aussie desert coolers

[njf690]

any one used these guys for their cooling system ? or better ideas instead, iam using a v6 ecotec engine.

[customholden]

i have not used them but do know of mates that have used them and would recommend them to everyone. they have them in there cars and never had any problems so far.  they will make what you need for your car if they don't already do so.

[brett_f]

njf.690,
I had two made by this mob. Both leaked without starting and they ended up replacing them with an alluminium one. I haven't had it running long enough to see if there are any problems. Seems they don't know what pressure testing is about. Norm was ok but use your own judgement.
Regards Brett

[fe350chev]

i think when it comes to radiators, a lot of issues arise when people fit them and don't instal them properly, with proper mounting gear etc. I would recommend if you buy one to take it down to your local mechanic (or borrow one, they aren't rocket science) and pressure test it to its operating capacity and check for leaks prior to installing it, that way you will know you don't have a problem, because most leak occur when cool and not at operating temp - if they have very fine leaks. Testing them cold is always the best way and 5 minutes testing it this was, allevaites the good ole "did a mechanic install it" comback, if it is a retrofit (non factory) bit of gear.

I have always thought a black radiator would give more heat transfer??? But I am not 100% sure of this, but I would like to know the scientific answer anyone?

[FCwagon]

I've had 2 of their radiators and it won't be 3. Lack of attention to detail is another fault they suffer. Todys new car radiators are ally as they need to run hotter to get the catalytic converters working and are suitable for use with the coolants. ADC ally ones would be more for show I would think - black is the go for me.
Leigh

[CraigA]

I have had great success with my desert cooler radiator triple core/triple flow copper style. Found Norm very helpful as well.

Highly modified red motor with 10.5:1 compression and never hotter than 185 deg F in 40 deg temps and only using a thermo fan and 72 deg thermostat.

Well priced and it works.

[Ed]

Whatever you use, shroud it.

Even the best radiator won't cool if it doesn't have good airflow.

Cheers

Ed

[newman]

I've dealt with Norm, and would NEVER touch any of his radiators again. Long story short,brought new radiator and it leaked,sent back,returned 9 weeks later it leaked, returned again, 6 weeks later returned you guessed it LEAKS.
Sent it to Natrad and they repaired it properly when I picked it up they pointed out things I didn't know about how poorly put together it was.

Mick

P.S. It was for my 36 Ford

[Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius]

any one used these guys for their cooling system ? or better ideas instead, iam using a v6 ecotec engine.

If you have a Radiator guy that you are happy with, get them to build a radiator for you. The only special things about Aussie Desert is that Norm seems to have mates in the right places and advertises a lot in National mags. Any competant Radiator specialist can install the baffles for a triple flow.
Pedro fitted a fairly big commodore(?) radiator for his RB engined Wagon - http://fefcholden.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,13258.0.html

[FC427]

I have used Norm many times and yes we have had a few problems over the years with a couple of the radiators  BUT he always fixed the issue in a short time frame and always paid for post both ways ..I had to make him a jig out of timber for my T model and that with detailed drawings gave me a very pleasing result ......FC427.....

[propig2003]

Using an ADC alloy unit in the Pig. 4/71 blown 372 Chev stroker, spoke to Norm, who came out to measure, as I wanted a modded one, took 1 week to make, the top tank was hitting the underside of the bonnet, took it back, remodded the top tank and the guys refitted the thermo fan properly, which I fitted, all at no cost. Never over heats, not even in skid comps or drag racing.

This is only my personal dealings with Norm and ADC, but have heard lots of bad opinions on various sites.

Cheers Brett

[colt]

I use an aluminium radiator made by Race Radiators in Melbourne. (in my EH). Made to fit in the same shape as original. Very happy with it. Aluminium is used because it has better heat transfer qualities than copper. this is why A/C systems use aluminium fins over the copper tubes in coils.

Colin.

[ratbox]

i've only bought one from them was in an EK with a hot red motor useing HR/torana type radiator COULD NOT STOP IT BOILING big radiator, flushed at shop etc, then bought triple flow desert cooler never had another problem if i was haveing overheating problems would not hessitate to buy another

[njf690]

just interested in any new things/products people have done with radiators/coooling into there fc holdens. pictures would be good.

have used the orignal radiator triple cored in with the v6 for a bit now, but she has to go . checking out natrad tomorrow . will give feedback on how i go.

[JB]

I have used the VT commodore thermo fans and cut down radiator for both of my conversions now and can say that the cars have never gone over a 1/3rd scale.
The thermo fans fir nicely with a little cutting and screw into the radiator support panel.
About 3 rows need to be cut off the radiator and then some tanks made from 50x50 aluminium tube. Get them tigged up with radiator fittings and away you go. All up cost me less than any after market brand.

Cheers
JB

[njf690]

The natrad bloke at Brisbane suggest best a custom fit with vt fans .  Not sure how much I can cut out to fit this all in  without  it looking crap or out of place .
Any chance of some photos of your setup JB . I suggest the vt radiator cut down but wasn't so keen

[FireKraka]

I have used the standard VP VR radiator for my FB/EK Ute project and notched the subchassis to sit the radiator lower so that it is below the radiator support; made a couple of brackets to use the top rubber mounts, a 16" thermofan that the computer will operate when needed and modified the standard shroud; only really cut the safety peak over the belt and pulleys as the engine is closer to the radiator.
I like using the standard radiator, there cheap and readily available, I had a radiator speacially made for my V6 FC Sedan it has a small leak now and my car will be off the road as I have to wait for it to be repaired or a new one made.

Regards
Neil H

[JB]

See how you go with these.
Yes it is a custom radiator... with a VT core lol.
It is the tanks that wear not the core so you an get one easily.

[Harv]

I used VL Commodore in my EK wagon, cause when I started the project they were common at wreckers... been too long for the build, and they are no longer common  . Still easy to get at a radiator shop though (it is pretty neat when you walk into the door at NATRAD, and they can identify the radiator from across the workshop). The water necks lined up nicely with the SBC, and the core size is the same as the VK Commodore V8 radiator. Minor trimming of the side panels and it fitted well.

Cheers,
Harv

[njf690]

Harv

Did you run vl fans with that radiator . Flick some pictures if you can .

Thanks jb for the photos gives me a better idea of what I could do . Neat job
Cheers