944 turbo radiator dilemma

[Dowling]

Hi all

Has anyone been able to use one of the cheaper Chinese aluminium radiators on eBay in a late 944 turbo?

I bought one, however despite saying it fits the car, it was too tall and the depth was very wide at the bottom. Needless to say it didn’t fit and I didn’t really like the idea of butchering the top or bottom bracket to accommodate it.

That said, I’ve also heard that some people have used them with no issue. Maybe there are different manufacturers? It would be great to know if anyone has done this and if so where they purchased the radiator from?

Having done a bit of research, it looks like the radiator from a turbo is the same as an S2. In fact many retailers are listing the same radiator for both cars. With that many cars, I’m hoping somebody has come across the same issue.

Thanks in advance

Pete

 

[scam75]

Hi Pete

I bought this one, don't think its Chinese but who knows?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134170506194

Look at my "Turbo Engine Rebuild" thread for details. However, in summary, it's about an inch shorter than my old stock unit so it was a bit of a faff. The fan cowling has had to be modified at the bottom to make it fit and also had to trim the fan blades a fraction on the driver side fan to stop it hitting an oil pipe that goes to the oil cooler. Also had to lengthen a water pipe by an inch to make it fit (cut it and inserted a brass pipe union). All said and done, it works great now it's installed, and you would be hard pushed to notice any of the stuff that needed doing to make it work.

It was just one more of the many things sent to try me during my engine rebuild!

Stuart

 

[Dowling]

Hi Stuart

Many thanks- really appreciate your thoughts on this.

I will have a read of your build thread, I have just started a similar journey so hopefully will pick up some tips.

Thanks again

Pete

 

[scam75]

Hi Stuart

Many thanks- really appreciate your thoughts on this.

I will have a read of your build thread, I have just started a similar journey so hopefully will pick up some tips.

Thanks again

Pete

No worries. Meant to add the width is fine, it was the height that was an inch short of the stock size.

Stuart

 

[graham.webb]

Probably is the same as the S2 rad (and 968). My recent problem turned out to be the radiator take off for the turbo coolant (where fitted) but on the S2 is closed off by a rubber bung and jubilee clip. German engineering, eh?

The bung perishes and leaks, but the part is NLA. Same on a friend's 968...he bought new old stock from the US and it leaked straight away. Fixed by the resourceful chaps at Northway, and I'm waiting for them to effect the same work around for mine.

 

[Waylander]

ASH
Auto Silicone Hoses do a blanking plug that fits, will last a while too

 

[graham.webb]

Thanks...that's what they fitted in the end. It's called a radiator blanking cap...of course if I'd bought a 944 Turbo back in 2006 I wouldn't have needed it!