Radiator options w201 V8 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

FLYNAVY · #1 01-15-2008, 10:57 AM

I've reached a small roadblock in my w201 m117 swap. I had originally planned on using the rad from a 560SL, and went ahead and ordered one. Well it arrived yesterday, and very quickly during the test fit it became apparent that it wasn't going to fit. The major limiting factor is the clearance between the two frame rails (which are spaced around 27.5" apart), while the majority of the radiator is 28" or more in a couple spots. So this is really a no go since I'm not going to mess around with the frame to fit a radiator.

My question is if anyone has any ideas for what I should use? I'd LIKE to use a factory radiator (makes it easier for replacement later on, and would use factory style connections for trans cooler), but I will obviously go custom if nothing else works.

I measured the rad on my C43, and it looks like it is even wider than the one for the 560SL, so that really wont work. I'm wondering specifically about the w203 C55 (not sure if that would be wider in front than the 202), and really any other MB v8 sedan. I'm thinking the 124 500E/E500 might also be an option. Also, I know a couple folks here have done V8 190e swaps, so do any of you have any advice? Thanks guys!

iwrock · #2 01-15-2008, 11:06 AM

W126 V8 Radiator?

I am planning on using one in my V8 W124 swap later on this month.

Hows about a diesel radiator?

FLYNAVY · #3 01-15-2008, 11:21 AM

yeah, the 126 rad is a bit narrower, but if I recall correctly it was too tall. Do you have one? If anyone has correct dimensions that would be good to see...

iwrock · #4 01-15-2008, 11:55 AM

I am at school 50 miles away, but when I get home Friday, I can measure the one off my donor 420SEL.

Let me see if any of my friends will measure their 126 diesel radiator, as that has the same rough measurements.

FLYNAVY · #5 01-15-2008, 05:23 PM

great, thanks!

mramay · #6 01-15-2008, 06:01 PM

From my '87 560SEC and 560SEL radiators:
The top and bottom tanks are 27 1/2" across, 2 5/8" thick (deep?).
The cooling fin section of the assembly is 27 3/8" across
The radiator is 21 3/8" tall (not counting the two mounting posts on the bottom).

I'm planning on using a stock (but rodded and cleaned) SEC radiator in the FrankenBenz, with a dual electric fan setup.

Roncallo · #7 01-15-2008, 07:23 PM

I have measured the 560SL radiator at least 100 times by now. There is only one area wider than 27.5" and that is the area where the rubber mounts clip on. If you are not using these mounts there is no reason you cant carfully cut them off. It sounds to me like you did not get a 560SL radiator.

I'm in sort of a very similar tough spot. I need to pack 389 HP of M120 V12 cooling into the area a 227 HP M117 radiator. New OE radiators (Not after market) use advanced technology to accomplish this. I have found that the radiator from the 2005 to 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 6.1L Hemi engine has a core that I believe I can be used if I can find someone to take the radiator apart and weld my tanks on it. It is basically a 6.1 Liter engine with 425 HP. If you have 27.5" rail spacing this core can be custom made to fit your application as well. This is what I've been investigating all last weekend. Unfortunately the Dealer list 4 P/N's for this radiator and requires a Vin to get the right one. So I need to do a job like go from car to car measure cores and get the Vin of the one I want. The after market suppliers, Visteon list one P/N and Spectra list two P/N's, I would not trust the after market rads unless I saw it. Visteon is an OE manufacturer, and IF there after market rad for this application is a 36mm "B" tube with 5/16" tube spacing that would be the best solution.

And buy the way, as these projects go, thats not a road block. It's just a speed bump.

John Roncallo

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYNAVY

I've reached a small roadblock in my w201 m117 swap. I had originally planned on using the rad from a 560SL, and went ahead and ordered one. Well it arrived yesterday, and very quickly during the test fit it became apparent that it wasn't going to fit. The major limiting factor is the clearance between the two frame rails (which are spaced around 27.5" apart), while the majority of the radiator is 28" or more in a couple spots. So this is really a no go since I'm not going to mess around with the frame to fit a radiator.

My question is if anyone has any ideas for what I should use? I'd LIKE to use a factory radiator (makes it easier for replacement later on, and would use factory style connections for trans cooler), but I will obviously go custom if nothing else works.

I measured the rad on my C43, and it looks like it is even wider than the one for the 560SL, so that really wont work. I'm wondering specifically about the w203 C55 (not sure if that would be wider in front than the 202), and really any other MB v8 sedan. I'm thinking the 124 500E/E500 might also be an option. Also, I know a couple folks here have done V8 190e swaps, so do any of you have any advice? Thanks guys!

mramay · #8 01-15-2008, 09:44 PM

Keep in mind that a large radiator is not always required to keep an engine cool. I'm going to use a stock SEC radiator on my modified LS6 engine, but I'm adding:
1. very high flow dual electric fans. I have a 3400 CFM set from DC Control on my 560SEL, but that company seems to have disappeared. Looks like a Flex-a-lite fan set will be necessary for the FrankenBenz. They make some that go to 4600 cfm.
2. Small oil cooler behind the front bumper
3. medium sized transmission cooler behind the front bumper

Could do more but don't know yet what's needed (if any). The LS6 already has a lower temperature thermostat in it.

Roncallo · #9 01-15-2008, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mramay

Keep in mind that a large radiator is not always required to keep an engine cool. I'm going to use a stock SEC radiator on my modified LS6 engine, but I'm adding:
1. very high flow dual electric fans. I have a 3400 CFM set from DC Control on my 560SEL, but that company seems to have disappeared. Looks like a Flex-a-lite fan set will be necessary for the FrankenBenz. They make some that go to 4600 cfm.
2. Small oil cooler behind the front bumper
3. medium sized transmission cooler behind the front bumper

Could do more but don't know yet what's needed (if any). The LS6 already has a lower temperature thermostat in it.

The fans may work but they do make noise. If you can fit a bigger radiator go for it, and use smaller fans. But 4600CFM I'm listening!!!!! I thought GM was moving to higher temperatures an 30PSI pressure caps???

John Roncallo

John Roncallo

FLYNAVY · #10 01-16-2008, 12:33 AM

yeah, I've chatted a little with Jonathan (blueridge MB) and he is working on putting together an m117 oil cooler package for me to use. Perhaps that would be enough?

It might be possible to make the 560SL rad fit...it was VERY close, I just didn't want to trash a brand new radiator if it wasnt going to work anyways. What kind of space would I want between the rad and body to allow for flexing? I was thinking like a cm or two min, but maybe I can go closer than that? Pretty sure it was the correct rad, just FYI...it has the bottom hose connection on the "wrong" side for the w126

mramay · #11 01-16-2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roncallo

The fans may work but they do make noise. If you can fit a bigger radiator go for it, and use smaller fans. But 4600CFM I'm listening!!!!! I thought GM was moving to higher temperatures an 30PSI pressure caps???

John Roncallo

John Roncallo

My DC Control fans have a scimitar shaped set of fan blades and make surprisingly little noise at full-tilt-boogie. I haven't found a Flex-a-lite fan with the curved blades so I'll probably have to ask them about noise levels.

I don't know what a 2002 Z06 (LS6) cooling system runs at. I bought the engine from a friend and he used a standard cooling system - normal radiator cap and a slightly lower temperature thermostat. Don't know if this engine would like a higher temperature/higher pressure setup.

I'm going to set up a normal cooling system (e.g., SEC radiator, pretty good sized tranny cooling radiator) but add on additional cooling bits if they're needed. No plans yet for an oil cooler, but it it wants one, then it gets one.