I have a ebay cast iron manifold with a 3" downpipe, and a half sized radiator. When I try to install the downpipe, the radiator is in the way. I unbolted the radiator and moved it towards the passenger side a little, with a little muscle, i can align the bolt holes on the DP to the turbo, now I am concerned about the downpipe touching the radiator, and the radiator touching the rubber housing around the clutch slave cylinder.

I have header wrap, and I intend to wrap the dp before its time to be installed, I plan on double wrapping the downpipe around the area where it touches the radiator. I plan on using metal zip ties to support the radiator (I am still using the metal bracket on top, and the radiator is resting on a lip where it originally sat, with the rubber shoes on it still to absorb movement.


I need more opinions before I go forth with this.

Would getting a full size radiator fix this issue? I don't know where it would sit in the engine bay.


Thanks

 

Also, I think if I bought a different manifold where it would lower the turbo a couple inches, it would fix this problem, but i've had no luck. I'm not trying to drop 200 on another manifold. I've look for t3 to t3 flange extenders, adapters but I couldnt find ****.

 

no wonder this hasnt been done. The car was previously hit in the front passenger side of the bumper bar bending it in a little bit, pushing the radiator forward. I shaved the metal lip on the radiator, and pushed the passenger side of the radiator forward, also shaving around the headlight housing, and cutting a bar in the fan off because it was touching the slave (i know probably a bad idea, but it felt fine after it was off )

 

what car is this for???

 

dent the down pipe with BFH.

 

yep. you should see what my dp looks like under the heatwrap lol. honestly though, id only do this is its close and you only need a small dent. to help the process out, dont be afraid to give that area that needs to be dented a little heat from a propane/mapp gas torch to make it more malleable when hot.

 

I ended up relocating the radiator. I moved a mount, shaved the metal lip in the radiator, and part of the headlight housing, and one leg on the radiator fan so It wouldnt touch the clutch slave. Time to relocate the intercooler on the top portion of the bumper guard, the intercooler sits too low, I would have to chop up my bumper, plus if I raise it the intercooler will be right infront of the front opening.

 

All that work for a less-than-desirable manifold. Hope it works out for ya.