2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Radiator upgrade

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Old Jun 17, 2011 | 03:15 PM
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E36matyac's Avatar
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Radiator upgrade

First off, Im not too good with rx7's, sorry if anything i say is completely wrong. Please correct me if i do.
Next, Is there a good place that sells a reasonably priced radiator upgrade? Because Ive replaced everything else in the cooling system, and the whole right side of the radiator (if you look at it with the hood open from in front) is cold to touch even if the car is overheating.
I have already decided that i don't want a OEM radiator, because i don't like the design of it. I was looking at godspeed radiator because its only $190 and its a cross flow design which seems a lot better than stock. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this one?

Any help would be awesome.
Thanks in advance.
-Spencer-
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Old Jun 17, 2011 | 08:47 PM
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I've had good luck with the Godspeed radiator. Now, be careful, because the one I ordered and the one they sent me were 2 different items. I ordered the S4 (86-88) radiator, they sent me the S5 (89-91). They ARE different. I'm not too sure if the S5 is supposed to have the heater hose nipple poking out the side of the lower pipe, or if it's like the S4 which has it on top of the lower pipe. I ended up getting screwed with one that didn't fit, so I just had to deal with it and make it fit....







It's a good radiator though. Haven't had any issues with the quality of materials or welds, and it cools soooo much better than stock. Maybe the V-mount design helped out some too, but who knows.

Just my opinion. I'm sure others will have theirs too.
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 10:09 AM
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Dang, your engine bay is CLEAN!
Love the setup!
And thanks for the info and Pics. I don't really know how i can make sure i get the S4 radiator, so i guess ill just hope for the best when i order it. haha.
Thanks again.
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 03:58 PM
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I ordered a Corksport all aluminium radiator for my S4 NA, its a bit thicker than the OEM one though ... 6,5 cm.

If you are using the stock clutch fan get the corksport fan shroud too, your old one needs to be modified to work with the thicker rad.

Dont know about other rad brands, my old rad just cracked and I needed a new one so I wanted to upgrade it while I am in there.
+1 Never have to worry about the cooling capacity of my car

Steven
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 04:24 PM
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Well i upgraded to an electric fan, and it moves a lot of air, so i am fine without the fan shroud.
But i looked at the Corksport, and the only thing i don't like is its the same downflow design as stock. whereas the Godspeed, I think, is double pass; which i have heard is much better and more efficient.
I'm not trying to bash yours or anything, but I'm just saying.

Last edited by E36matyac; Jun 18, 2011 at 04:27 PM.
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 05:48 PM
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if you are an s5, koyo makes a nflo for you which is a dual pass, technically its a triple pass, but i would only go with a custom dual pass core made by either CR, Griffin or another good brand, or get the AWR radiator as its made by Ron Davis, another good radiator brand. i dont trust godspeed much as the welds on their products scare me. i try my best to go with proven brands.
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Old Jun 19, 2011 | 12:59 AM
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E36matyac's Avatar
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Thank everybody for the help.
But i have an s4 and i just went ahead and got the same one AGreen has because it looks like he likes it. so hopefully this will help my overheating problem.
Thanks again for the input.
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Old Jun 19, 2011 | 12:59 AM
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I had a godspeed, it was pretty sweet and according to my gauge it dropped coolant temps by 20-30 degrees
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Old Jun 19, 2011 | 09:35 AM
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Was your car overheating? In an ideal world, the radiator and cooling system for the car is OVER engineered. The thermostat controls the temperature of the coolant, and the radiator should take away alot more heat than the engine puts out. That way, the thermostat is cycling open and shut, maintaining temperature right where it needs to be. In most situations with the Rx7 once the thermostat opens, it stays there and you're white-knuckled holding on to the steering wheel shouting "COME ONNNNNNN RADIATOR!!"
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Old Jun 19, 2011 | 01:47 PM
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no mine never overheated but the I bought the godspeed for my turbo build
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Old Jun 19, 2011 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by AGreen
In an ideal world, the radiator and cooling system for the car is OVER engineered. The thermostat controls the temperature of the coolant, and the radiator should take away alot more heat than the engine puts out. That way, the thermostat is cycling open and shut, maintaining temperature right where it needs to be. In most situations with the Rx7 once the thermostat opens, it stays there and you're white-knuckled holding on to the steering wheel shouting "COME ONNNNNNN RADIATOR!!"
I read that out loud to my room mate and lol'd, he rolled his eyes(he has an s13).
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