Stalker builder question

[watchman777]

What radiator did you put in your 2.8 powered Stalker?

I read some are using Hyundai Excel units. What year/size?

I have to replace my old one in my 2.8 powered Locost.

[MV8]

I guess your question is for Scott. I've seen different ones used, just like on locosts. Many different radiators could be used. Some pics of the engine side would save a lot of questions. Can you weld and fabricate or are you just looking for something that is a bolt-in?

Some overall measurements and pipe sizes will help if it isn't obvious when I see it.

 

Why does it need to be replaced?

 

 

[watchman777]

I built my Locost 18 years ago, Dennis was just getting started with his Stalkers and reached out to me about getting a kit from him. He saw I was using a Datsun 280z as my donor, as his first kits were built around GM 2.8 and 3.1 motors. I used an old Rx7 radiator and it has worked ok, but it's starting to seep ( too many mods over the years) I picked up a new radiator off FB market for a song, seller got it on a pallet for resale and had no idea what it was for. 14"x16" 3" deep. 3 row  all aluminum. After doing research, I found it's for a Polaris Razor. I found a post about Stalkers using a Hyundai Excel radiator with a surface area of 208 square inches and that worked. The radiator I picked up ($25) has the same surface area but is 3 row instead of 2 row. Before I start cutting off old brackets and building new ones I want to verify that what I had read was valid. 

[MV8]

I'd like to see your work.

 

Brunton's site back in the day listed an Excel radiator as a donor part along with the s10 bits. He must have been referring to the '80s Excel rad which is 17.75w x 16.50h, vert flow, 3 row copper/brass, 1.125 and 1.375 ports.

For comparison, the ebay "racing" scion rad is 276.5 sqin, 19.75w x 17.5h, vert flow, 2 wide row aluminum, 1.25 ports, and no cap port.

[watchman777]

That was what I was looking for. Thank. I found two different radiators for the Excel. The one you listed and then a smaller one (208 square inch total).  But I couldn't find the one recommended .So it looks like I'll have to keep searching. I'll post a picture soon.

[MV8]

I described the correct radiator. I provided overall dimensions of the 80's radiator for fitting in the nose, not the listed core size which is 12.75 x 16.5 (about 205sqin) with an elbow lower fitting. There was also a thinner core, lower capacity '80s Excel rad without the elbow. Replacement radiator dimensions can vary greatly and still fit the Excel mounting points.

Even if a new old stock or replacement for the '80s Excel could be found, better (disposable/recyclable/more effective cooling) choices these days when a new copper core is outrageously expensive and the EPA has ensured that solvent tanks are few and far between.

The scion is the best cooling for the cost if it fits the nose. Second would be a 3 row "racing" civic rad with baffles to fill the gap to the nose walls so the air is forced through and mounted as vertical as possible so the air does not need to change direction to pass through the core (less restrictive). The thicker the core, the more vertical it needs to be or the more effective the baffles need to be in forcing it through and not allowing it to go around. There are special cores for sloped radiator mounting but those are rare.

[ok7]

On 10/28/2022 at 4:57 AM, MV8 said:

s 12.75 x 16.5 (about 205sqin)

MV8 where do you go to find reference information like this?

 

For example you have about 16" high by 18" wide, where do you look up cars that had radiators this size?

 

TIA -- Stan

[MV8]

Aftermarket parts mfgs usually have catalogs with specifications. They don't share as much as they used to. They don't list by size so it takes a lot of browsing. They often list tank dims separate from the core. Also, one mfg may not have the same specs as another for a particular application as far as core dims.  

Edited December 14, 2022 by MV8