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why upgrade radiator?

Old May 21, 2003 | 08:52 PM
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why upgrade radiator?

I know it sounds like an odd questions but Im running single, and with all my mods and even running 1 bar or boost the car water temps on the pfc dont go above 85 even in gridlock traffic, why would I want to upgrade? Im just asking because if there is a reason i dont know about ill switch.
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Old May 21, 2003 | 08:59 PM
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because the stock endtanks are made from plastic. they will fail from the high heat of our engine.
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Old May 21, 2003 | 09:29 PM
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they won't fail if you don't overheat your car. I've heard people runing on stock radiator with single all the time and they had no problems.
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Old May 21, 2003 | 09:35 PM
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better safe than sorry. its up to you to make that decision but i felt that i needed to upgrade my radiator even before i went single turbo. it made a amazing difference in my underhood temps. before i got the radiator i couldnt touch my hood after driving. after i got it my temps were greatly reduced.
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Old May 21, 2003 | 09:43 PM
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what radiator did you use?
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Old May 21, 2003 | 09:49 PM
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Originally posted by apexkw
because the stock endtanks are made from plastic. they will fail from the high heat of our engine.
yes, the water tank is the weak link but I think that's worded backwards. Your engine will overheat "when" it fails and eventually "it will fail". My CRX failed but it wasn't as critical ans when my RX7 radiator tank failed. I was able to drive the Honda to a safe parking spot but with the Mazda, the temps skyrocketed instantly and I had to pull over with the engine off.
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Old May 21, 2003 | 10:36 PM
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I would replace it...If you think about it...A Koyo is right under $400 (pretty cheap in the grand scheem of thing when you are modding a 3g) and it's a piece of cake install for piece of mind...Nice knowing that your cooling system is rock solid especially with a car that's so proned to heat damage

Last edited by apneablue; May 21, 2003 at 10:43 PM.
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Old May 21, 2003 | 10:44 PM
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I was just wondering, I appreciate the input. I honestly am 99% sure mine was upgraded anyway as it has metal endtanks but I wasnt sure why it would need to be replaced if my underhood temps were that low, I have the scoot hood so it vents alot out, couple that with water injection, etc and it runs pretty cool
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Old May 22, 2003 | 12:26 AM
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The one and only reason to replace the stocker is based on how it's built, not necessarily how well it cools. The stocker is prone to catastrophic failure if given the chance, whereas the Fluidyne/koyo/mazdacomp,etc are all welded aluminum. No plastic endtanks held together by crimped metal (stupid, so very stupid)
So, your simple question is answered with a simple answer, pony up the dough and sleep better at night.

Frank
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Old May 22, 2003 | 12:56 AM
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i would suggest to upgrade it. my stock PLASTIC radiator cracked while i was driving causing my add coolant light/buzzer to come on. I bought a fluidyne radiator and engine compartment temps are drasticaly lower. If you dont want to be stranded somewhere because your radiator failed it wouldnt be a bad idea to upgrade.
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Old May 22, 2003 | 07:03 AM
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Originally posted by apexkw
better safe than sorry. its up to you to make that decision but i felt that i needed to upgrade my radiator even before i went single turbo. it made a amazing difference in my underhood temps. before i got the radiator i couldnt touch my hood after driving. after i got it my temps were greatly reduced.
I agree!
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Old May 22, 2003 | 08:38 AM
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not tro mention the fact that the factoey rad is a single row. most upgraded rads are just that...upgraded the pwr/fluidyne/m2 are twice the cooling capacity 2 rows. the koyo i hear is a little larger and the sr monster is i believe bigger than that.
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Old May 22, 2003 | 12:16 PM
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what about the mazda comp?
id like to hear reviews
thx
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Old May 22, 2003 | 01:04 PM
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Because its like the weakest part of our cars, the stock radiators are pathetic... And a Koyo or Fluidyne looks cool...
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Old May 22, 2003 | 09:20 PM
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Upgrading your coolant system is a reliability mod that in my opinion should be done. I upgraded both the oil cooling system and the radiator at the same time. It made a huge difference in the cars operating temperature.
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Old May 22, 2003 | 09:23 PM
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Originally posted by apneablue
I would replace it...If you think about it...A Koyo is right under $400 (pretty cheap in the grand scheem of thing when you are modding a 3g) and it's a piece of cake install for piece of mind...Nice knowing that your cooling system is rock solid especially with a car that's so proned to heat damage
peace of mind

piece of ***

see the diff?
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Old May 23, 2003 | 12:52 AM
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well if i recall right the koyo is the SR just badged with their own name on it. there is a long thread about SR doing this with a lot of aftermarket goods
kris
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Old May 23, 2003 | 01:20 AM
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From: My 350Z Roadster kicks my RX7's butt
Originally posted by suprfast
well if i recall right the koyo is the SR just badged with their own name on it. there is a long thread about SR doing this with a lot of aftermarket goods
kris
Wow, if that's true then they have about a $200 markup!

Some other alleged radiator rumors are:
M2 = PWR
MazdComp = Grifith
Fluidyne = Fluidyne (lol)
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Old May 23, 2003 | 10:14 PM
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the crazy part is that people actually take the shaft and buy something for that much. i wouldnt pay 200 more for a SR when a fluidyne is way cheaper and proven. i guess its all about preference though
kris
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Old May 23, 2003 | 10:30 PM
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Good point. It seems that all of the "tuners" have parts that are from someone else that they just rebadge and markup (PFS PMC is EFI PMS, PWR is M2, etc.) All you have to do is cut out the middle men and you got it made. The middle men do pioneer some of this stuff a little but I feel they charge way too much. JUst look at the M2 toe links and such, $250 for some heim joints and alumimum rod, give me a break, I can make them for 15% of that, and will actually real soon.
Anyway, just had to vent a little.

Frank
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