Help! I'm in trouble. The new radiator I bought was a beauty and super well made but it does not fit my '85 GSLSE. The original radiator had to be replaced and will not be going back on the car no matter what. The new 3 row is too thick to allow the same lower hose and is interfering with the fan, unknown whether the fan shroud will fit but cannot be used because it sits higher in the frame, (by about 1 1/2" and it does not conform to the stock clearances. So a three row appears to be out. I paid 108.00$, with an ebay return guarantee and am in contact with seller. However In the meantime my engine is dry of coolant and probably rusting, (1 day now). What can I do till i get the radiator I need and where can i get one of EQUAL thickness and 2 row design that WILL FIT. Need advice FAST. I need a source quick for a radiator with stock dimensions and hookups.

 

Why not get it from rockauto? https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=2172&jsn=563

 

My bet is the radiator you bought is for a 1984/1985 Non-GLS-SE. Many will say the rad fits a GSL-SE, and they do, if using an electric fan. I don't suggest going to an electric fan when the current setup works great.

As you have found, finding a GSL-SE rad can be a challenge.

Most of the aluminum radiators found on eBay and other sources are all the same rad.

I like the Champion aluminum radiators over the other aluminum ones. It's impossible to find a new cooper rad.

I'd be skeptical of the RockAuto one. It says it fits multiple years. The return policy of RockAuto sucks.

 

Thanks and I might do that. It is twice as expensive though. I just need to solve the problem and get one ordered today. I guess the 3 row radiators for these cars are not going to work with the original fan clutch/ fan systems, they are too thick. Beware of fitment problems on these. Unless you are installing electric fans.

 

The rockauto part should fit with no problems. I got an SA radiator from them before and it was a direct fit.

 

Both Racing Beat and Mazdatrix sell aluminum radiators (KOYOrad) which fit properly, use stock hoses and fittings (*typicaly), and are bolt in installation. They're not cheap, but they are guaranteed to fit. Support our local vendors and reduce your worry and concerns about quality. In the meantime, cap off your lower radiator hose at the block and fill it through the upper radiator hose with 50/50 antifreeze mix. This will prevent rust and keep corrosion to a minimum. Coolant is cheap compared to housings.

 

I went ahead and ordered today from Advance auto the carquest part cost 214$, wrong ebay part 108$. Thanks for the anti rust tip. Wondering whether I should put a fan clutch in too.

 

Still stuck here trying to get a radiator that will work. The new Advance auto supplied one is a pretty good fit but has the lower tube oriented differently and the hose that was on the old one kinks when installed. i have a new one so I trimmed the old one 1.5" at the top and 1/2" at the bottom and it worked, though I don't want to use it. I tried this on the old hose, knowing that I could trim the new one to the same dimensions. The new one is a rockauto supplied Gates part # 20953. It could NOT be trimmed in the same way as the old one which I trimmed to fit, it just does not work, and has a slight bend which would obstruct flow. So NO the champion, advance auto radiator is NOT an exact fit and would require a custom lower hose of some sort. Can I use a flexible hose type? Any suggestion for a part number that works? This has been very difficult and would have been a two hour job if the claims of fitment were TRUE!, they are not. The old radiator has a nice curved lower hose tube, Orientation and fitment are a problem due to the geometry of bends and curves needed to get 8 1/2" from the block tube to the radiator fitting. Help! Please! I need a radiator hose that works.

 

Can you post some pictures?

 

Based on personal experience with my 1980 RX7 and 1985 RX7 convertible, I would recommend you have your original radiator rebuilt with a new core.

 

Unfortunately you get what you pay for, and as LongDuck mentioned the Racing Beat, and Mazdatrix radiators fit "as-specified" and bolt in. Sometimes when your own an RX 7 you just have to "bite the bullet" and spend more than you would like to fix them right. I know because I've owned a GSL-SE for thirty-one years and have to "bite-the-bullet" more times than I like to admit to. Not saying there aren't alternative options to saving money however, it pays to chose which battle to choose, and which to avoid. Hope you get your issue resolved.

 

You can always have that bottom tube cut and repositioned. It could be cut in the middle and clocked and then aluminum tig welded. This of course if you can't return it.