Meiogirl

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys,
I did a search but have not found anything as of yet that deals with replacing the stock parts back to the car after intsalling the koyo radiator.

First off, I pulled out everything minus the ac condenser thing. I wasn't sure whther to go from the bottom or the top so I took it all out.
When installing the new radiator I had problems in the top/front on the driver's side. Seems like there is a black piece of plastic (reinforcement for the bumper grille hole) that prevents the koyo from lining up with that top bolt (driver's side) which has the rubber bumper. SO, I reversed the mounting brackets(on the radiator) up there on the driver and passenger sides. They cleared and it fit in perfect that time round.
However, this is now causing problems with the stuff that goes on above the radiator, I cant get it back in place at all! I still have the stock airboxes, and while I plane to replace the intake, the others ones I hope to keep.
Any sugestions? Should I cut the black plastic that reinforces the front bumper grille?

clayne

If you did a search you would have found this:

clayne

As you can see, it has obviously been cut/trimmed.

Str8Down

Also, just cutting that isn't going to do what you want/need. I have been preaching on these forums ever since I got my Koyo, "DO NOT BUY A KOYO, GET A FLUIDYNE IF YOU ARE STOCK". If you want it to all fit back in "Almost factory" since totally factory is impossible, you will need to do quite a bit of dremmeling to the engine bay. Just keep finding where it hits, and dremmel away the metal. Then look for the next spot it hits and repeat. But you will never get it to lay low enough to fit everything back in exactly like it should go.

Fatman0203

Isnt the Koyo a bit thicker than the Fluidyne? With patience and time, you could probably do it right? My dad just got an FD so were looking into radiators.

clayne

This is bullshit.

Don't try an argue with people who:

a: have already beein this same discussion mutliple times.
b: have the koyo and have no issues with "looking factory" or "going back to OEM."
c: know what they're talking about.

Meiogirl

iTrader: (2)

i did a search for
KOYO
KOYO INSTALL
KOYO STOCK INSTALL

and did not come across this. thanks for your help though, ill be cutting tonight.

Meiogirl

iTrader: (2)

hey clayne,
due to the origin of the pics i am assuming the thread you are talking aboutis one you started. any idea where it is?

as far as koyos go, this thing has been a pain, but not that different from anything else ive put in.

7racer

Meiogirl,

I didn't have to cut anything but did reverse the brackets and had to make sure the radiator was dropped as far down into the bottom alignment holes. Even with all of that the intercooler and airbox sat "high" but "barely fit.

I have since switched to a Fluidyne FWIW

Str8Down

Good facts to back your argument Clayne. Yet 7racer backs what I said. You CANNOT install a Koyo with a stock battery, airbox, and intercooler, and have it fit normal. So maybe you should do some research before you speak.

moehler

iTrader: (12)

My car was bone stock except for a koyo and an aluminum AST . I didn't install the koyo myself, but I watched my mechanic install it and he didn't have to cut or manipulate anything out of the ordinary to get it to fit. There has to be a simple way to get it in there, it's not as impossible as people are making it sound.

rx7will

iTrader: (6)

From the two koyo radiators that i have installed, i had to slot the radiator brackets to let the radiator hang lower and i had to use spacers to lift up the intercooler because the radiator fan blades would hit the intercooler. I dont remember have any issues with the batter or the stock air box.

talljosh85

iTrader: (3)

Installing mine with the stock intercooler (but a simple aftermarket intake) I had to flip the mounting brackets, bend the metal tabs on the bottom of the Koyo and trim some of the fan assembly (one of the supports that holds the motor) to make it fit. Its still not quite perfect, but it works great and since my time isn't worth anything, I'm glad I saved the money instead of buying a Fluidyne.

Meiogirl

iTrader: (2)

^^^thats exactly the point i got frustrated, i don't want to cut the fan housings. glad to see you got it to work though. im taking in my brackets to get new holes drilled so I can install it as low as possible. i dropped the radiator in (sans brackets and fans), placed the brakets in where it SHOULD work, and marked where the new holes go. Hopefully my guesstimation is close enough.

potatochobit

iTrader: (1)

koyo fits fine stock i think, it only has fitment problems wtih aftermaket intercoolers.

clayne

I HAVE installed the Koyo in MY car with a stock airbox, stock battery, and stock IC with NO fitment issues. Yes, I trimmed that piece of plastic and a small part of the fan shroud.

Now you're telling me I did not see with my own eyes what I actually DID with data you're quoting from someone else?

Sit back down.

clayne

I suggest you get comfortable with modifying stock parts in order to make modifications work. A completely bolt-on car is a dime a dozen and teaches you nothing.

We're not talking molding a new fan guard here. We're talking simple cuts and grinds. These parts are not gold treasures lying at the bottom of the ocean - you can get new and used ones all the time.

clayne

You do not have to redrill anything.

Bend the bottom mounts for the radiator. Trim the plastic portion by the bumper. Trim anything else that becomes an issue (which shouldn't be much).

This is a radiator. It's a modification.

The purpose is for cooling efficiency. The Koyo wins over the Fluidyne in that department AND costs less - with the same quality. The OEM fitment of an upgraded radiator is less of a priority than having the most effective heat transfer given the area allowed.

Too many people are scared of doing simple modifications that do not have every single step outlined for them. Jump into it, get the bolt-on mentality out of your head, and you'll learn much more that you can apply to many other mechanical situations.

Str8Down

You just backed what I said. Nice job!! Now I suggest you STFU since you just put your own damn foot in your mouth. Like I said, everything will not fit perfectly using the Koyo, and it's a bit of a pain to install, since you have to cut away at the engine bay in different places. Now, shut up and think about why you blasted my post in the first place.

Tom93R1

iTrader: (2)

I fit my Koyo with stock intake and intercooler. All I had to do was swap the mounting brackets and bend them a bit. My Koyo fits down lower than the stock radiator did. No trimming of plastic, no drilling, nothing. Took about an hour total work to do the install.
I cant say anything for the battery, mine was relocated before I got the car.

clayne

I suggest you default to the people who HAVE DONE THE INSTALLATION ON THEIR OWN ******* CARS dude.

Cutting the engine bay? What crack are you smoking?

You're another Fluidyne zealot over-hyping Koyo installation issues.

Perfect fitment means the radiator fits without awkwardness, obstruction of other ancilalry devices in the engine bay, and is secure.

After performing the small "modifications", the Koyo has no issue with this. Stop being a bolt-on ***** and realize that it's NORMAL to have to adjust for fitment with aftermarket parts. I understand you want the equivalent homogeny of Starbucks Coffee when it comes to your modifications - but some of us are actually looking for products which actually perform better - even if they require manual adjustment while installing.

So until you've installed the Koyo in your own car (which I have): I suggest you take your own advice and shut the **** up.

Meiogirl

iTrader: (2)

i came on here for help dude, not a holier than thou attitude. its nice you have opinions on what is a way to assemble this, but there is no need to belittle me because i dont want to cut something you deem minor. i have installed my own turboson this car, as well as rigged many things on my crap college cars of the past. im not scared to modify my car. i dont need any 'suggestion to get used to' doing so.

PVerdieck

If you think Koyo installation requires mods, try installing a V-mount

clayne

Mejogirl,

My apologies. Something about "but I don't want to cut anything!" set off the "great, another person who doesn't want to do anything they perceive as irreversible" alarm inside of me.

Rated R1

Meio,

Read my posts in the following threads.

https://www.rx7club.com/search.php?s...der=descending

If you have any other questions PM me. While you have your coolant system drained you should replace your thermostat if it has been a while since you have done so.