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VW Golf MK3 radiator? Like Scirocco radiator, but longer.

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knochgoon24

DSM Wiseman
6,135
92
Jan 29, 2008
Troy, Michigan
The Scirocco radiator has become quite popular for those looking to make more room in the engine bay, my running a radiator that is small enough to fit withing the radiator support instead of behind it.

But it's been recently been brought to my attention that the VW Golf MK3 radiator is almost the same size, just 6" longer length.

Golf MK3
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Scirocco
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Overall Sizes

Golf MK3
28"x12.5"x2"

Scirocco (Golf MK2 is just a hair smaller)
21.5"x13.25"x3"

2g DSM
27.5"x18.5"x2"


Without a Scirocco radiator in hand, or even a full width DSM radiator, do those of you with Scirocco radiators think there's the space for the extra length?


These make me believe it would.

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From: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/custom-fabrication/386716-my-ducted-radiator-setup-road-racing.html
 
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My measurements are pointing to it fitting, unless there's something I'm missing. I won't know for sure until I make a cardboard mockup.

And one thing to point out: it is only a 2" think -- 2 row core. The 20% larger core area should more make up for the decrease in thickness. Plus make it so I can still fit the A/C condenser in front of it behind the headlights.

Oh, and CXRacing sell one for $180 shipped. Quite a bit cheaper than a Sirocco one, which they don't sell.
 
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I know im bringing up a yr old thread but, did anyone ever confirm that this fit. I would like the larger one if possible.
 
I've considered doing that before but after finding out I can still fit the stock radiator fan and finding a good Spal pusher to put in place of the condenser fan, I didn't make the jump. If my setup ever goes bigger I'd consider it once again.
 
I am considering doing this radiator setup as well. But the only true concern that I have is if the ebay Golf mk3 are true dual pass radiators or not. From looking at most reputable dual pass radiators the inlet/outlet end tank should have a seem welded in them to make it a true dual pass. I am worried that the ebay radiators are just one open end tank with no divider in the center of them. I have messaged many of the ebay venders but most of them have no clue what they are talking about or just plain don't respond as they don't know the answer.

Can anyone who purchased one from ebay confirm that the end tank is divided? And a true dual pass?
 
Anybody do this on a 1g?
I have been running a Scirocco radiator on my 1g for 5 or 6 years now. It fits where the AC cooler used to sit so it gives quite a bit more room. The only issue I have had is that on a summer day the car wants to over heat when its over 80 outside in stop and go traffic. However I only have one slim fan from advanced auto parts and I'm pretty sure that is the main reason.
 
I have been running a Scirocco radiator on my 1g for 5 or 6 years now. It fits where the AC cooler used to sit so it gives quite a bit more room. The only issue I have had is that on a summer day the car wants to over heat when its over 80 outside in stop and go traffic. However I only have one slim fan from advanced auto parts and I'm pretty sure that is the main reason.

Well, I tried the mk3 rad in a 1g, and turns out its about 1/2" too wide to fit where the AC condenser goes. BALLS! Looks like ima have to try sirocco.
 
What do you mean besidesnthe -12 lines?

It was doing it fine I'm building a manifold and i have to move a few things to fit two wastegates. Also have to fab a front roll stop.

The fal fan is awesome but it is bigger than the core support and i need a pusher fan between the intercooler and radiator. I'm seeing the core support measurements as 28"x13" and that is including tollersnce for a 2.5" intercooler pipe.
 
What do you mean besidesnthe -12 lines?

It was doing it fine I'm building a manifold and i have to move a few things to fit two wastegates. Also have to fab a front roll stop.

The fal fan is awesome but it is bigger than the core support and i need a pusher fan between the intercooler and radiator. I'm seeing the core support measurements as 28"x13" and that is including tollersnce for a 2.5" intercooler pipe.

I meant mine has -12 AN lines to water pipe / water neck, and -12 AN bungs on radiator. That would be the only difference between the setups.
 
Still looking for a seller on ebay for one of these withot rediculas shipping rates anyone find one?

It has to be cheap to ship to Ontario vs Newfoundland LOL.
IIRC, I saw $50 for shipping the other day which is better then the $100 plus I usually see.

Post up where you get one for your fellow Canucks.
 
So Iv been working on this and I thought Id quickly share my progress. I ended up buying the exact radiator that @UrbanSmoker mentioned in this thread. Its definitely not a bolt in application but here is the outcome.
- I removed the AC so there is no condenser.
- I had to cut into drivers side radiator core near the headlight
- I removed the hood latch and support (Its a drag car so Im using pins anyway) but in hindsight I really don't think I had to. The radiator is mounted at a slight tilt and there is definitely room to make a custom bracket for the latch to fit back in there
- I hade to pull my VRSF FMIC out an inch. All I did was place the large rubber grommets in-between the FMIC and the frame.

Images are attached and everything is not completely done yet. Im still working on the 2x 12" slim fan brackets. Il let you know if I have any other issues with bolting everything back up.
 

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Hey Guys.

I thought I contribute to this thread as well. Here is my install for the MK3 Rad.

Here are the specs of my new VW MK3 Radiator:
Brand: HR Racing
Model: VW Golf MK3 2.0 MT 93-99 year.
Specs: Dual Pass.
28 x 12.5 x 2.25 (overall size)
Price: $130.00 shipped Ebay.

Pic for reference:
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To do this install here is what I needed to remove from the GSX
-Bumper
-Crash Bar
-FMIC Kit
-Both Headlights.
-2G Style Radiator.
-Both Fans
-Power steering cooler.

Unfortunately, I think the dimensions have changed over the last couple years and my rad seemed to need more trimming of the core support to get it to fit. I ended up having to cut out material on both sides of the core support near the headlights. Along with some metal on the bottom part of the core. I also drilled holes in the bottom of the core to allow the post of the rad to sit in. I will buy some grommets later to finish it off.

At this time I was able to save my stock hood latch. I have proven to myself it is possible to keep it while doing this tucked core. So FYI to anyone who wants to do this and not have to run hood latches. I may still remove my stock latch but I am undecided at this time.

Right now I am figuring out Coolant hoses. It seems the OEM bottom one will fit fine. The top one needs to be replaced. I will probably also delete my power steering cooler as well.

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Thanks,
 
So I wanted to update people that may use this thread to do a MK3 rad install.

I having been up and running on mine for months now and haven't experienced any issues. My fans are setup as 1 push & 1 pull fan 10" mounted on the rad. Plus I vent my hood with a carbontrix reverse hood vent. I was in OC this past week for H20. The street got very busy around 6pm and I notice my temp needle starting to go up a little. This was starting to happen because there was very little air flow with the cars bumper to bumper, and it was taking 45 mins to go about 2-3 blocks. Temp was about 78 degrees out. I turned my heat on in the car and the needle leveled out again, but that definitely tells me I need to keep that in mind for very hot days and traffic congestion.

This was not just my car though. A guy with a 370z in our group also said his car was getting hot. I believe it cause I used to have a g37 and they do run hotter. (Tight engine) also a guy with a audi s6 v8 twin turbo said he noticed his coolant temps rising as well. So I think it was a lack of flow.
 
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So I wanted to update people that may use this thread to do a MK3 rad install.

I having been up and running on mine for months now and haven't experienced any issues. My fans are setup as 1 push & 1 pull fan 10" mounted on the rad. Plus I vent my hood with a carbontrix reverse hood vent. I was in OC this past week for H20. The street got very busy around 6pm and I notice my temp needle starting to go up a little. This was starting to happen because there was very little air flow with the cars bumper to bumper, and it was taking 45 mins to go about 2-3 blocks. Temp was about 78 degrees out. I turned my heat on in the car and the needle leveled out again, but that definitely tells me I need to keep that in mind for very hot days and traffic congestion.

what fans are you running on there?
 
what fans are you running on there?

Some older mishimoto brand fans.

Newer ones might be able to produce more flow. My Problem is you can’t fit a huge fan on the front due to clearence from the upper core support and hood latch. Since I retained my oem latch.
 
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