New TD5 radiator???? (Aluminium or stock)

[Luggy110]

Hi all a have a 2005 td5 and was out yesty in the bush a got good size stick go trough my radiator., I do t know how it happened but it went through my grill and into my radiator, I have got it back home and was toasting up witch way to go, stock radiator or an aluminium 3 core one???? Any help would be great

[landy]

Hi Luggy110

Always a tough one when replacing stuff that's damaged or due for repair. First up I'd get costs on both items. Both imports from any number of LR parts specialists ( I like Paddock Spares and John Craddocks, UK) and then from Aust LR parts specialists. It might be cheaper to import a three core than buy a standard radiator locally. Maybe a recore C/O radiator would suit your budget/needs?
But also ask yourself if you really need the uprated radiator. Do you do a lot of touring, towing etc? Or do you just want one (unfortunately I fall into this camp!)
Realistically, hundreds of Defenders of all types travel the Africa overland route with no problems overheating and loads travel Australia, also no problems.

Cheers,

Nino.

[uninformed]

is aluminium the better choice of material...

[Luggy110]

Hey Landy I know what your saying we do a lot of touring and I know that the stock ones are good, but I have a Had aussie desert coolers in 4wds in the past and they where really good, so I was just toying with the idea. If they make no difference I may as well just stay with the stock one, I would like to talk to someone that has had both, and see if there was a difference.

[crash]

I would opt for the uprated / aftermarket rad if it has welded on tanks as the stock radiator has pressed on plastic tanks and their have been cases (me included) have had the plastic "nipple" that goes to the overflow tank break off.
I always look at these scenarios as an opportunity to upgrade.

[Luggy110]

Crash you make good points thanks for your input, do you run an aftermarket radiator?

[crash]

Crash you make good points thanks for your input, do you run an aftermarket radiator?
No I don't, just the stock standard LR one.

[Drover]

I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to an AlliSport. Why not, if your keeping your truck it's an easy call.
I'm just waiting for an excuse !

[landy]

As said in the last few posts. I'm also just waiting for an excuse to up rate mine as well. I've no intention of selling mine so it won't be a problem convincing me it's a better option even though realistically I probably don't need one. But I will anyway. I'd like to do the intercooler at the same time..then a VNT Turbo!:cool:
I don't have any personal experience but a friend put one from a mob in Adelaide in his hi-lux. He swears it made a huge difference.
Ultimately if you have the budget I say go for it.

Cheers,

Nino.

[Luggy110]

Thanks guys I might get a aftermarket one, still would like to talk to someone that's got one in the defender

[Drover]

Send a PM to chook73, he has got an Allisprot rad and intercooler.

[mools]

Sure if you have to replace it get an Ali one, after all they are Moore repairable in the bush than the plastic tank OEM rad. But as far as 'performance' goes I can't see it making any difference to a Td5. I have found the OEM rad cools adequately even in very hot conditions and if properly maintained. Maybe the Puma one was under capacity, which is why people have changed them out early, I don't know.

Ian.

[Drover]

Puma Radiators and Intercoolers are the same as TD5's.

[mools]

Yes but the engines are not. It's the mating between the two that will dictate weather the rad is upto the task. Just saying that on a TD5 the OEM is adequate, don't know about the Puma - I don't own one and this thread is not about them.

Ian.

[Luggy110]

Thanks guys for all you input I have to replace it so I might just order a Ali one I think. Thanks again