Radiator - at the front or in the middle?

richmurphy · 2010-04-22T06:15:55+00:00

Hi, I'm in the process of planning an EJ22 conversion for my 72 Superbug. I can see that a number of you have performed this mod (or similar) so I'm hoping for some advice on where to put the radiator. The idea of moving the firewall forward is appealing because 1) I never use that space for storage 2) I wouldn't have to run cooling pipes up to the front 3) I like the way my beetle looks now and don't want to cut air vents into the front 4) My boot remains a boot. If I decide to go down this path, is there sufficient airflow above the gearbox for a radiator? Given I have zero welding experience, am I being a tad ambitious? Seems like there will be a decent amount of welding required with either option... Thanks, Richard.

JVLRacing Custom Title Time!

1,100 posts · joined Mar 2007 · 4 May 2010, 10:49 pm

#776661

wat pete and steve said is the way cheaper way...my concern with exhaust pipe would be corrosion in the long term...alittle heavier to...
I went alloy piping lighter and knowin no corrosion shit will end up in motor or rad...

gerrelt Slammed & Awesome Dubber

88 posts · joined May 2005 · 5 May 2010, 4:20 am

#776684

I used exhaust tubing too. I don't worry about corrosion. Rust prevention is normally part of the coolant.

There are iron parts in the coolant system, my Alfa engine has a cast iron crankcase, partially (pully side, clutch side and heads are alloy). Plus the water pump rotor is cast iron too (maybe with a subaru too?).

Just use a well known brand coolant, and exhaust pipe will work fine. It's handy to be able to weld the pipes together too.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 5 May 2010, 10:08 am

#776723

geez you guys must have some cheap muffler shops around

it was cheaper for me to use stainless than exhaust tube
not real upset though, they will outlast the car and you cant beat stainless for its conductive properties

JVLRacing Custom Title Time!

1,100 posts · joined Mar 2007 · 5 May 2010, 11:51 am

#776753

Joel wrote:geez you guys must have some cheap muffler shops around

it was cheaper for me to use stainless than exhaust tube
not real upset though, they will outlast the car and you cant beat stainless for its conductive properties

u made the right choice joel😎