Installing a second hand MP62 supercharger with a second hand BRP A/A intercooler. It didn't come with the BRP radiator relocation brackets. Need help solving radiator clearance problem as shown in the pictures.

Currently radiator sits 3.25 inches too high. I see two options: make custom mounts to lower current mishimoto radiator OR buy new shorter radiator. Does anyone have any radiator suggestions that are shorter in height that I can purchase? Or any other alternative solutions that I'm overlooking? (Go turbo b/c superchargers suck. ya ya I know... )

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

a) I'm not a fan of Mishimoto, but it seems like you'll be creating new problems by going to a shorter radiator.

b) measure how much room you actually have when the hood is closed. It may be possible to buy oversized tubing and then ovalize it (squish) so it clears the hood but doesn't restrict flow. You may need some custom welding, although silicone connectors may also be the only thing you need.

Good luck.

 

Is alternative intercooler routing an option?

 

Not sure what power levels you are aiming for but I would definitely advise not taking any steps that might reduce cooling efficacy.

Changing intercooler routing would be where I would look first -- probably both cheaper and better in the long run. Route around the sides of the radiator, either high or low.

If there's room to drop the radiator lower -- if that's the way the kit was supposed to work -- then custom bracket changes are also inexpensive to accomplish, although presumably this would modify coolant hose routing. Also consider if this would put more of the radiator behind the intercooler, which would be less optimal for cooling.

 

From the comments, it appears my best options are to lower the radiator or re-route the intercooler tubing. Lowering the radiator will definitely be less expensive. However, IC tubing re-route seems to be easier but more expensive. Not sure which direction to go yet but sounds like I found an answer.

Thanks for all your input!

 

The TDR Rotrex kit includes modified brackets that lower the radiator to allow OTR IC piping. They utilize the second set of mounting holes that are used for teh sway bar bracket mounts. Some minor slotting of the rad brackets is all that is needed.

 

That makes total sense to me. My second hand kit is supposed to include similar brackets to lower the radiator. And of course they're missing. Maybe there is a higher power somewhere out there doing this to me because it is upset that I went with a supercharger and not a turbo. Maybe I'll find out someday...

Thanks for your input!

 

Quick Update: I completed the IC, AC, and radiator test fitment. Required buying a new radiator and lowering it a little bit with fabricated brackets. Although a tight fit, it all fits well with the IC pipes connecting with ease and enough clearance above the radiator to not be hitting it. The AC lines were in the way but I managed to move them slightly by very gently bending them and sort of massaging them into place. I'm happy with the end result so far. Thank you miataturbo.net for all your help!

 

Make sure to duct that set up to the nose opening.
Nicely done!

 

Thanks and I absolutely agree! I plan to tackle that later on after I get the car running. Assuming I can get it running. Which will be a challenge I look forward to learning about.