Thread: Swapping a V8 radiator into a 300TDi SI Disco

Certainly is a good idea Frank, had an opportunity to do this a few years back but the job never went through. It is easy as BUT the IC pipework is a bit involved. If I had a Tdi Disco, it would be one of the first jobs I'd do.


Sounds like you da man to do it a take pics then


JC

Hi JC,
Are the Disco and Defender radiators the same?
Could you do the same mod to a Defender?


Tony

Justin, I am going to get the V8 rad. rodded and the end tanks modified to accept 300 TDi hoses and oil cooler pipes.
A question you maybe able to answer re: the IC pipework, one set of pipes is going to be longer than the other, because the fittings (pipe ends) are on opposite ends of the IC core. In your opinion (or anyone else's for that matter) which side of the Turbo pipes to and from the IC would you make the longest.
That is, would you have the return air pipe from the IC to the inlet manifold the longest or the shortest and does it matter or make a difference, Regards Frank.

If i were doing this mod, id make the outlet from intercooler into intake the drivers side.

What is the advantage of the v8 radiator? Is it thinner?

Originally Posted by Tank

In your opinion (or anyone else's for that matter) which side of the Turbo pipes to and from the IC would you make the longest.
That is, would you have the return air pipe from the IC to the inlet manifold the longest or the shortest and does it matter or make a difference, Regards Frank.

I am pondering the same question on my S3 conversion Frank, and I have come to the conclusion in my case, that it will make little difference, as the intercooler will standing on its end and inclined forward, which makes the pipes about the same length..

In your case, if the difference in pipe lengths is significant, then I guess short pipe to manifold makes sense, before the air can get warmer from the radiant heat in the engine bay. Having said all that, radiant heat may not be an issue at all,

Cheers Charlie

Originally Posted by Smokaharma

If i were doing this mod, id make the outlet from intercooler into intake the drivers side.

What is the advantage of the v8 radiator? Is it thinner?

TDI rad is about 2/3 the size of a V8 rad so will provide a larger coolant capacity and there for higher efficiency i would think.

Would it not be better to get a custom IC with inlet/outlets on the same side, i would think that the extra piping length may cause a drop in efficiency ?

Thanks for the replies so far, I was wondering if anyone could draw me a diagram or post some pics showing the routing of IC/Turbo pipes as set up on a Disco TD5 as it will give me some Idea on how to setup.
Smokaharma, the 300TDi Disco radiator has the intercooler mounted on the same plane, right beside the rad. whereas the V8 rad. is as wide as the 300TDi rad. and IC combined. I believe that the standard 300TDi IC's position is not optimal and a full width TD5 IC is more exposed to the airflow. Thanks, Regards Frank.

Ok but is the v8radiator thinner as im wondering how a full front mount would fit inside the grill with aircon condenser