Cooling options + keeping AC.

[M3 y rt]

Pretty sure every conversion I've seen has removed the AC system, I'd like to keep it as its a road car. Obviously that's not a major issue in its self but looking at the standard 200 radiator its feeble so will probably end up fitting something bigger/thicker like an updated alloy one or megane one if it fits. What has everyone else done and does anyone still run AC?
Russ

 

[Sean197]

I'm still running a/c with the standard 197 rad. Temps are ok on the move, but heatsoak when stationary does cause the temps to rise very quickly. The megane rad will fit but needs the subframe spaced down slightly. Therefore I'm looking into a custom radiator with the height of the clio radiator but the width and length of the megane rad.
Saying that, the biggest factor in dealing with under bonnet temps is getting the hot air out, so the best thing to do is have vents or louvres.
Ceramic coating the turbo, manifold, and downpipe would also help quite a bit.

 

[M3 y rt]

Thanks Sean, be interested to see what you come up with re a custom setup especially if you keep the AC. I might grab a Meg rad and see if I can get the Clio AC rad to mount up somehow or even try a Meg AC rad.
Russ

 

[Sean197]

The other thing to bear in mind with keeping a/c is the intercooler pipework routing from intercooler to throttle body. With the a/c rad in place there's no room for the pipework to fit normally so it has to be routed round the n/s chassis leg using a u-bend. No big deal, but bear in mind it will influence the intercooler choice because of the location of the outlet on the standard megane intercooler vs a universal one such as the ones from forge or mishimoto.

 

[M3 y rt]

Decided to bin the AC for now, ordered an alloy megane rad and fan + AC delete kit. Means I'll be able to fit the expansion tank on the drivers side infront of the turret once the pipes are removed too. Thanks for the help chaps. Hopefully another GW 200 turbo up and running soon!
Russ

 

[Sean197]

good stuff, keep us updated!

 

[youngarthur]

I have also removed the rubber strip that runs the length of the scuttle panel. When stopped, you can see the heat coming from there, so on the move the heat is blown across the top of the engine, and out.( Insert Tesco slogan here!.)

 

[M3 y rt]

Just an update, got the megane rad and cooler fitted but was a real pain to get mounted. Had the car started so not much left to do now.
Russ

 

[nutnutwelshman]

I'll Keep the AC TIMES last few years on trips in Europe when it was 32 plus

 

[youngarthur]

The 250 engine in the Clio, allow you to keep the AC,because of the way the intercooler pipes run etc. Getting rid of the heat, is the major problem, but with the Megan rad.,bonnet vents, holes which number plate covers, (Removed for the track),scuttle rubber removed for track, there is no overheating at all, and keeping the AC is of course a bonus. Roll on Spa 4th April.

 

[Williamspaul]

ive had no trouble running ac in my 197 bent the pipes slightly around the boost pipe

 

[Glenn_Adam_Doble]

anyone else kept there A/C would like to know more this is pretty much the deal breaker for me, would like to know how temps have been i.e. heat soak with out cutting holes in the car left right and centre, i want really clean install and no temp issues

 

[Pav]

Same here..kept mine just because..since I had it why removing it...

 

[Williamspaul]

Just an update, got the megane rad and cooler fitted but was a real pain to get mounted. Had the car started so not much left to do now.
Russ
View attachment 103257

what rad is this ^^^^