Is the turbo MKII radiator different than the N/A radiator??

[mtnbob]

I just bought a turbo radiator after hearing that it would offer better cooling than the stock one. It is identical to what is in my 86 1.6 N/A. Any input would be great. My radiator had an item number of 191 121 253 A 30/85. The one I got was  191 121 253 A 18/85.
Thanks
Robert

[8v-of-fury]

I'm pretty sure the only difference is, is that it is a bit longer. Possibly a bit thicker for slightly better cooling. Either will bolt right in to any mk1, or mk2 as both generations frames have the holes to mount either. You may need a different top rad hose, as IIRC it kinda points at a 45 to the passenger side as opposed to straight out??? Don't quote me on that last one lol.

Good luck fitting the new rad 

[mtnbob]

Looking at the two item numbers, aren't they the same radiators? They look identical.

[jtanguay]

the turbo rad might be a bit longer, but it will fit.  the locking tab up top just needs to be moved over a bit i think.  i'm actually considering going with a shorter rad due to the TDI efficiency and space requirements to fit my a/c compressor...  but i might just re-route the lower output of the rad to the side to make room for it.  but as always i'll do whats cheapest 

but if you really want better cooling, junk the OEM fan and get two of these  the guy sells different sized fans as well so you can just buy two and make a shroud out of some durable material.  two fans will move a heck of a lot more air than one...

[Hammy]

 It might be possible that someone installed a turbo rad previously, maybe they had some cooling issues or got the wrong one. If they are the same length then it is likely a turbo rad. The other rad would be noticeably shorter if it was an NA rad. I've changed one over once also, I believe it was almost 6" shorter. Hope this helps. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, it was about three years ago.

Jas

[mtnbob]

I think what I have is what it came with. Maybe my car came with the turbo radiator since it had factory air. Since I have it all apart is there anything I can do to clean the coils better in the radiator or the A/C radiator?