Cooling System Overhaul

[jyeates182]

So, I've searched the forums and haven't really come across any of the answers I was looking to find. My stock radiator took a crap on me the other day, and I am considering putting in one of two radiators. The first one is the basic upgraded radiator from Mishimoto. The other one is the X-Line 3-row also from Mishimoto. Is there any advantage from the X-Line over the other one? And what would be my build capabilities be if I went with the X-Line, as it seems as if that would take anything I could throw at it.
Also, I am looking into getting the Mishimoto Fan Shroud for my car also, and would like to know if it would bolt up directly with the radiator(s) and if I would have to rewire anything so the harnesses fit. Thank you

 

[H4G64T]

What is the benefit of a 3 row over a 2 row? That's pretty self explanatory, more efficient cooling.

As for your other question, who knows? I have never heard anyone ask what their build capabilities are based off a radiator, which explains why you can't find your answer.

 

[jyeates182]

Well, yeah... That's easily understood. But I guess my question was if I throw the 3-row in there, and decide to build the engine up, there won't be a need for a better radiator right?

 

[Nasty Dream]

Maybe a 2g radiator would be found for cheap. But don't buy one from a scrapyard, you should buy one from someone who only upgraded, not for replacing a bad part. People who have a large turbo and intercooler often need to get a smaller radiator.

EDIT: I'm assuming a 2g would fit. But I meant to say 1g, actually. Well, they are pretty old by now, maybe it's not worth taking a chance with an old used one. Anyway, the 2g's are pretty damn big.

...I'll shut up now.

 

[H4G64T]

No one can answer that question without full on details, every car is different, every location different. I doubt your goals would ever require a larger intercooler, since most race cars switch to a Civic intercooler for turbo placement.

 

[jyeates182]

I see. Well, here's another question for you then. Are the terms for the radiator and intercooler interchangable, as I thought they were two seperate pieces, and have different jobs in keeping things on my car cool? What about the fan shroud? I'm not going for a ten second car or anything too extreme like that, so a three row should be sufficent after doing a little bit of research.

 

[TWOpointFORliter]

The clearance issue 2g owners have with the radiators is the location of the upper hose. When upgrading to a tubular manifold the upper hose will be very close and in some cases touching the manifold. That's why some 2g guys will run a 1g radiator since it moves the upper hose location to the far passenger side of the engine bay. The 1g radiator has different lower mounting locations though so some modification is required.

 

['97boostinGST]

Why not just get a Koyo OE replacement unit?
It's about $120 and in case you need to upgrade to something bigger just sell that one and buy the bigger one.

 

[Nasty Dream]

Are the terms for the radiator and intercooler interchangable, as I thought they were two seperate pieces, and have different jobs in keeping things on my car cool?

Not interchangeable. Different parts, different jobs. Intercooler cools the air to the turbo before being put in the engine to burn along with the fuel. Radiator - the engine coolant.

 

[jyeates182]

That's what I thought. Thank you Nasty Dream for clarifying that for all of us. I suppose also that I should clarify this. I've got a 91 Talon TSI, and supposedly, the radiators from Mishimoto are an OEM, direct bolt up. Problem is, I'm not sure if the fan shroud they sell also is a direct bolt up, and if the wiring harnesses for the fans are the ones that mate up to the harnesses from the car. I do appreciate all the great input though.