Vit Radiator into SJ

[ScottieJ]

I'm not sure if this method will work if you have power steering fitted using a wedge but I'm sure it wont be that hard to adapt it if you do. For this I used the original mounts out of the vitara but with the O/S one I rotated it 90degrees so that it sits in front of the rad because the steering box is in the way. Then I trimmed the N/S mount so that it fits between the rad and the chassis and cut out some tabs to weld to the chassis.





Note how i have trimmed the original mount down




Make some small supports for the top of the rad, I used some 2mm sheet, I also added a gusset to the right bracket.



you need to cut a section out of the bonnet for the rad cap.

[dan_2k_uk]

U reckon I could get it low enough to not cut the bonnet.

Looks tight side to side aswell. Think I will just keep it as close to the steering box as possible.

I aint got the standard mounts though

[ScottieJ]

Yeah I think you could? I'm not sure I need the cut in the bonnet for my new vit rad set up?

Have you got power steering Dan? I have now and with a vit rad its very tight, so tight I had to trim a bit off the radiator.

Also what fan are you using? Electric or stock? If stock remember that the cowling needs to end up in the right place.

Only pics I can find at the moment are these, the rad is tilted back more than stock to aid clearance.

[dan_2k_uk]

No power steering yet but want to leave room for the future.

Still using the viscous fan. U reckon it will help alot if I swap to electric?

[ScottieJ]

I would have a little play and see if you can get the rad into a good position with the viscous fan, however with electric fans you can fit the rad anywhere you want and it will also give you a tiny bit more power from the engine.

[Team Pink]

There are 2 types of Vit radiator, one is shorter than the other and fits without cutting the bonnet. If you have a scout round ebay you will often be able to get the dimensions. The vit rads will fit with a Jimny power steering box, I have doubts if they will fit with a vit box due to the wedge required. I had 3mm clearance either side with mine.

[ScottieJ]

That's a Vit rad with vit power steering box and a wedge in my picture Tim its very tight, you just need to trim a small bit off the lip that runs around the rad i'll get a pic later to show what I mean.

[dan_2k_uk]

Well dunno which Vit rad Ive got but from looking at Scottie's pics I would say it isnt as wide or as tall.

I measured the height of the standard Rad from the floor and I'm within 5mm of that height so the bonnet should close and side to side there is loads of room.

The cowling lines up ok aswell (bit tight on the drivers side).

Will have to wait and see when I put the front clip on but if I limit mine on the passenger side to the inside of the chassis rail like the picture of Scottie's I reckon theres easily space for a Vit PAS box on a wedge left on the drivers side.

Dan

[Henry]

I made a frame for mine out of channel so it can slide in or out.

Its mounted at a slight angle so that it clears the pas pump and box, but this wouldnt work with a standard fan.

[dan_2k_uk]

Can someone take a top down picture of their engine bay with PAS. Didnt realise there was an issue with clearing the pump aswell as the box. Wanna make sure I leave enough space for the future.

Dan