Ebay Alloy 50mm Radiators - Preliminary Review - Pic Heavy
Turbo Mini Forums

Well, I bit the bullet and purchased one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/50MM-ALLOY-RADIATO...6-/263274652899


I almost wanted to be disappointed, simply because I dislike how China does business - no way could any of the rest of the world fabricate, package and deliver this to my doorstep for under $60. Anyway; all currency manipulations aside, I've taken some pics of the rad I received.

It was very well packaged, with the rad surrounded by polystyrene blocks, and boxed in a thick (but typically cheap, soft cardboard box) stapled closed. The outlets are capped in a "heatshrink" style plastic cap that definitely will help prevent them getting damaged.

The rad itself is pretty good. The turbulators are the correct split design to disrupt the airflow and promote heat loss. The internal tubes are not creased or damaged as far as i can see, and clearly have a good proportion of width to thickness.

The drain plug will be interesting to see how it holds up; Im going to put grease on it to aid in future removal. The cap feels cheap, but is stamped 1.1 bar, and feels comparable to another 1,1bar cap I have. It is double rubber'd, so the overflow will work properly.

The side channels have threaded inserts that look good, but I'll report back later.

Although many ebay rads also offer a fan; if sooner not. To me, cheap fans are not worth it, they usually fail right when you need them to work their hardest. The Spal 30100435 is a quiet, compact fan, but feels like it could suck a bowling ball thru a hose pipe; but beware of counterfeit spal fans though!

I purchased this particular spam fan on fleabay previously for $60 - but it's typically $80 or so...

Edited by TurboDave16V on 14th Mar, 2018.

It does defy believe how they can get them out so cheap, especially as you say when you factor in transport too !

Looks to be pretty decent quality.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

It certainly looks good for the price. The proof will be in the pudding I guess.

Phil.

WWW.TURBO-MINI.COM

Be careful with that threaded nipple on the cap vent. I broke one off and the thread was a bastard to get out. The rad I had was not constructed as good as this one looks. Re the drain plug, I installed a small drain cock in the brass super cool 2 core I'm using.

I imagine its the same as ones that get rebranded and sold for 2/3x the price.

Be interested to see how much crap comes out when you flush it.

That’s a good idea. I’ll flush it out into a clean rag to see what comes out.

Now, what do you guys think I should pressure test it to? I’m thinking at least 2x the cap pressure?

I’d say cap pressure plus 50% max. It’s unlikely the FOS is going to be that big. Be a shame to destroy it just for the sake of it! It’s unlikely to ever see past cap pressure in service.

I got a similar MGF rad to front mount in my clubby, its been good so far....

3 years now and still good, fitted a push through tripac...




besides, it doesn't really get hot where you live Dave ? Does it ? and that one looks better quality than mine too !! Stay away from the silicone hoses though, look just the same from the outside....but a few essential layers missing....

I have got Ti upper arms and alloy coil overs fitted since that pic ! so it must have been a while ago...having front subby attachment issues at the mo...

Edited by Brocky on 16th Mar, 2018.

BTW - I took my buddy VTEC Pete out for a spin this weekend, and even though I am running her in, he gave it a name, the "Brocket"...cause I'm a brocket maaannn, nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah....

Build thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=7483

Katy Mini Owners Club Thread - http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=505552

Let's make sure you embarrass at least one VTEC MINI today !

https://www.facebook.com/groups/17557298589...096464253807802

Edited by stevieturbo on 18th Mar, 2018.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

Curious how this radiator is working out for you.

Do you have the details of the fan Dave?

Detail is in the 1st post chap if you look

Very interesting. I'm looking to replace my rad with this one but the ones on the UK Ebay seem to look a bit different to yours, especially around the bottom (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50mm-ALUMINUM-AL...3.c100506.m3226)

Is there a particular one that UK guys have tried and would recommend?

Cheers

I got a winner racing one. 70mm. Seemed to work well when I tested it. I'll get a proper test in spring and report back.

My build thread..

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=542985

Are the fletcher alloy rads any good seem to be about same price.

Edited by Pete B on 24th Jan, 2019.

The latest ebay ones look pants compared to the original post!

My friend brought a fletcher from a show at same price like you said, is ok so far n looks better shape and welds

Double squirt

Edited by D4VE on 24th Jan, 2019.

Has anyone found a thermostatic switch to suit these rads?