Some of you might know that I spent the weekend installing the K2RD radiator in my 10th AE. Now that its in, after having to buy a half size Optima battery, and putting in a Perma-Cool finger chopper e-fan, I am somewhat dissappointed in the cooling I am getting from this radiator.

Now, for my disclaimer... Yes I am using the stock temp gauge to measure (or should I say compare) the readings from the stock setup to the setup now.

Having said that, here is what I am seeing. Temps now hover around the 1/2 way point, as opposed to 1/4 point with the old setup. Adding a fan shroud to the E-fan setup didnt seem to change anything. I have checked the system multiple times for bubbles, etc...

Anyone have similar experiences with the same radiator?

Jarrett

 

Any updates? I'm about to purchase the same radiator.

 

thats odd, i have that radiator on my 20b and it works fine. try checking the radiator caps

mike

 

Well, I am still having the same problems. Running about 1/2 on the gauge.

However the fan I am running is unshrouded. I was planning to change the caps and thermostat, any suggestions on radiator caps?

I am also thinking of switching to a shrouded fan, I just havent figured out which one will cover more of the radiator. Maybe the black magic?

Jarrett

 

What kind of driving have you been doing? With an electric fan and no shroud, perhaps the only difference you'd see is from hard driving on a track. Just a guess.

 

Normal driving! Can you believe it?

 

First off, you need to go get yourself a good aftermarket water temp gauge so you know if you really even have a prolbem or not. The stock gauge isnt consistant at all.

 

Oh, I wholeheartedly agree. However, The stock gauge can still be used to make comparisons.

I am convinced its a deficiency in my cooling system, and NOT a problem with the radiator. Sooo... Its off to the dealer for some parts. New pump, thermostat, and cap.

Jarrett

 

what cfm fan are you using? That may be your problem, i know that with the stock radiator, your supposed to use above a 2700cfm? so you should be using atleast that ifnot more!

=Chris

 

ITs the 16 Inch Perma-cool finger chopper.

About 2700 CFM

 

well maybe not then? i dunno, if thats not the case.

-CHris

p.s. did you ever tell me where i could find those pics?

 

Well, Jarrett, I bet it's like 115 degrees out there. Last time I was in Tucson in the summer, my gauge showed operating temps right at half mark. Here in CA with the SAME SETUP, I am running at about 1/8 mark on average-- NEVER more than 1/4. Although I agree it should be cooler than before, consider how hot it was before the swap compared to outside temps today-- how does it run at night?

PJ

 

Well, I have all the stuff to replace the pump, thermostat, and caps. Should be installed tonight.

As for the pics, you have a pm.

Jarrett

 

Yeah, its a little hot here, and of course, the car runs slightly cooler at night. But I still maintain that something in the cooling system is substandard. Maybe I am being overly picky, maybe not, but I am still going to replace everything. Just to be sure. Its a long hot drive across the desert to 7-stock, and I want to make sure I am completely ready.

Jarrett

 

Okay, as much as I hate to admit it, I was right. The cooling system was bad, not the radiator.

Installed a Mazda OEM thermostat and replaced the rad caps. Now that thing runs so cool its scary.

Now I am one happy rat!!!!

Pics on install to come!

Jarrett

 

Haha sweet, I was going to say I have that radiator and it works great.

 

Great?!?! That thing is AMAZING!! I boosted the living tar outta my motor in 100+ degree heat today. Then drove straight to a Taco Bell and sat in the drive thru for about 10 mins. Then boosted all the way home..Did I mention it was over 100 degrees? Anyways the temp gauge never passed 1/8 on the gauge (YES I AM GETTING A REAL TEMP GAUGE!!).

My car has NEVER ran this cool.

Jarrett

 

so was it the thermostat or the rad caps?

 

1FastT2 -- is that a stock radiator i see?!?!?!!? Youre pushing damn near 400hp@@!!!$!#! I am very impressed with the stock cooling system.

Just gotta fix mine! lol

 

Awesome, dude. I'm glad you resolved the issues. See you at 7stock!

PJ

 

Rat, how much ya pay for the k2rd rad if you dont mind my asking? I cant find prices for their ****

 

I paid $200 for the rad... It came of Soul Assassins car.

And PJ, YOUR GOING?!?! See ya there!!!

Jarrett

 

Holy crap, thats a smoking deal you got i'm jealous.

 

Yeah, I got lucky... I got to say this. I am VERY happy with the performance with the radiator!

Jarrett

 

J-rat thanks so much on the info. I hate to say it, but members like you give us guys an idea on what to buy when it come to performace parts. Its like a lot of people here are test rabbits so that others can have an upper advantage when buying a product.

-Orlando