TriniTRex

Hi there,

I am in the process of upgrading/enhancing my FD3s but i need some advise:

I would like to change the stock radiator to aluminum but i would like to know on

what type>>2 row or 3 row?
what brand?
I would like to work back the original fans on them.....Plug and Play

also i am looking at change the stock IC>> what are your recommendations

V-Mount
FMIC|
SMIC
i would like to know the advantages and dis-advantages of each setup and would like to know ......

is there a setup that i can look at taking into consideration that i would go with a single turbo setup later on so i would not spend bad money?

as being that i can use for the twin setup for now and then for a single after?

spr258

iTrader: (3)

I have a ron davis radiator. I live in vegas so I had a cooling problem due to a FMIC. Temps were in limit but higher than what i wanted. I am upgrading to a v-mount right now. A lot of things depend on what your goals are for power and how you are going to drive it and where you live. Also what do you want to keep on the car (a/c, stock front bumper and hood, power steering) More info please.

If you looking at a V-mount the car will run a lot cooler. This can be a good thing or bad. If you live in a cooler place the car might not reach normal operating temp. If you get a stock radiator and intercooler you cant change to a v-mount down the road. You have to sell what you have and start over.

FMIC are good but can take a beating from rocks and debris. This is the way I went and if I could cool the car better I would have been happy.

SMIC i dont know much about. Sorry.

I hope this helped a little. A little more info and it will be easier to point you in the right direction.

TriniTRex

I live in a tropical country which is Trinidad and Tobago... i want to approx 350hp, but i want my a/c, PS etc.

it is possible to use an upgraded aluminum radiator that fits in the original location using the original fans and run a v- mount IC or you have to buy the complete kit that includes both..

I plan to run the twin turbos for the while, until that time is right for single setup......but what i want to do is change the radiator , IC, all the vacuum hoses etc to have the car safe to drive .....without denting my wallet immediately.

use- drive to work occasionally and drift occasionally....

changing the bumpers, hood , exterior later on, prob next year....

twinsinside

iTrader: (34)

v-mounts can be quite expensive, and often require a lot of modifications to the engine bay.

The problem with a fmic is that it sits in front of the radiator, so the air goes through the fmic, then through your AC, then through your radiator. Thats why you generally see higher temps with the fmics. At constant high speed this isn't so much of a problem, but at lower speeds it can be.

There are many good SMICs out there that require very minimal modification. Blitz, greddy, ARC and many others.

If you're looking for an easy installation aluminum radiator that fits in the stock location, the fluidyne radiator is probably the best one.

You are right in wanting to keep the stock fans, from what I have read they are better than any aftermarket setup.

Another thing you might want to do (if you don't already have them) is use a dual oil cooler setup. Some models of the FD came with 1 oil cooler only. Putting in the 2nd one can really help your engine bay temps as well. And of course you will want to use good ducting for whatever system you decide to go with.

spr258

iTrader: (3)

I would stick with a SMIC if that is truly how much power you want. Also I would look into the BNR twins. I think you can get that much out of them. But research. A single is pricey to do right and takes a lot for fab work. Ron Davis radiator is what Mazda speed used and that is why I got it. Real good radiator.

I would look into dual oil cooler kit.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

No. The concept of a V-mount system is that it incorporates the radiator and intercooler and both are arranged in a 'V' configuration with each getting a direct source of air from the bumper opening.

The real key to a V-mount system is not the IC. Its the radiator. Which is why you see ebay crap advertising a V-mount intercooler and not a full system. W/o the radiator a "V-mount intercooler" is less effective than a Stock Mount IC with a duct.

There are a couple of good threads in the 3rd gen section that I've take part in if you want to research that further and see some pics.


You can get good power out of the twins if they are in decent shape. With the right fuel mods and tuning low-mid 300 rwhp is achievable. I made 310 rwhp on a street ported motor and 99 twins with supporting mods at 10 PSI and 91 octane CA gas. Others have made low 300s rwhp with stock ports and 12 PSI of boost.

I like the stock body, bumper, hood, exterior so I won't comment on that...

spr258

iTrader: (3)

Yes you should be able to get that type of power out of twins. I would look into the BNR over the 99 spec twins. You get more for your money.

The reason I asked about the bumper and hood was for the cooling factor. If you get a different bumper and hood you get more air flow.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Personally I think the Fluidyne is the best option. 2 row vs. 3 row doesn't matter as long as it's larger than stock. Don't buy junk or else things won't fit well.

FMIC is not a good choice for applications other than drag racing. V-mount works well but it's expensive to set up. SMIC works pretty good as long as you don't intend to make huge power. Just get a "medium" or "large" SMIC with good ducting and you'll be fine for a single setup.

David

TriniTRex

thanks
for all the advice