use 325i radiator on 327i w/eta cooling system?

[davi tech]

can i use a 325i radiator on a 325e? i have a 325i radiator sitting in my backyard and i was thinking i could use it but the inlet and outlet are in different locations.

my radiator is somewhat clogged cause without the fan on it overheats whether the car is moving or not. this clogged radiator in turn burned out my electric fan...

i did an "i" swap on my car but i decided to use the eta cooling system. i dont know if this would be helpfull but throwing it out there in case it is.

im sure id have to at least buy new hoses, but what else would i need? i read that one would need the "i" water pump. is the "i" water pump really needed?

[reelizmpro]

First there is no E or i water pump. There is an early and late water pump and this determines which radiator you can use. Since you have an ETA (not super ETA right?) with an ETA radiator...you have the early style 84-87 water pump, therefore you need the 87 325i radiator. The radiator you have sounds like the later style. So, you could either change the water pump, hoses and pipes and reservoir to the later style and use your later 325i radiator OR you can get an 87 325i radiator / 84-87 ETA radiator (I forget if the 325i radiator is thicker or not).

[davi tech]

its not a super eta so it is definitely an early model cooling system. thanks for the speedy clarification reelizmpro. ill put up the later model radiator for sale and buy an early model radiator.

[ForcedFirebird]

You can use it, but you will need the late water pump, metal coolant hose that goes behind the water pump pulley, late expansion tank and late hoses - including the expensive tee that goes to the back of the head/t-stat housing/expansion.

It's generally easier to keep the cooling system style you already have.

[acolella76]

I thought about switching to late model when putting my motor in. Then I LOLd and spent all the money on hookers and blow.

But for serious, John listed everything you need. You can also switch to a late model water pump with M42 radiator. Or E36 M3 for more cooling. There are plenty of aftermarket options for late models also while the early models don't get jack shit. Just a few things to consider.

[davi tech]

thanks for the list and options guys, since this car is a budget fun car ill stick to the theme by just buying the early style radiator.

[Wanganstyle]

you can fit the late style radiator with early style M20. I have it in my car, required 2 hoses and a pipe and 4 hose clamps. also the late model radiator bracket (holes already in my early body). Water pump did not leave the car to install PWR e36M3 radiator; I am currently still running a early style water pump with the "327S" motor currently in the e30.

I had a PWR rad from my e36m hanging out
my e30 needed a rad....

=

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=214798

[davi tech]

THANK YOU! i think ill order an aluminum e36m radiator now. well done sir.

[rwh11385]

Ugh, with early radiators on indefinite back-order it seems to be time to make the swap over. I just bought new coolant hoses for my early too.

For those looking for pictures and more details to help, this is good for that: Cooling system conversion to late model - General Topics / General Discussion - SpecE30 Community Forum

[Reichart12]

Holy old bump by an OG. I swapped to a m42 radiator with integrated res. Had to finagle some hoses but good alternative.