1986 325es Aluminum Radiator?

[Luis325]

Ive searched... But could not find any info on a replacement radiator for a early style E30. Does anyone make a direct fit aluminum or Performance radiator for the early E cars?

Its a track only car and i was wondering also if it would help to remove the fan clutch and install an electric fan?

Thanks

[jlevie]

Unless you've done something to significantly increase the engine power, the OE radiator is more than adequate on a track car. I'd replace the engine driven fan with a 16" SPAL or at least 2000CFM, manually controlled. The fan is only needed in the paddock or if the track is red flagged and an electric fan of that rating exceeds the performance of the engine fan and is less likely to fail or cause problems.

[Luis325]

OK im really new to this. Stock new radiator it is then...

Sorry for the newbie questions...The fan is not needed to cool the radiator while the car is running??
What would i need to do? Remove the fan clutch and install an electric fan. Does it need to be connected to a thermo switch or just manually?

Also what about the aux fan for the A/C.. Im planing on removing the AC can i remove this aux fan or use it for something else?

thanks

[jlevie]

The engine driven fan has no contribution when the car is traveling at 35mph or better. You only need a fan below that speed or while idling. On a track car that means that a fan is only needed while the car is in the paddock, sitting on the grid, or stopped on track as the result of a red flag incident. Since you'll know when the fan will be needed, just having a switch in the cockpit will suffice.

Since you'll be removing the A/C, my preference is to replace the condensor & aux fan with a 16" pusher type fan.