Toyota Celica Supra Forum banner
21 - 40 of 53 Posts
Discussion starter · #22 · (Edited)
Hey Guys;

I just wanted to give you guys an update on this, I've actually been working my but off on this initiative. For some time I've been looking for another manufacturer. I don't have any issues with Griffin per say...just always looking for better. I found a manufacturer of VERY HIGH Quality Rads in New York State and this is the route I'm going to go and here is why:

  • 100% Made in USA
  • 100% Aluminum
  • NO EPOXY - Griffin Epoxies their Rads
  • Entirely Tig Welded
  • Furnace Brazed High Efficiency Cores
  • Billet Filler Necks

They have already drawn up a MK2 Rad on CAD for me and sent me 3D rendering of it, you can see it for yourself here. Just click anywhere in the PDF to activate the 3D features. These guys are ready to go and I just have a couple of more admin items to finish off before I move forward with these.

The rads will be as stated 100% aluminum, have provisions for a temp sensor and have a petcock valve. I'm shooting for $475 shipped(USA) but it might go up $20. Believe me for a Drop in No Customization Required, Tig Welded Aluminum Rad in short runs its really hard to get better.

I strongly believe this is a better route vs. Griffin, mainly because they are not epoxied but also because EVERYTHING is made local to me so easier to control quality. This is a great company that builds quality and doesn't use any cheap overseas parts in their products.

I will also be getting them to design a fan shroud kit using High Quality SPAL fans, I don't have a CAD drawing of it but here is an example of their work:



The shroud kit with 2 low profile SPAL fans will go for about $295 shipped, but again exact pricing will be stated when I start the group buy.

The group buy will be limited to only 10 rads and will be a first pay first on the list basis. I will be posting up the group buy up by the weekend unless I still have some admin stuff to take care of. It will take 30days at least from the time the group buy ends so I will collect deposits of $250 for the rads or $400 for a rad and shroud. After the first group buy if there is any interest I can entertain another one if there is interest.

At this point in time there is no need to asked to be added/removed from the list...if you're interested look out for the GB next week but in the mean time let me know if you have any questions.
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
Is this going to be the same amount of cores or will it be more this time than the last GB. I was told the Griffins where same amount of cores like stock.
These are single core rads Alex.

:zzzzz: can't get it to work...:p Edit: worked after adobe update

These look nice, and better quality is always a plus
Hahaha...fixed. Thanks for pointing that out as there area lot of sicko's here...wouldn't want them licking my pdf.:eek4dance:
 
George, looks good. But will this fit Phil's electric fan shroud kit... just bought it hoping to go with Griffin as it fits. :ugh: My stock rad is pretty worn.
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
Sigh.... Need to make one with at least 2 cores or more. In fact I maybe selling my Griffin just cus I want one with more cores. Any chance you will get one made with more cores???
Alex, a dual core rad increase the price to levels that I'm sure people won't pay. Outside a group buy it would price the rad into the $600 range and necessitate the need for a new shroud with low profile fans as for the most part a dual core rad will add another 1" in thickness...so add another $300 for the shroud.

If you can find me 10 guys who want to spend near $900 for a rad and shroud let me know. Please note, the price I'm quoting is an estimate for low run of made in the USA; DIRECT fit Rads. For the guy that doesn't mind fabricating there are PLENTY of ways to install a dual core rad in a MK2 relatively cheaply. Also for the guy that doesn't mind overseas rads they can get it done even cheaper but overseas Rads are NOT something I want to sell so won't get done by me.

So the question I have for you; with so many people with over 500HP running single core rads without issues why do you feel the need for this? Just playing the devils advocate buddy, you have already paid good money for a rad haven't used it but are convinced it's no good for you. I'd just think you have better things to do with your time and money...maybe I'm wrong.


George, looks good. But will this fit Phil's electric fan shroud kit... just bought it hoping to go with Griffin as it fits. :ugh: My stock rad is pretty worn.
Phils fans are a direct bolt on to OEM and Griffin so it will fit those 2 AND the this rad too.

ok i know im not in the top 10 but add me to the list for a Rad + fan kit.
No worries...there is no top of the list. I think we have enough interest for me to attempt the group buy.
 
George,
I'm glad that you sourced another manufacturer, for reasons I won't get into here, but also due to the number of ppl who (years after the fact) had issues with leaking Griffins shortly after they got them. I only ever dealt with one warranty however. The welded setup is the way to go. I had looked into getting an offshore factory to produce them, but given the time needed to organize the easy bake oven, I decided my time was better served on other projects.
If I can be of any help with this, LMK. I have detailed drawings on hand that may be useful as you move forward.
Don't forget to preheat the oven to 425. :)
 
Apparently I can't say this enough. It doesn't matter how the rad is made, if its an all aluminum rad and its attached to the car like the stock one is, you're going to run into long term corosion and leak problems. Aluminum rads have to be electically isolated from the chassis or they will slowly eat away from the inside due to a chemical process called Galvanic Corrosion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion).

Whatever you guys do, modify the upper mounting tab system so there is no metal on metal contact between the chassis and rad. Rubber mats on the mounting tabs with some kind of plastic retainer instead of bolts, or use rubber washers and grommets, etc. And anyone who has a Griffen rad currently would be well advised to modify theirs in this fashion too if you want it to last.

I have an expensive ass mk3 Fluidyne alum rad in my mk2, and the previous owner of it obviously wasn't aware of this and it has 5 holes in it now that can't be fixed.
 
Alex, a dual core rad increase the price to levels that I'm sure people won't pay. Outside a group buy it would price the rad into the $600 range and necessitate the need for a new shroud with low profile fans as for the most part a dual core rad will add another 1" in thickness...so add another $300 for the shroud.

If you can find me 10 guys who want to spend near $900 for a rad and shroud let me know. Please note, the price I'm quoting is an estimate for low run of made in the USA; DIRECT fit Rads. For the guy that doesn't mind fabricating there are PLENTY of ways to install a dual core rad in a MK2 relatively cheaply. Also for the guy that doesn't mind overseas rads they can get it done even cheaper but overseas Rads are NOT something I want to sell so won't get done by me.

So the question I have for you; with so many people with over 500HP running single core rads without issues why do you feel the need for this? Just playing the devils advocate buddy, you have already paid good money for a rad haven't used it but are convinced it's no good for you. I'd just think you have better things to do with your time and money...maybe I'm wrong.
Well 1st of all I got sent a pre production model. Looks horrid and doesn't even have a Griffin stamp on top. And then I hear that more cores are always better. And I dont know about everyone else but I want my 2JZ to not over heat. So yeah I want/need one.
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
Sounds good Alex...good luck man!!

For everyone else here is a link to the new 3D drawing with the twin 12 SPAL fans. If the 3D doesn't work for you just download it and open it outside your browser.

Seamus, you have mail..as always your insight into all matter is greatly appreciated. Making a set of rubber "gaskets" with non metallic hardware is pretty easy and I'm more than willing offer this as an option. Will take me a couple of days to look into this.

I don't have a Rad anywhere near me...can someone do me a couple of favours:

  • Try to find out the bolt size/thread pattern of needed
  • I need an relatively accurate trace of the mounting tabs. If someone can trace them and get me dimensions that would be GREATLY appreciated. I can then offer these to those who buy these, the Griffin or any other aluminum rad. Yes as Seamus said we can just use rubber washers but for shits and giggles I'd love to see the cost on rubber "gasket" for this.
 
As usual George, I'm your man ;) Dean's car has a brand new Griffen in it right now. We'll be modifing it to be electrically isolated too. Will respond to your email shortly.
 
With pieces of rubber sheet, could nylon fasteners be used? I've rebuilt a few pumps for our acid plant at work that are completely nylon, except the bearings and shaft. As well as the nylon nut and bolts we use, we sometimes have nylon threaded rod lying around in various diameters.

I'm keeping an eye on this rad and shroud/fan setup, looks like it is going to be a good upgrade for my track project.
 
More to the point, I am currently fanless... I think. Might be interested in picking up the fan/shroud setup when it comes to pass George. Also, the list of stuff you posted as upcoming (bushings and the like) is the sort of thing that makes people buy things twice. AWESOME.
As usual George, I'm your man ;) Dean's car has a brand new Griffen in it right now. We'll be modifing it to be electrically isolated too. Will respond to your email shortly.
 
21 - 40 of 53 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top