Griffin radiator / radiators for S13 KA/CA

[blownhemi]

I've read in a lot of places, that they're cheap, and they're of premium quality. So I've set my mind to it, but can't really find one, that matches the the S13 KA/CA layout (and has substantial thickness, of course). Those that would be the right size, have the end tanks at the sides, and those, that have their end tanks top and bottom, are of a completely different size. Or are not available in the dual-pass-right in-/outlet configuration.

Radiator space for the S13 is about: 27.5" x 17"
My choice as of now falls on this:
Griffin P/N 1-58241-X

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRI-1-58241-X/

My questions would be:
1. Opinions about the above? The end tanks take away 5" of effective width, and I'm worried, that no matter the 2.5" thickness, 5" loss in frontal area is a lot. (600whp track car, with oil/water heat exchanger, that I'm keeping)
2. What Griffin rad are you all using, P/N if possible, and supplier?

Thanks!

[e1_griego]

I have this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380150707750&crlp=1_263602_304652&ff4=263602_304652&viewitem=&guid=010efeb412a0a0e204154c75fe756638&hlp=false&rvr_id=217856519399&ua=WXS%3F&itemid=380150707750

You'd just need a crossover hose to run it.

[mmdb]

I have one as well as ahmed on this forum. We both had a problem with it cracking and leaking where the bottom mounting tabs are located. I called Griffin, and since my radiator is "custom" they won't honor any sort of warranty. Aside from that, I had it rewelded and fixed for around 80 bucks. As far as cooling wise, it does a good job. Time will tell.

[zenkikid]

I use a CXR/Ebay aluminum one and for around 130ish shipped id say its real solid for the price.

[Tenchuu]

I have one as well as ahmed on this forum. We both had a problem with it cracking and leaking where the bottom mounting tabs are located. I called Griffin, and since my radiator is "custom" they won't honor any sort of warranty. Aside from that, I had it rewelded and fixed for around 80 bucks. As far as cooling wise, it does a good job. Time will tell.

I also have one, been running it for over 5 years. any place in particular i should look for said cracking?

[mmdb]

Mine started cracking around the radiator mounting posts beneath the radiator.

[Tenchuu]

any possible preventive measures if mine turns up clean? i wish i had read this sooner. had the damn thing out last weekend.

[WorkInProgressK]

I use a CXR/Ebay aluminum one and for around 130ish shipped id say its real solid for the price.

I am also running a CXR one. Great radiator for the price.

[blownhemi]

Thanks for the input from everyone, I went with the chevy universal dual pass one in the end, 27.5"x15.5" overall, 2.5"core, ordered it yesterday from summit. We'll see how it fits, and how it cools.

[Black R]

What motor do you have in your car?

I've been debating on going with a 3.5" circle track radiator and notching out my core support...

[spent]

Here's the one I have... Obviously you would want different inlets... but with a little messaging, I tucked it under the core support...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRI-1-26221-X/

Here's pics

[blownhemi]

Rad was built into the car, almost two months ago, I've been meaning to give an update.

The new radiator arrived via ship just days before this happened on the highway, trying to catch up with a Mazdaspeed3...

It was already a repaired rad when I got the car, but as it seems, rather $hittily. The thick spray of water coming from under the hood at 135kph gave me a good scare.

And so, the next weekend...
The new Griffin radiator was just a tad too wide, top edge of the right frame rail had to be notched slightly. Cutting it in with an angle grinder may not have been necessary, just a few punches with the hammer would have probably been enough, but...


Brackets that came with the radiator, welded on by a friend of mine, who did most of this whole rad swap anyway...


Radiator in. Top brackets are just held there by two bolts, pivoting on the rear edge of the hood support beam, and tightened against the radiator itself by the bolts. But it sits there really tight, no problems as of yet.


Front shot.

Our eagle eyed viewers may notice, that the hood-holding-stick's pivot had to be sawn off to make room for the filler neck there. The bottom end of the stick has to be put into one of the other holes around there, giving it a very race-car-like feel every time I have to open it ...

I have no pictures of it, but it has an electric fan from a Honda on it with a thermo switch. I also had two aluminum reducers made for the in-/outlet of the rad, as they're slightly bigger than my stock hoses.
As for cooling performance, I have no idea. Couple of days after it was built in, my water temp gauge went (broken wire), but I'm nowhere near the power goals I'm aiming for yet, anyway. Did a couple of laps on a small track at a regional meet, in 32C/90F, high 2nd, low 3rd, no events. I'll report back when my car starts to gain some useful power, where the radiator can show what it's capable of. Probably not this year, though. Still so much to do.