automitive radiator

[Krusty]

Ok, I'm just about ready now to start my first venture into water cooling and want to keep it cheap. I spent 15 bucks on a 500gpm bilge pump and a few bucks on some 1/2" vinyl tubining. Next thing I need is a radiator and want to see what I can get over at autozone.

Anyone know of a good car radiator that can be used for water cooling? I really don't feel like walking in the store and telling the guy at the counter I need a radiator for my Athlon Thunderbird and being asked what year the car is. Oh, and I don't want to spend lots of money on this. 30 bucks is plenty high for me.

And as long as I have your attention...the waterblock is the only thing I am planning on spending some real money on since I can't find a cheap alternative. What waterblock should I order?

[Tiger]

Lots have used them. The most popular appear to be the Ford products. I priced one for a Ford Escort here in the UK and it was £22 ($32)new so you should easily find one in that price range.

[Krusty]

Thanks. I'll check out the escort radiators. Guess I should just check out the small vehicle radiators like escorts and metros.

[Bender]

For a water block I highly reccomend a Dangerden Maze 2 or a Maze 2-1 if you ever want to upgrade to a peltier. The preformance of the dangerden block is as good as it gets and the quality mounting system just adds to the benefits. Many people also like the Z4 water block but I still have no evidence that either block is better.

[Tiger]

Here's a post from [Hard]oc that you will find helpful;
Yeah that rad is a piece of junk. Autozone will have the heater core you need. You will have to reduce the fittings to the right size but the core you are looking for is a 1987 Ford Escort W/AC. Almost the same as the Big MAMA, I think. The part #399009.

*edit*That heater core is $17.99

*edit2*Here is what it looks like. You can browse www.heatercore4u.com/Make.htm and find most all heater cores made.

[Ridenow]

Danger Den makes the best blocks.

My radiator is a Flex-o-lite brand transmission cooler for a '95 Chevy 3/4 ton van. It was a little pricey, but it has copper tubes so I do not have to worry about dielectic corrosion.

The other one I have heard is popular is the brass heater core for a Grand Am.

FYI, I drive a '93 Escort, the main radiator is the size of the side of most cases, way bigger than we need.