Late Model Cooling system advantages

[validius]

I have a parts car with the late model cooling system. Is there any advantage to using it? With all the parts on hand it would be a great time to convert my car.

[dnguyen1963]

A lot of my friends with newer models of 325 always complain about the coolant system so I don't know if it is worth your time.

[jlevie]

The only advantage that I know of to the late model cooling system is that you can use a slightly more efficient E36 radiator.

[validius]

The only advantage that I know of to the late model cooling system is that you can use a slightly more efficient E36 radiator.

Well, that's worth saving all the pieces needed to convert then. If my rad ever goes out i'l just switch

[McGyver]

OP, the answer is no. There is no advantage to switching your car to a late model cooling system unless you have an engine swap or turbo so that you're going to use a bigger rad, and at that point you're not switching, you're just making something new work.

The only advantage that I know of to the late model cooling system is that you can use a slightly more efficient E36 radiator.

According to Behr/Hella, the e30 rad is 440mmx436mmx32mm, the e36 is 445mmx440mmx33mm. So I doubt you would see any efficiency increase from an e36 rad (other than maybe the e36 rad is cleaner inside than the 25 year old e30 rad). The z3m radiator uses the same hose configuration as e30/e36 and is a the same length/width, but is a 42mm thick triple pass rad so it cools really well. If you need it to be skinny, an m30b34 E28 rad will get you some additional cooling because it's 575mmx470mmx34mm (but you have to cut out the rad supports at the bottom and use the upper mounting holes for an early rad). The best would be an aftermarket 534td rad if you have the space since it's 575mmx470mmx42mm. But then again, none of that is necessary for a stock m20.

[modernist]

The older system is easier to bleed.

[e30sh]

If you want to change the timing belt without changing the water pump, you don't have to drain the cooling system on the early models.

[Som]

Another mild advantage is minimizing the risk for the alternator shredding the lower radiator hose. There's easy ways to mitigate this in the older style system, so it's not a huge benefit, but it's still there.

Som

[jeffnhiscars]

If you want to change the timing belt without changing the water pump, you don't have to drain the cooling system on the early models.

I'm trying to imagine changing a timing belt without draining the cooling system.

[Som]

I'm trying to imagine changing a timing belt without draining the cooling system.

Heh, I was trying to do the same.

I guess you could remove the upper timing belt cover without removing the Tstat-to-pump hose. Or, maybe you could get away with just pulling that hose off the Tstat housing without letting it drain. Or maybe just unclip the plastic bracket for it from the timing belt cover.

I guess... besides that... other than clearance (which makes the job easier, ultimately), I can't (of the top of my head) think of why you couldn't change the timing belt.

That said, I've always drained it. :)

Som

[e30sh]

I change the belt early due to a Schrick cam...~40k miles. Figure the bigger lobe loads the belt a little more and better safe than sorry. I skip the water pump to every other time and leave the cooling system untouched.

Be careful with your wrenches as you can ding the radiator fins with it installed.

[jeffnhiscars]

I suppose it could be done although I have no idea why anyone would want to. On that note next time I replace a clutch I'll do it without removing the transmission

[fresh_TD]

I suppose it could be done although I have no mode why anyone would want to. On that note next time I replace a clutch I'll do it without removing the transmission

This would be pretty gangster:-)

Sent from my Samsung Note 4

[McGyver]

I suppose it could be done although I have no idea why anyone would want to. On that note next time I replace a clutch I'll do it without removing the transmission

hahaha, solid response.


Yeah, I can't imagine changing a timing belt without removing the hood and radiator to get lots of room and easy access in there.

[nando]

I've never had any problems with my late cooling system. that said I don't think it matters either way, the radiators have the same capacity, the pumps are the same, so there's no difference in cooling either.