Adrad Delivers Performance Cooling for a 2009 RC Colorado 3.0L Turbo Diesel

Towing a loaded trailer from Melbourne to Darwin through Central Australia’s 40°C heat will test any vehicle’s cooling system. When planning for this challenge, Richard made the smart call to upgrade the radiator on his 2009 RC Colorado with a custom-built Adrad high performance alloy unit.

The Radiator: Tech Specs

Featuring SL fin for enhanced cooling performance and heavy-duty extruded tube for durability this upgrade radiator proved itself in the punishing conditions of a mid-summer trans-continental relocation.

This custom-build radiator also included a thicker 54.5mm core, allowing a triple pass for the coolant. At Richard’s request an air bleed screw was added onto the top tank to avoid air locks during filling.

Heavy-duty extruded tube is much stronger than standard water tube, with side walls 30% thicker. The tube nose, visible when you look at the core face, is five times thicker than standard. This robust design provides substantially greater impact protection, making heavy-duty extruded tube ideal for use in 4x4 applications.

The Journey

Travelling though some of the hottest days of summer in central Australia, the Colorado was working hard, towing a 2.5 tonne trailer, roof racks fully loaded and the air conditioner blasting.

Richard drove from Melbourne to Brisbane and then to Rockhampton. Next, he turned inland through Emerald, Longreach, Mount Isa and across to Threeways. Temperatures by 2pm were soaring above 40°C and at 8.30pm it was still 42°C. The final leg of the journey took Richard and his Colorado to Darwin.

High-performance All The Way

Richard reported that the Adrad Performance radiator was a big improvement on the old standard radiator, and he was able to sit at 105 km/h (where legal and safe to do so) with the car at 97°C when the ambient temperature was above 40°C.

What challenges do you throw at your 4x4?

For advice on the right cooling setup for your vehicle, get in touch with Adrad Performance.

*Image is for illustration purposes only.