Koyo Install Write-Up
06-06-06, 06:09 PM
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Koyo Install Write-Up
My experience with the Koyo...
Why I bought it...because it was shiny...and it seemed that traffic and hot days don't mix. The temp climbed pretty quickly if I wasn't moving and it seemed that the fans ran alot when the outside temp was 85F+. I did have the FC thermoswitch and I verified that the fans came on correctly.
On hot days, the fans did not always cool the system in a reasonable time, so the fans would run longer. Some time in driving up the interstate, the fans would come on, and then run on after shutting the car off (the 10 min timer circuit???).
Car is an auto.
The radiator is definately not a drop in. Close, but not quite. It is so much thicker that it becomes obvious that you will have to take some time to do it right. It does fit nicely in place of the original, however, it will take some re-work of the brackets. If you simply turn the brackets around as many suggest, the radiator will sit maybe 1/4" higher than the lowest position possible. It looks like a go, but after putting all the original airhandling in, it will not be quite right. The components sit too high.
I had to drill a hole close to the bend in the radiator corner bracket. I then installed the brackets facing down. The Koyo will sit so that the top hole is just lower that the frame mount. This is the way you have to set up the bracket. You may not be able to get the radiator in when the brackets are on. A bit of a struggle.
The fans will go in if the radiator is put in correctly. It is a trick. You have to think about it carefully or else you will end up bending the fins on the radiator. The upper main rad hose connection is in the way of the fan frame, so you have to jocky the fans to the driver side and sneak it past the top inlet. Then you can get it in an bolted up.
My car is an auto and I am not sure how much the integrated tranny cooler works in the original radiator. I am guessing it is marginal. Instead of taking a risk, I installed an extra tranny cooler below the AC heat exchanger. I would say this one is 20 inches long, and could reach both sides of the heat exchanger bay. I then fabbed some simple L brackets to mount it to the existing bolts. Then you just plumb it in series with the other cooler. I used some hose from the auto parts store that was rated for oil coolers.
Ok, so the fans sit a little higher, even though the radiator is mounted as low as possible in the existing frame. This does interfere with the IC air duct and the stock air box. The airbox will fit, but the IC duct is a different story. You can delete the IC air duct, BUT it will result in intake air temps that are too high at max boost. I am going to fab a duct out of carbon fiber or some workable material. You can mount it to the IC, but it will interfere at the lower driver's side bolt. Still thinking on that one.
Temps are rock steady once you burp it. I drove around for the better part of a day and never got the fans to come on once. Ambient was around 90F. Temp doesn't move much if it sits and idles. Overall I am pleased. I would say this is an essential mod.
Time to install was quite a bit... Maybe 8 hours, but I messed around with the brackets quite a bit. Had a tangle with the drill press and had to seek medical attention which delayed me about 20 mins...
Why I bought it...because it was shiny...and it seemed that traffic and hot days don't mix. The temp climbed pretty quickly if I wasn't moving and it seemed that the fans ran alot when the outside temp was 85F+. I did have the FC thermoswitch and I verified that the fans came on correctly.
On hot days, the fans did not always cool the system in a reasonable time, so the fans would run longer. Some time in driving up the interstate, the fans would come on, and then run on after shutting the car off (the 10 min timer circuit???).
Car is an auto.
The radiator is definately not a drop in. Close, but not quite. It is so much thicker that it becomes obvious that you will have to take some time to do it right. It does fit nicely in place of the original, however, it will take some re-work of the brackets. If you simply turn the brackets around as many suggest, the radiator will sit maybe 1/4" higher than the lowest position possible. It looks like a go, but after putting all the original airhandling in, it will not be quite right. The components sit too high.
I had to drill a hole close to the bend in the radiator corner bracket. I then installed the brackets facing down. The Koyo will sit so that the top hole is just lower that the frame mount. This is the way you have to set up the bracket. You may not be able to get the radiator in when the brackets are on. A bit of a struggle.
The fans will go in if the radiator is put in correctly. It is a trick. You have to think about it carefully or else you will end up bending the fins on the radiator. The upper main rad hose connection is in the way of the fan frame, so you have to jocky the fans to the driver side and sneak it past the top inlet. Then you can get it in an bolted up.
My car is an auto and I am not sure how much the integrated tranny cooler works in the original radiator. I am guessing it is marginal. Instead of taking a risk, I installed an extra tranny cooler below the AC heat exchanger. I would say this one is 20 inches long, and could reach both sides of the heat exchanger bay. I then fabbed some simple L brackets to mount it to the existing bolts. Then you just plumb it in series with the other cooler. I used some hose from the auto parts store that was rated for oil coolers.
Ok, so the fans sit a little higher, even though the radiator is mounted as low as possible in the existing frame. This does interfere with the IC air duct and the stock air box. The airbox will fit, but the IC duct is a different story. You can delete the IC air duct, BUT it will result in intake air temps that are too high at max boost. I am going to fab a duct out of carbon fiber or some workable material. You can mount it to the IC, but it will interfere at the lower driver's side bolt. Still thinking on that one.
Temps are rock steady once you burp it. I drove around for the better part of a day and never got the fans to come on once. Ambient was around 90F. Temp doesn't move much if it sits and idles. Overall I am pleased. I would say this is an essential mod.
Time to install was quite a bit... Maybe 8 hours, but I messed around with the brackets quite a bit. Had a tangle with the drill press and had to seek medical attention which delayed me about 20 mins...
06-06-06, 11:58 PM
#3
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Sure, but it looks like a stock car..Not sure what the pics would show..
I mostly wrote this as a contribution for all those who would 'search' for 'Koyo' someday...
I can't say how much I appreciate the forum. It has helped me:
1) Unlock my radio
2) Do the temp gauge mod
3) Find part numbers
4) Buy cheap parts
5) Figure out what that mystery air box hose is for
6) Find out why my tach doesn't work
7) Avoid purchasing seats that won't fit
8) Feel better about my purchase
9) Console myself about my first engine rebuild
10) Meet new friends (addicts actually)
I mostly wrote this as a contribution for all those who would 'search' for 'Koyo' someday...
I can't say how much I appreciate the forum. It has helped me:
1) Unlock my radio
2) Do the temp gauge mod
3) Find part numbers
4) Buy cheap parts
5) Figure out what that mystery air box hose is for
6) Find out why my tach doesn't work
7) Avoid purchasing seats that won't fit
8) Feel better about my purchase
9) Console myself about my first engine rebuild
10) Meet new friends (addicts actually)
06-07-06, 12:54 AM
#4
thats not paint....
Try fitting a large SMIC w/ duct above it. I have the condenser and radiator unbolted at the moment... still working on mounting points. Changing the bracket orientation and adding some spacers/washers seems to be my best bet.
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