Will this Radiator actually fit & work ?
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: Toronto
Will this Radiator actually fit & work ?
Hello, my name is Marc & I have been a constant lurker of the forum but decided to join & make a post because I am curious about something I am hoping I can get a answer for.
I have a 2002 XJ8 & I am curious if this Radiator will actually fit & work in my vehicle ?
r
Thanks in advance!
I have a 2002 XJ8 & I am curious if this Radiator will actually fit & work in my vehicle ?
r
Thanks in advance!
Veteran Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 897
I just finished installation in my 1999 Daimler Super V8 but my aluminium rad is considerably thicker than the original (and thicker than the one you are considering buying). I had to do a few things to "shoe horn" it in:
1. Grind any excessive thickness of the welds at the sides of the radiator, top and bottom, as otherwise it wouldn't go in between the bonnet hinges and the round cross bar at the bottom.
2. Cut and bend the frame corners near the round cross bar (see pics) to provide clearance for the rad bottom corners.
3. Had to loosen the bolts in the bonnet hinges and lift the front of the bonnet to the maximum as allowed by the slot holes. This was necessary because the rad is inserted at an angle and, because it is much thicker, it requires extra clearance to be pushed over the bottom round bar. Once in, the rad provided just enough space for the front of the bonnet to be lowered back in aligned position.
Tight fit indeed. Your rad looks the same thickness as the original, and the same overall shape and construction, so I don't think you would have any problem installing it. As for the performance, your rad appears to be an "intermediate" upgrade (somewhat thicker than the original) and the one I bought is at least twice as thick and holds an additional 1 lit. of coolant. I have yet to see how my rad performs as I still have to finis other work on the engine. More efficient intercooling will not give you any extra power but it will prevent the power drop in the conditions when the charge air temperature goes higher (hot weather, pushing hard) and the ECU starts reducing the boost.
1. Grind any excessive thickness of the welds at the sides of the radiator, top and bottom, as otherwise it wouldn't go in between the bonnet hinges and the round cross bar at the bottom.
2. Cut and bend the frame corners near the round cross bar (see pics) to provide clearance for the rad bottom corners.
3. Had to loosen the bolts in the bonnet hinges and lift the front of the bonnet to the maximum as allowed by the slot holes. This was necessary because the rad is inserted at an angle and, because it is much thicker, it requires extra clearance to be pushed over the bottom round bar. Once in, the rad provided just enough space for the front of the bonnet to be lowered back in aligned position.
Tight fit indeed. Your rad looks the same thickness as the original, and the same overall shape and construction, so I don't think you would have any problem installing it. As for the performance, your rad appears to be an "intermediate" upgrade (somewhat thicker than the original) and the one I bought is at least twice as thick and holds an additional 1 lit. of coolant. I have yet to see how my rad performs as I still have to finis other work on the engine. More efficient intercooling will not give you any extra power but it will prevent the power drop in the conditions when the charge air temperature goes higher (hot weather, pushing hard) and the ECU starts reducing the boost.
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