doesn't really offer any better cooling?

Marc LJX

iTrader: (2)

IMO they are worth it and do a better job than a standard one. I ran a pace one for about 6 years, that just gave up last month.
Replaced it with a Radtec one from Rapidford which is doing a great job!
I looked at Airtec as well but the core and build quality didnt impress much, but then Airtec was £100 cheaper.

s1rststeve

i run a pace rad and cant fault it, worth every penny,
has to be said not the cheapest on the market now though.

Modder_J

If it's worth every penny ... then it's worth every penny

Next question then is, Pace or Radtek ? And where from .... (ok maybe thats 2 questions)

rstubby

im runnin an airtec one and finding no problems with it at all but it has only been on the car about 3 months so wait and see.

Marc LJX

iTrader: (2)

I think Pace and Radtec are very similar quality materials and build.
I found my new Radtec one easy to fit with a GRS cooler, because it has a wider bracket on one end at the bottom, allowing you to drill the fixing hole to your requirements (To move the bottom of the rad further back, giving the cooler and fan more room).

I got mine (Radtec) from Rapidford at Santa Pod, so was a little cheaper than normal.
Woodford Garage sell Pace stuff...

scortgti

i have got a airtec rad,was already on the car when i bought it and to be fair i have had no probs with it at all.

SafeChav

Still not convinced about aftermarket rads myself, a standard rad is made of copper, which is proven to have the best thermal dissipating properties of all comparable metals.....................

I've not run an uprated rad myself but i also have no need to, standard one proves to be fine, and Christian runs a standard one in his car aswell if thats anything to be going by

T28 RST

Ive used a standard one since i got the car 5 and a bit years ago without any issues

PeterD

Ive got a pro alloy fella and i must say that without a doubt it has been pish!

Repaired twice and a brand spanking new one (new I/C too) fitted not so long ago (and still not seen any road action).

The only benifit i can see to an ally one would possibly be larger capacity but other than that its just another shiny bit.

Marc LJX

iTrader: (2)

Does anyone know how much a standard one costs? I would imagine that they are still available from Ford, is that right?

SafeChav

Not sure if they are available, but its about £80 for a re-core, or there were new ones on eBay once upon a time for about £100

Marc LJX

iTrader: (2)

I suppose its one of those things that when you fit one, you notice a big difference in performance mainly because the one you replaced was shagged
If you replaced a shagged standard one with a new standard one you would still notice a big difference

My new radtec one is noticably better than my 6 year old pace one, and they are both alloy

Modder_J

Rad has gone now ... doesn't hold much water for very long :@

It's my fault, should of got another sooner rather than waited this long.

Might get a RadTec one, which hopefully will fit with my 1st gen ProAlloy I/C (which might change to a GRS or 2nd gen ProAlloy cooler soon)

SafeChav

You better hope you haven't fried the head gasket aswell now..........

jayjay

cant get new ones from ford any more i had a standed one one mine when i got it and that was bust so i got a radtec alloy one didnt make any change only thing is with the alloy one is that if it leake you can get it wellded but if your standed one does you can only get it recored because the ends r plastic and no one can mend them

orion_rst

I've got a Pace one.

I used to have serious heat problems when I get stuck in traffic as in my country summer temperatures are as high as 35 degrees! Temperatures used to go up like mad, and if I switch the car off without cooling it down first, the rad water spits out from the overflow pipe. Also you'd be mad if you drive it hard with the temperature that high... might blow gasket easily!

With the Pace alloy rad max temp in traffic is between the middle line and the top until the fan kicks in and lowers it down to the middle. Cruising speed it reaches the bottom line! So it makes a difference having an alloy rad!

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Yes, but you're only comparing the Alloy rad to an old standard one.

Now compare the Alloy rad to a NEW standard one and you might be surprised at the results.

orion_rst

So a standard one would even be better?!

SafeChav

Which has better thermal properties...........

(copper)

Modder_J

I got a Radtec in the end

When moving the temp drops incredibly fast.

Looking to change the intercooler as I'm sure its not helping blocking the air to the rad

Fiecos Dan

Alloy items if Bar and plate will be better than a std copper tube and fin,

its also down to the design.

tomhs123

i use a pace alloy rad and have no problems but then i had no problems with the standard rad in me old rst!