Technical How much airflow does the radiator need?

CLXCraig · Oct 23, 2009

First off, i've tagged this as technical because thats how this thread will start off... it may well end up as a styling one though.

So, as per the title really. I know when i have the grilles with spot lamps on the temp is usually a little higher than normal when on a motorway cruise, but if i were to have a grille with two lamps fitted, and then fibreglass a mould over the top would it block the airflow to the rad to much and cause the car to overheat?it would only really be the top half of the grill that would be blanked off for what i'm thinking of... although the idea seems to change slightly every 5 minutes.

all comments appreciated

Panda4x4net · Oct 24, 2009

Instal a second fan

aca · Oct 24, 2009

Panda4x4net said:
Instal a second fan

And space out - the grill, a little.

See this -4 page long -Italian brothers -topic:

http://www.panda4x4.info/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2426&SearchTerms=temperature

default_user · Oct 24, 2009

How about cutting a slot in the bumper and meshing it? The bumper covers at least the lower third of the radiator anyway. It would make up for the lack of airflow through the grille. It would also look quite

.

CLXCraig · Oct 24, 2009

the bumper does already have gaps cut out... whether or not these are in front of the rad i dont know.

default_user · Oct 24, 2009

TBH I can't recall exactly what the front bumper had in terms of airflow aids as I didn't use the Panda bumpers on the Rat but even if there are already slots there you could enlarge them or join them together to make one big slot. It may be a good idea to get a scrap bumper to experiment on...

default_user · Oct 24, 2009

Just been looking at pictures of Pandas in the members motors section. I can see that there are a series of slots in the front bumper above the number plate. Looks like it would be very easy to make this one big slot and enlarge it slightly.

Panda4x4net · Oct 24, 2009

aca said:
And space out - the grill, a little.

See this -4 page long -Italian brothers -topic:

http://www.panda4x4.info/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2426&SearchTerms=temperature

You don´t need that, jus use an AC fan.

Most Easterly Pandas · Oct 24, 2009

Panda4x4net said:
Instal a second fan

Where? Theres no space iirc.

Craig, I know on my 750L blocking off the whole of the grille (although was in the winter months) never caused over heating as there was ample cooling through those holes/slits in the bumper above the number plate

Jon.

Panda4x4net · Oct 24, 2009

You place it beside the existing fan, in 4x4 version

CLXCraig · Oct 24, 2009

Thanks Jon. Didn't think it would make to much differene to be honest, just wanted to be sure before i bugger anything up.

now i can try and get ideas on paper... thats definatley easier said than done!

Most Easterly Pandas · Oct 24, 2009

Panda4x4net said:
You place it beside the existing fan, in 4x4 version

Won't the exhaust manifold be in the way?

And I know on Craig's 'inbetweener' Panda the CAT might be in the way.

Panda4x4net · Oct 24, 2009

Yes, but the AC fan is thinner than the existing one.

CLXCraig · Oct 24, 2009

the Manicat system is quite big as is the motor for the fan too thinking about it.

theres not much room between the inside of the grille and the front of the rad either which is space im looking to use.

Panda4x4net · Oct 24, 2009

CLXCraig said:
the Manicat system is quite big as is the motor for the fan too thinking about it.

theres not much room between the inside of the grille and the front of the rad either which is space im looking to use.

In about 15 days I try to send you some fotos from a panda with an AC fan.

Most Easterly Pandas · Oct 24, 2009

Panda4x4net said:
You place it beside the existing fan, in 4x4 version

Panda4x4net said:
In about 15 days I try to send you some fotos from a panda with an AC fan.

:worship:

If you could. Could you also post some pics of othe A/C components on the Panda if possible please, as I've never seen one as were not lucky enough to have A/C'ed Classic Panda's in the UK

Jon.

Panda4x4net · Oct 24, 2009

The AC fan is from a nissan micra.

lewey · Oct 24, 2009

I've got an AC fan from a Y10 that is a perfect fit for a Panda. Has a bit of heat resistant board and reflective material in front of it in anticipation of it being near to the manifold. I've been saving it for a potential use in my Panda, but if you need it Craig, I can sell it to you. labelled as 10 in the ePer image below.

CLXCraig · Oct 25, 2009

Hi Lewey. Thanks for the pic and offer. Don't think i'll be using one as i'm going to keep blocked of space to a minimum.

I only really want to add a "brow" over the top of the lights.. but incorporate the lights in it aswell. Once i get some ideas donw i'll draw them up to 1:1 and work out uncovered surface area and compare to a standard mk2 panda pre injection grille with lamps as i have one in the garage, and one of the fiat accesorie versions with the lamps built in. Jon, I'll be needing your help with that bit!

lewey · Oct 25, 2009

If your cooling system is working normally, you should be fine TBH. The Mk2 Panda cooling is very over spec'd and should be fine with only a small amount of flow to the rad IMO. Crikey, my standard rad cools my 120HP on a trackday for 15 laps of constant 4500-6000 RPM and the fan doesn't even come on until I've stopped.

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