2G Radiator Differences?

[Mmmmrspicy]

Hey all,

I’ve spent a lot of time digging in here, so forgive me if this has been answered. Aside from the location of the upper hose connection, what are the differences between aftermarket radiators for the A/T & M/T?

Online it looks like the ones for the a/t have an internal trans cooler, but here is the radiator that came out of my car, which I believe is the original for the car.

Any help is appreciated!

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[VT_4G63]

I’ve never owned an A/T DSM, but I do believe the difference is that radiators that are specified for A/T have provisions for a trans cooler, whereas the M/T radiators do not.

 

[Mmmmrspicy]

That’s what I’m guessing.

Just a quick check, could anyone tell me if the radiator that was in my car (no trans cooler), is the correct one?

All of the radiators that I’m finding online seem to have the fittings for transmission lines for the a/t version of the radiator. The ones without them state that they are “for m/t only,” so before I buy a radiator I want to make sure I’m buying the correct part. When removing my radiator, there weren’t any lines going to the radiator (outside of upper & lower hose), nor did I find any cooler lines that were plugged and looked like they should have been installed.

 

[chrisman287]

Is it possible that you have a separate trans cooler on the car?

 

[Mello]

ASA shows all 2G's have been superseded to using the same radiator M/T or A/T. All mine are manual but it doesn't look like the radiator has an A/T cooler as part of it.

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[Mmmmrspicy]

Is it possible that you have a separate trans cooler on the car?

No, I certainly don’t think so. It’s was bone stock before I started working on it. It’s been in the family since 2000ish, bought from a dealer. As I’ve been poking around I haven’t seen one anyway, just the A/C unit in front of the radiator. I’ll take another look to see if I missed anything in font of it, but behind the bumper tomorrow.

ASA shops all 2G's have been superseded to using the same radiator M/T or A/T. All mine are manual but it doesn't look like the radiator has an A/T cooler as part of it.

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This kind of confirms my suspicions, I guess. It seems there isn’t any need to worry about a listing for a manual trans only radiator, if the radiator inlet/outlet is in the correct spot.

 

[Mello]

I found this in the FSM which shows the trans cooler as a separate unit.

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[Mmmmrspicy]

Thanks, Mello! I found the oem unit, it sits right in front of the ac unit.

So then why do the “a/t radiators” include provisions for an a/t cooler if there is a separate stock unit? Would the radiator one provide better cooling?

 

[97egl]

Thanks, Mello! I found the oem unit, it sits right in front of the ac unit.

So then why do the “a/t radiators” include provisions for an a/t cooler if there is a separate stock unit? Would the radiator one provide better cooling?

The external cooler like you have is better. Cooling trans fluid with 170 degree coolant isn't optimal. I would rather cool it with 70-degree air. Also, there is no chance of getting trans fluid in the radiator or coolant in the transmission if the cooler springs a leak. And if it does leak you'll find out way sooner

I believe the 2.4 spyder cars use a trans cooler in the radiator which is why you see an option for it.

Eclipses are one of the more complicated cars for aftermarket manufactures to try and make parts for due to so many different configurations on the same platform so you get a lot of listing like this that specify something that doesn't matter or others don't specify things that do matter.

 

[Mmmmrspicy]

Ahh, that makes more sense. I appreciate the help everyone.

 

[DogWhistle]

I believe the 2.4 spyder cars use a trans cooler in the radiator which is why you see an option for it.

4G64 Spyders’ radiators also have the upper hose connection on the far passenger side, which is why some turbo owners use them to clear large (and hot!) exhaust manifolds.

 

[shaunp]

@DogWhistle do you know if there is any special (plugs, mount shaving) involved in putting 4G64 radiator in a 2G turbo?

 

[DogWhistle]

@DogWhistle do you know if there is any special (plugs, mount shaving) involved in putting 4G64 radiator in a 2G turbo?

Although we’ve had both the 4G64 and 4G63T cars, we never tried a direct swap, however the radiator support is the same in both vehicles, so it is probably a direct swap using 4G64 hoses.

Depending on if there is a thickness difference, maybe the top mounting brackets might be a little longer.

If you have an auto trans, double check the trans cooler port locations, although those are easily modified, and often are for aux cooler installs.

 

[CanadianTalonTC]

@DogWhistle do you know if there is any special (plugs, mount shaving) involved in putting 4G64 radiator in a 2G turbo?

I just wanted to add since I have done this, a 2g Spyder 4G64 radiator directly bolts into a 4G63 car. The upper radiator hose I cut a factory shaped one and just squished it on and it worked fine. Lower rad hose used factory 2g and it's the same as a 4g63 rad location anyways.

Fans bolt up, it's the same fans.

Also for those searching about cooling, rads and fans I have a downfiring FP71HTA, FP Manifold, STM recirc 02 housing with external TIAL MVS wastegate and it clears the factory fans with lots of room. I also can fit an ebay aluminum rad with cutting the small shroud off the factory A/C fan.

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