Firstfives.org

Anyone have any experience with these?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256077421916

I seem to recall that Rob Siegel (BMWCCA "Hack Mechanic") put something similar in his e12 based e24. He did an article on it, albeit I cannot remember in what publication.

Never used one but I've seen them for sale for a few years. A nice alternative for the slightly custom installation of the E28 radiator for improved cooling, presumably.

I’ve had a Chinese made aluminum radiator in my Ford truck for about 4 years and it’s been fine. I doubt this would be a drop-in replacement for an e12 but you never know. It looks close at least.

PatinaBeforePolish wrote: ↑Sat Jan 06, 2024 4:32 pm I’ve had a Chinese made aluminum radiator in my Ford truck for about 4 years and it’s been fine. I doubt this would be a drop-in replacement for an e12 but you never know. It looks close at least.

Yeah, first thing I noticed was just one plug for the coolant temp switches. No big deal, but just one of those things that takes more time and money.

Thanks for the replies guys;
I decided to have a reputable, local radiator shop in business for over 50 yrs. take a look at my African E12 replacement in service for over 20 yrs.

He found a tiny leak in the left core and suggested either repairing or looking somewhere for someone to make cores to specifications.
After considering the options, I let him find a business in TX that made cores and shipped them to my local shop. He then reattached the tanks and voila, an original radiator with the right number of sensor holes (one pulled out trying to remove the sensor but he said it happens all the time and reattached it to the tank) and virtual drop-into service. I've never had cooling issues, so no need for an upgrade even though I live in Da Big Easy.

Wasn't cheap but I figured the best money spent given the circumstances.