How do you tell the difference between stock and aftermarket radiator?
 

Hi guys,

I was working on my car today when I decided to check out my rad. I had thought that I had bought the car with a stock rad, but when I saw the radiator the backside of it was really shiny (no rust/wear).

Is there another way to tell if the radiator is stock or not? I heard that the stock unit has plastic endtanks? I couldn't see any plastic parts...do I have to remove that plastic shroud to be able to see anything?

thanks

look at it from underneath the car

you should sell your car and go back to the prelude ;)

yoda says, trouble ahead for this one

*it sounds like it's aftermarket, the stock one has absolutely no shiny parts on it, no metal

Anthing in particular I should look for? are the stock plastic endtanks visible from underneath or the front?

Fluidyne radiators say "FLUIDYNE" across the fins. But the easiest thing to look for is the plastic end tanks. None of the aftermarket radiators have them.

If you have an aftermarket intake, you should be able to look straight down at the front of the car to where the upper radiator hose connects to the top of the radiator. If you see a metal frame and/or end tanks, you've got an aftermarket radiator.

You should take the front bumper off and have a look, thats how I had to do it before I knew if I had a stock rad or not

I dont think I'm going to get rid of the FD, I'm too used to the quickness to go back to driving something slow. I just have to get rid of my nasty habit of breaking something everytime I do a mod to the car. hehehe

The only reason I ask about the radiator, is cause I bought the car modified. It had HKS intakes and BOV, Apexi N1 and of course 99+ front end. BUT I have a strong feeling the last owner was knowledgable about FDs. It had all the indications that a boost gauge was installed. If the motor is original it is running pretty strong for having 74000 miles. And also all the hoses are zip tied and look new.

So I am guessing that the rad I see is aftermarket as well, but I want to be sure. I was about to buy a PWR or fluidyne but I'm gonna hold off until I see what is under there.

The andtanks on the radiator are situated up and down right? I keep thinking left and right cause when I hear endtank I think about end tanks on FMICs.

**runs out to check his radiator**

Well, so much for me having a aftermarket radiator, I see plastic endcaps from the front.

One thing I did notice was that the radiator was blocked by another black radiator looking thing. Is that the power steering cooler?

That would be the A/C condenser. Now do you see why people remove their A/C? I was surprised when I realized that for the first time.

whoa! what a good place for it! I dont know if I could stand driving around with no AC in CA though. I might melt in the summer heat or something.

Is there any way to relocate it or get a smaller AC condensor? or are you still able to have AC with that thing removed? I'm guessing that would be a big no.

The stock radiator has a foam thingy on the side. Aftermarket dont

You're pretty much stuck with it as is if you want A/C. Personally, I don't see how people can live without A/C, especially all those crazy Texas guys (Rich.....:D ).

Don't worry, you shouldn't have any cooling problems with a properly functioning cooling system. Now that I have the PFC and the fans come on earlier, my car is much happier.