Pros and Cons Question about Radiators

[bigj884]

was just wondering if anyone could think of any pros/cons of switching to a smaller radiator (Civic racing size radiator) over switching to say a full Fluidyne or Moshimoto

i like the look of the smaller core radiators plus if frees up lots of space in the bay....

discuss

 

[LiquidX]

If your radiator isn't leaking, then there is no point in swapping it unless you want more room with half radiator. You will have less cooling efficency with the half and the shiney radiators are just shiney (same heat dissapation as stock).

 

[1995gsx20g]

it would be sick if they made the cores of the honda size radiator 1.5 times thicker or 2 times thicker.

 

[cruisintalonawd]

the shiney radiators are just shiney (same heat dissapation as stock).

I call BS on that why would they make after marker radiators then. My GF had a overheating problem and the only thing that fixed it was switching to a full aluminum rad. and she doesn't really have to turn the fan on any more either.

 

[LiquidX]

It's not fully proven on the heat dissapation, but aluminum is aluminum. Possible she just had build up in the old radiator. They make aftermarket radiators for people that want something that looks nicer. You'll get better efficency with thicker core and higher CFM fans.

Grantid, once I need to get a different radiator I will get an aftermarket radiator for better looks over the plastic caps on the stock.

 

[1995gsx20g]

this sounds like one of those things that only hard evidence like pictures of core differences or well documented trial and comparison by a trusted name will solve

any takers?

 

[KmDAVIS6705]

I run a half civic with a 12in elec fan. It works great + tons more room. They cool better than alot of people give them credit for.

 

[bigj884]

I run a half civic with a 12in elec fan. It works great + tons more room. They cool better than alot of people give them credit for.

thats what i've read and heard. the 1/2 size cool just the same if not some times better than full size radiators....so i'm not sure why there's the hate against them

any pics of your bay with the smaller core in?

it would be sick if they made the cores of the honda size radiator 1.5 times thicker or 2 times thicker.

if you're refering to the small cores that most honda owners run....they do make thick cores.....

 

[KmDAVIS6705]

I'll see if I can't post some pics later.

 

[2slow4now]

I hit a raccoon with my car and it got my ac condenser and my radiator. The radiator wasn't nasty inside or have buildup you could see. I replaced it with a full size mishimoto and cooling capacity was improved some. Enough I noticed it but not significant. Yes. before anyone asks I did change the antifreeze a couple months prior to hitting the raccoon and after the replacement. Concrete evidence.... not exactly.

 

[bigj884]

I'll see if I can't post some pics later.

thanks

 

[nek]

Well hard evidence would work wonders, you have to consider our radiators are 10-20 years old. Not only would a new radiator have the possibilities of technological upgrades, but it also would have straighter and cleaner fins which, Im all we can agree, makes a difference.
As for short and thicker vs larger and thinner.
The main thing we are looking at here is surface area vs volume. The thing about my 2g talon is its mouth is tiny, so the only thing my large radiator is doing is giving the air a larger surface to flow through which causes less resistance. The problem is that since the mouth is so small and placed towards the lower portion of the radiator, the top of the radiator is doing practically nothing. I do believe that our radiators could be shrunk a bit but also the space between my jpipe and my fans is so small that I dont think Id want one that is much thicker.
In conclusion, unless your goal is bling factor or you would like to relocate your cooling systems, if it aint broke, dont fix it

 

[2slow4now]

If you really want one go hit a big fat raccoon. My insurance let me get my own radiator and they paid for it all if your willing to do the work yourself.