header tank option

[shedrool83]

I'm putting and m20 into a 318is shell.

Where the m20 header would normally go i have a factory fitted alarm.

Was wonder if anyone has used an e36 rad with the head tank on the side or maybe an e34 header tank on the bulk head or maybe something else.

[jmc330i]

Early M20s had the header tank up near the battery tray.

I've seen an M20 using a rad with the integral expansion tank, but I don't know what rad it was or how it was plumbed. From memory, it was an M50 converted car that had an M20 refitted while some engine work was done, so it could of been an E36 rad.

[shedrool83]

e36 rad would be the best looking option i think but not sure how much hassle the plumbing would be.

[HairyScreech]

Been done a few times, not sure on the specifics but if you search for "tropical radiator" or e36 or 5 series rad then you should find some leads.

[shedrool83]

Looking at nickstoner's 2.8 build a 318is rad works a treat so think i'll go down that route

[eko]

I did an M20 swap recently on one of mine and used and E36 aircon rad.
Ill find a pic...

[eko]

[shedrool83]

did you have much trouble hose wise Tony?

[Curr946]

Jake youll need to change the pipe that runs along the side of the block as this has a t off it running to the expansion tank. IIRC I used one from a preface lift when I used an E36 rad a few years back on a 2.5 conversion.
I'm sure I should have one in the garage. Ill look it out plus some other bits.. I will fill your van yet

[Gunni]

Use this radiator.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-3-SER ... 416cd789d7

Carries most amount of coolant, has the header tank as well. Makes for the cleanest most efficient cooling system.

[Kedge]

Jake youll need to change the pipe that runs along the side of the block as this has a t off it running to the expansion tank. IIRC I used one from a preface lift when I used an E36 rad a few years back on a 2.5 conversion.
I'm sure I should have one in the garage. Ill look it out plus some other bits.. I will fill your van yet

It's the facelift pipe you need to do this.

You've not said what whether your M20 is a pre or post facelift version. You need the plumbing and water pump from a facelift car.

[eko]

No trouble fitting it.
Just routed the original M20 pipe towards the bottom of the rad rather than upto the original header tank location.
Ok the pipe wasnt a perfect fit but it fitted fine with no kinks in it.
I just used the plastic hose bracket found on M40`s etc which clips on the chassis rail.
Had to shorten the bottom hose a couple of inches as it was too long.

[shedrool83]

Cheers guys.Its a facelift so all good.
Was going to use a s/h rad but that ebay ones a bargin so i'll go new.

[shedrool83]

Got the rad in the link above and it all fitted /plumbed in fine.







Only issue is the fill pipe to the header tank.Its abit to tight against the alternator bracket.

[jimmyspeed]

if the belts old , you could try a new one to bring it a bit further away or maybe even a non standard one ?

[shedrool83]

if the belts old , you could try a new one to bring it a bit further away or maybe even a non standard one ?

Brand new belt.
Never thought of a no standard belt .
I said alternator but its the power steering bracket ,a shorter belt maybe the answer thanks.

[jimmyspeed]

no worries - if the toothed adjuster is in the way you could cut it down and re-weld it too

would just mean a bit less adjustment and more belt changes

am watching with interest as i need to fit new rad and do away with the header tank, so this has been a big help!

[steve_k]

shedrool how did you go about fitting the new rad?

got to get a new one myself & i'm going for the one in the link from willnz.

any help/advise would be great.

T.I.A.

[shedrool83]

The rad in the link was a straight fit i.e it sat on the factory brackets at the bottom and the top bracket holds it fine.

My top and bottom rad hoses fitted straight on as did the hose that would go to your oem header on a facelift m20.

As above the only slight issue is the power streering ajusting bracket being abit to close to the old header hose.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-3-SER ... 416cd789d7


Thats the rad i used.

[steve_k]

The rad in the link was a straight fit i.e it sat on the factory brackets at the bottom and the top bracket holds it fine.

My top and bottom rad hoses fitted straight on as did the hose that would go to your oem header on a facelift m20.

As above the only slight issue is the power streering ajusting bracket being abit to close to the old header hose.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-3-SER ... 416cd789d7


Thats the rad i used.

cheers dude thats the rad i'll be getting, at least i know it'll be a straight fit, also does it have the "boss" for fitting the electric fan switch?

[shedrool83]

Yes it does.

[steve_k]

Yes it does.

fantastic cheer's dude

[nickphine]

I used my 318is rad on my m20 conversion as the cores were identical. Always worked perfectly, combination of 318is and 325 hoses as i recall, all standard. I had to modify either the power steering pump or alternator bracket to get the bottom hose to clear if memory serves. It looked neat and held temp perfectly even on hot track days. Normal viscous fan too. Got some pics somewhere...