stock rad vs aluminum rad

[joshs1074]

hey i was wondering how many of you guys are running stock radiators? i have to replace mine and was wondering if i should go to a aluminum. are they worth the extra money, or are they more for show? i know they are better for cooling but how much?

 

[Bluesideup]

I used to work for a guy running 1Gs in SCCA Rally and we always used factory radiators. They are generally tough enough but I would still upgrade if my radiator broke, I had extra dough, and I intended to keep the car. Point being that if I didn't meet those criteria I wouldn't feel bad about the stock radiator.

 

[DSM98GSX]

Deff worth the money to upgrade. Ive broken a few necks as well. The main reason for me upgrading to an AL rad is mostly due to cooling issues created by my FMIC. A good FMIC can move a lot of heat, in turn passing it on to the rad. I had this problem due to my DV/DT intercooler.

 

[mosul210]

As far as people talking about aluminum radiators, we are talking about completely welded radiators, not with crimped on plastic endtanks that crack and fail after years of abuse from heating and cooling.

Exactly, the original radiator on my 1990 GSX came with these plastic end caps. Finally after 100K miles the plastic ends gave out and cracked. I replaced it with an all metal OEM replacement and I've never had any issues with cooling since. Keep in mind that I am in texas where we hit 100+ temps on a regular basis during the summer.

 

[fergulus]

I tell ya what, I wish I was in San Antonio right now! That 100+ weather may be blistering, but you just can't beat Texan women! Now if only they would not require an inspection and exhaust reading for registration renewal!!?

My bad, I got off track. The full aluminum radiators also have bigger tracks for water, and greater spacing for the cooling fins. This allows ALOT of air to pass through, hence your greater cooling characteristics. If you go through one of the vendors on this site, they will have bolt on capability for the stock fans.

My only issue with my Koyo rad was the drain plug. It stripped out, and nobody carries that size to buy a new bolt!

 

[Jafro]

I tell ya what, I wish I was in San Antonio right now! That 100+ weather may be blistering, but you just can't beat Texan women! Now if only they would not require an inspection and exhaust reading for registration renewal!!?

My bad, I got off track. The full aluminum radiators also have bigger tracks for water, and greater spacing for the cooling fins. This allows ALOT of air to pass through, hence your greater cooling characteristics. If you go through one of the vendors on this site, they will have bolt on capability for the stock fans.

My only issue with my Koyo rad was the drain plug. It stripped out, and nobody carries that size to buy a new bolt!

I saw your post about the aluminum plug. Mine is plastic? Perhaps this was a problem on other radiators they made and they've changed it? Mine is a o-ringed plastic wing-nut lookin' thing. It flows like crap in comparison to the factory stop #### on the OEM radiator, I'll admit... but with all the other things the Koyo improved, It's a fair trade. Also, I hadn't noticed until recently, but my clutch slave cylinder is also made by Koyo.

Perhaps a vendor that carries their product line could order that part individually?

I googled and found THIS WEBSITE which has replacement parts for some Koyo models. Perhaps this would help? I did find a lot of "will this fit" posts from others that have had the same problem.

 

[joshs1074]

i probably will not be able to use stock fans due to my external dump. but i already have some slimline fans. i even reversed the blade one and put it in front of the rad. it takes up less engine room and works well