GENI & II OEM "like" Radiator Replacement Option

[Darth Menace]

How much was that X2 rad by the way?

 

[99 R/T 10]

How much was that X2 rad by the way?

I think they are $395, at least that is the price on ebay.

 

[AZTVR]

How much was that X2 rad by the way?

Google search terms = x2builders Gen2 radiator
and that will get you the current price.


EDIT :

I think they are $395, at least that is the price on ebay.

What he said ^^^

 

[Ron]

s55c - I have to say as a corrosion preventative coolant, I love Dexcool. I know there were issues with air being trapped in certain systems that mudded up the coolant, but I've had nothing but good luck with it in my cars. I changed my Viper over to it back in 2000 and my Town & Country in 2003. Never an issue. I was only curious about others radiator failure point experience (mileage & time) with OEM green coolant because there were also rumors about Dexcool not protecting the lead in the solder very well. Figured if they all go after 15 years or so, Dexcool is safe in that area too, though I suppose the fact that it lasted 15 years proves that already If you look inside my radiator now (the original) it looks just like the picture above, pristine. Given that GM still uses Dexcool as the factory fill also says alot.

Mad Max - PM on the way...

 

[Camfab]

When SRT had one of their chat sessions, I asked about changing over to the red coolant. I mentioned that I had the engine out and everything was fresh, including a new factory radiator. They said stick with the green coolant, which I have, but I always felt as though they were not being honest with me.

 

[Mad Max]

I just orderd one of the X2 units. The pictures on the website only showed 2 studs on the bottom and the spacing on the top didn't look correct. When I talked to them on the phone they said it was an old picture and that all of the prior issues had been resolved. I'll let everyone know how this goes.

Brent

 

[Ron]

Camfab, I've always suspected the same. Easier on the lawyers I guess.

Tom F&L GoR was very instrumental in my selecting Dexcool just as he was in my using Diesel engine oil formulations in all of my fleet. The man knows his stuff and if Dexcool was good enough for all of his cars, it was good enough for all of mine. 12 years later, no regrets on either. I have stellar UOA (used oil analysis) and as I mentioned, zero cooling system corrosion. Plus, it's great not having to change the coolant every 2 years.

Each coolant manufacturer has spec sheets that list the protection capabilities of their coolant with each metal type. Most are listed on their website, except Peak Global which you have to call their tech line to get. It's an interesting comparision if you have the time.

 

[Mad Max]

Re: **Potential** GENI/II OEM "like" Radiator Replacement Option

I agree that it should be adjustable by a competent radiator shop. Whether it makes any difference - I don't kow, but the new tank inlet is an "inny" and the OEM tank inlet flange is an "out-y". The OEM piece also appears to have a higher fins/inch count than the new unit - creating more heat transfer surface area.

You must be registered for see images attach

Ok, I've got the X@ radiator. The upper neck has been moved from what Ron received however it doesn't look like they moved it as far as the OEM radiator. I guess the next step is to get it in the car and see if it clears or not. At this point I have my doubts, however I've been wrong before. I hope that is the case here.

Brent

 

[dave6666]

^^^ That looks, um... weird lol

 

[coupe]

What's the latest this replacement radiator? Fits good? Works good? Durability?

 

[dave6666]

What's the latest this replacement radiator? Fits good? Works good? Durability?

Just call RSI and get the Howe. It fits. I have to question a design that has to be revised due to an obvious design / fit flaw. We really thought it would fit... LOL

 

[Mad Max]

What's the latest this replacement radiator? Fits good? Works good? Durability?

If you can wait till after VOI I can detail my experience with the above mentioned replacement.

 

[Ron]

Yeh, you wouldn't think it be that hard to get it right... Not rocket science. I'm still using my repaired OEM unit so no further X2 experience from me at this point.

Looking forward to MM comments.

 

[coupe]

Just call RSI and get the Howe. It fits.

I did. Thanks.

 

[steve911]

I did. Thanks.

Got a pic of what the radiator looks like?

 

[Dan Cragin]

I have had mixed experiences with aftermarket radiators, aluminum radiators tend to 'flex" with the chassis of the car and develop leaks where the core meets the tank. I have rubber mounted some of the radiators at the top, which seems to help. Aluminum radiators seem more susceptible to corrosion and oxidation, they corrode from the inside out so by the time you have a pinhole leak the whole thing is ready to go. On aluminum radiators I ground the radiator to the chassis of the car, make sure I add an anti-corrosive to the coolant and tell the customer to service the cooling system every two years (Gen 1 and 2). Bigger radiators do not necessarily mean better cooling, especially at low speeds. There is very little airflow over the radiator at low speeds and a bigger radiator will restrict airflow, this means the car might run hotter in stop and go than with a stock sized radiator. To increase low speed cooling you need additional airflow, we developed additional pusher fans for this.

My best luck has been recoring the stock radiator with a turbulated flow 2-row core. It’s a a bit more expensive than the standard core but works well and lasts a long time ($550.)

My 2 cents, your experience may differ.

 

[Mad Max]

Yeh, you wouldn't think it be that hard to get it right... Not rocket science. I'm still using my repaired OEM unit so no further X2 experience from me at this point.

Looking forward to MM comments.

I'll try to make this short. Call X2 to order the radiator, asked if the issues were all corrected? Also asked abut the picture on their web site. I was told all of the issues were corrected; I asked specifically about the outlet neck, was pointing inward the correct amount and was assured there wouldn't be any problems and they said that the picture was an old picture. The picture didn't show the studs for the fan in the correct location.Ordered the X2 radiator and had it 2 days later. Upper outlet neck pointed out instead of in and the stud location was exactly as shown by the supposedly old picture. I then took several pictures of the replacement and of my OEM showing the differences and emailed them to X2. I later called them to discuss. They asked if my fan shroud had soft flaps or hard flaps. Mine were hard. It sounds like there is a difference in mounting stud placement depending on which flap setup you have. I was also told that the neck most likely moved during shipping, that they could be moved by hand. They said they would send me a call tag to have it picked up and once they had it back they would send out another one. Before boxing it up I tried to move the neck and felt sure if I pushed on it any harder I would break something. At this point I decided to take my OEM unit to the same guy Ron had work on his, to have it re-cored, not knowing how long this was going to take. That is why I didn't do that in the first place thinking buying the new one would get me up and going quicker. Around 6 days later I got the 2nd X2 and the re-cored OEM the same day. On the X2 they had added a stud that was missing before and there ended up being one that wasn't used for my application. The neck was pointing inward instead of outward however not as much as the OEM. I did trial fit the X2 unit into the car. The fan assembly OKt ok. Best I could tell once installed the radiator hose was going to be up against the hood hinge/spring assembly. I went ahead and installed the re-cored unit and of course it fit perfectly, the upper hose had a small amount of clearance unlike the X2. Most likely the X2 will work, however one would need to keep an eye on the upper hose to make sure it didn't start to get a hold rubbed into it. I've still got the X2 unit and haven't called them back yet, I guess I'm still trying to calm down. I guess I expect too much by expecting something to be correct especially when I was told everything would be ok.

Brent

 

[mdpalmer]

I know this is an old thread... but is there anyone else out there running the X2 unit? I bought one and it was not packed well when shipped, so I sent it back to them. Planning to install it within the month, I hope they got the fitment issues squared away. On a side note: I went to Ebay and asked about "fitment issues" and they said "even OEM parts do not fit perfectly, the steel & fiberglass (not sure where fiberglass came from) frame will flex over time" or something to that extent. Kinda worries me.

 

[Steve-Indy]

I will just add two comments:
Mad Max is a very experienced mechanic and Silver Crown car crew chief. Also, several Viper owners, dealerships, and Viper techs have utilized the same rebuild shop...and all have been quite happy.

 

[rschiltz]

I will just add two comments:Mad Max is a very experienced mechanic and Silver Crown car crew chief. Also, several Viper owners, dealerships, and Viper techs have utilized the same rebuild shop...and all have been quite happy.

Who is the shop folks use to have their radiators recorded?Thanks,Rick

 

[Steve-Indy]

Indianapolis Radiator Works 317-634-6315
Ask for Al. Please credit Ron with finding this shop.

 

[rschiltz]

Good to know, thanks for the update.Rick

 

[Ron]

Thanks Steve - Al is a good man.

 

[Magicboy2]

Alright so I unfortunately find myself in need of a new radiator for my Gen 1. Reading through this whole thread, it seems like no one is really happy with their X2, aluminum replacements are expensive and have their own issues... I also don't know of any good radiator shops around here (Philadelphia) that would take a crack at rebuilding mine. Am I stuck?

 

[Steve-Indy]

Surely your local car community or racing community can give you a solid lead. If that does not work out, call the shop that Ron and I recommended above to see if they would do it for a "long distance" customer.

 

[mdpalmer]

X2 builders radiator

Alright so I unfortunately find myself in need of a new radiator for my Gen 1. Reading through this whole thread, it seems like no one is really happy with their X2, aluminum replacements are expensive and have their own issues... I also don't know of any good radiator shops around here (Philadelphia) that would take a crack at rebuilding mine. Am I stuck?

I have yet to install mine. I have cooling fan issues, haven't had time to work on the car. I received a new rad from X2 and while it looks nice and clean, I'll have to wait to install it.

After looking at the OEM hood springs/placement and the OEM upper radiator hose, it looks pretty tight. When I get around to installing mine I will take a ton of pics.

 

[Braunstein82]

I just bought the x2 radiator a couple months ago and works great so far. Package was OK. Bolt alignment was just barely off. The upper inlet for hose could be turned in just a hair more. But I'm running much cooler and for the money, I would highly recommend it.

 

[Magicboy2]

I just bought the x2 radiator a couple months ago and works great so far. Package was OK. Bolt alignment was just barely off. The upper inlet for hose could be turned in just a hair more. But I'm running much cooler and for the money, I would highly recommend it.

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like X2 has worked out their kinks to the point of being viable so I will give them a try. Is your upper close comfortably clear of the hinge? Did your original fan work?

 

[Braunstein82]

Fan worked, was a very tight fit getting it back on. Hose was close to spring, I just twisted hose where it mounts to pull it away from spring. Don't see any indication of it rubbing.

 

[Magicboy2]

Fan worked, was a very tight fit getting it back on. Hose was close to spring, I just twisted hose where it mounts to pull it away from spring. Don't see any indication of it rubbing.

Last question, did you get new hoses as well?