2000 V70R - Spectra Radiator quality?

Post by **scot850** » 17 Aug 2015, 20:46

Has anyone used a Spectra branded radiator at all? I am usually the first one to say only use OE as I've had problems with aftermarket (Behr/Nissens) getting them to seal at the top hose. I've learned to use a new hose now each time and a lot of cursing!

Only reason I'm asking is someone is selling a brand new one locally that they had delivered and were not able to return as they left it too late. It has the auto-trans cooling hoses on one side and nothing on the other (like mine). Only reason I'm considering it is that they are asking $50 Cdn (about $35 US) and thought it may do for emergency back-up.

Neil.

Post by **tryingbe** » 17 Aug 2015, 21:19

I used Spectra from Autozone for my 850. They're nice since I can put barbs on them.

Post by **dosbricks** » 17 Aug 2015, 21:34

I wouldn't go to the trouble of draining coolant, changing out radiator, and refilling coolant to install a "backup". But if the need was immediate, wouldn't it be better to apply the $50 Cdn to next day delivery of an OE?

The last radiator I purchased was a Behr and was very disappointed in the fit and quality--wish I had sprung for an OE.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Aug 2015, 23:19

I don't disagree with either of your points of view. The other thing I can't make out from the add it the transmission cooler pipe connections. The connections are the older style, or so it looks to me, which use the metal 'cage' type clips to hold the pipe into the radiator. The newer style have the plastic 'snap-in' type as are fitted to my car, but then this car does not have the engine oil cooler so what the heck does it fit?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-engines-and-engi ... 1095533542

I'm now more curious than interested. Still not sure of the brand as the owner says there are no markings on it to say who made it.

Neil.

Post by **tryingbe** » 17 Aug 2015, 23:28

scot850 wrote:The other thing I can't make out from the add it the transmission cooler pipe connections. The connections are the older style, or so it looks to me, which use the metal 'cage' type clips to hold the pipe into the radiator.
\

N/A 850 with an auto trans.

Pretty sure N/A didn't come with oil cooler.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Aug 2015, 23:49

Answering my own question, this format is used by NA automatic 850 and NA 98 S/V70, as long as they don't have an oil cooler. Could use on a manual car also, just no need for the trans coupling.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 18 Aug 2015, 04:55

My Nissens replacement radiator had brass clip on transmission cooler fittings which I just ignored since it's a 5,speed on my 1999. The 1999 turbo engine oil cooler is also the biscuit type underneath the engine.

Post by **mecheng** » 18 Aug 2015, 10:23

I had a Spectra in my Prelude, never had any issues with it. Most aftermarket rads are decent, never had issues with any of them. That is a good price

Post by **scot850** » 18 Aug 2015, 11:16

Good price, but wrong connections for my car for the trans cooler. Mine has the snap in type, the radiator has the wire basket type connectors. I don't really want to try to swap the connectors over as I am most likely to break something!

If anyone else wants it, I can pick it up and ship it as cost for them as the guy only lives 5 minutes from my house.

Neil.