Swapping radiator with a 58mm Koyo...

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

I posted this over on talk, but not seeming to get many answers as of yet.

Well, I'm really pissed off right now. My DSM has put a whole in my pocket like no ####ing other. Replacing and flushing the radiator I realized there was a crack in the top of the radiator nipple. Screwing the hose onto the radiator with the clamp busted it off. OMFG STUPID 10 YR OLD FU#&*N PLASTIC POS MOTHER#*#%* (*#*(@ )%)*(#%. /venting

Question is, I ordered a Koyo 58mm radiator, and wanted to know what cooling improvements I should expect over stock. I know temps should be lower, obviously. I believe I have a 180* t-stat in there; I honestly don't remember. I will be using stock fans, and I have the stock turbo set up, for now. I just figured well, when it breaks, time to upgrade. I called my local Satan dealer and they said 389.99 for the radiator. I told them where to stick it. I ordered a radiator from Show Stoppers in CA for $349.99 shipped. Any other kind of mods that I will need to look at doing to get this installed? They said it will fit so long as I'm running the stock turbo set up. Any 16g set ups will require slim fans. Any feeback is appreciated. TIA

 

[IslandTSI]

As far as temps go I wouldn't expect much of a difference unless you had cooling issues.

Also. Why didint you just fix the water neck? I can think of at least a few things you could have done for a hell of a lot cheaper than getting a new rad

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

I put some JB weld around the neck and started her up. It split part of the top of the radiator. Not all the way, but more than JB weld would fix IMO. Funny thing was, it must have been this way for a long time because the rad hose went over the neck so basically that's why I didn't notice the leak/crack before. I don't want to be driving in the summer heat not knowing one day if the JB weld won't hold or if I'll have a leak. I like KNOWING 100%.

EDIT: BTW, I didn't "Hercules" it down on the neck either. Just snug enough so it wouldn't come off.

 

[IslandTSI]

I would have taken it to a rad shop anyways to see what they could do. Even putting a new top on the rad wpuld have worked.

But you will see some added cooling. Every little bit helps, and it will be reliable.

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

Are there any kind of performance gains expected with the lower temps? Or any other advantage other than the rad will be reliable and cool really well? Should I load it with 60 coolant/30 distilled water/10 water wetter? Or just 50/50?

 

[Raph]

I have an upgraded radiator and let me tell you, if you plan to get a bigger turbo down the road,then plan to invest in some slim line fans too.The radiator fitted fine though,everything lined up and bolted up.

As for lower temps, i can run at high speeds down the autobahn and have no cooling issues.. i also had no cooling issues before so.. i just bought the aluminum radiator because,well.i wanted one.. when i took off the old radiator i noticed some slight cracking on the plastic,so it was an accident waitng to happen.

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

Ok...a new aluminum radiator resists heat better then the stocker, correct? I do plan on going with either the t-28 or e316g. I'm thinking due to lack of funds I will probably do the T-28. With the T-28, I won't have to worry about slim fans.

 

[DiamondStarAwd]

You do realise a new t28 can cost more than a 16g. I have a t28 that will be for sale shortly if interested. Pm me.

Also you don't want to run too cool. You want your car to run at normal operating temperature.

 

[oldman]

NOOB

 

[DiamondStarAwd]

Just noticed your about 30 minutes from me. Give me a pm if you need help

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

HAHA Oldman's a mod on tO0ners! thanks for all the help on Talk. Definitely interested in the T-28. I realize the e3 16g will put out more power, but I'll have to do other mods and buy the slim line fans and buy the 2g install kit. More money which I don't currently have.

 

[pnishr]

You may need to look into slimline fans anyway. other aftermarket radiators are pretty thick, but the 58mm Koyo is REALLY thick. I got my fans at the same time anyway, but I don't even know if I'd be able to fit the others if I had wanted to.

Get a ruler and measure out 58mm. Then add another few for the end-tank thickness. That's how much room it's gonna be taking up. I don't know. Maybe others have done it, but it seems like it's gonna put your fans IN or DAMN close to the turbo.

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

NOOB

Help "un-noob" me!

I found this as a good resource for installation. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91114

Pretty straight forward.

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

Ok, I've read some good things and bad things about Dex-Cool. Somone give me the REAL answer. Is Dex-Cool or ? Also, what is the best coolet to water ratio to run in the ol' DSM? I don't think I'll be making too much heat over stock, being as I'm on the stock turbo at about 15-16psi currently. Should I just run a 60/30/10(water wetter) or just 50/50? TIA

 

[90laserRSfwd]

I drive down south in the summer in 100+ degree days, 50/50 water/coolant has worked just fine for me. I have a 1g so that might be different but I would assume 2g's are about the same. Whatever your decision, use the best anti-freeze, not that cheapo autozone 50/50 premix stuff. It seems to me like your trying to over-do your cooling system, maybe I'm just interpurting the post in the wrong way.

-Jace

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

Not necessarily trying to overdo it, but being as I have to replace my radiator, I might as well get an upgrade because it's not too much more. Plus, when I get into bigger turbos and more boost, I'll eventually need it. Maybe not a HUGE 58mm, but better safe than sorry.

 

[oldman]

Just for your reference, I'm using a stock radiator with FP3065 and a buddy of mine with GT35R and slim line fans without overheating issues, both of us barely have enough room for TIAL 44 and LICP.

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

Thanks. I realize it will be big, but I just don't see paying more for the new OEM radiator when I can get a better cooling, all alluminum one for just a hair less. I can't beat $349 shipped. I'm running stock for now(as far as the turbo), so I'm ok. I guess when I get into my e3 16g I'll have to tackle it then, or I might just have to go with a Big/Killer T-28.

 

[oldman]

Thanks. I realize it will be big, but I just don't see paying more for the new OEM radiator when I can get a better cooling, all alluminum one for just a hair less. I can't beat $349 shipped. I'm running stock for now(as far as the turbo), so I'm ok. I guess when I get into my e3 16g I'll have to tackle it then, or I might just have to go with a Big/Killer T-28.

Yet but that's like putting rear slicks on a FWD, are they better tires for traction in general? Sure, but are they needed? No. If I didn't need one running a GT12 as a DD for years, neither will you with an EVO3 or T28. In fact I'm not even running an OEM, I'm running a $90 ebay OEM replacement.

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

Yea, I don't know if I'd do the Ebay radiator. If it works for oldman, must work for everyone! I just figure lesser price for the big aluminum>more expensive OEM...but in your case Cheapo Ebay>Koyo aluminum>OEM

 

[oldman]

Yea, I don't know if I'd do the Ebay radiator. If it works for oldman, must work for everyone! I just figure lesser price for the big aluminum>more expensive OEM...but in your case Cheapo Ebay>Koyo aluminum>OEM

I'm not suggesting everyone should run out and get an ebay core , my point is aluminum cores are over rated, especially for an EVO3 16g setup and the rest of your cooling system are functioning properly.

 

[VanIsleDSM]

If you run too cool you'll get poor gas milage and poor power.. you don't want that..

Don't use dexcool either.. stick with good old (like oldman) green coolant.. Dexcool likes to eat plastics and gaskets, plus it doesn't protect against cavitation (little bubbles created by the impellar that implode with enough force to eat away at unprotected aluminum) in your water pump near as well as green coolant.. if you search you'll find a thread with someone else asking about dexcool where I went into some more detail and posted some links if you wanna find out more..

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

What's that link? And BTW the radiator dropped right in, (minus the bolt that the overflow bottle bolted to) and looks great. What is a good ratio for KS weather (hottest temp being around 102* +/- 2/3*) for water/coolant?

EDIT: Now, Spring temps top about 75-80*.

Don't use dexcool either.. stick with good old (like oldman) green coolant...

HAHA Rumor has it that he's actually a 16 yr old girl tho...

 

[HOT97ECLIPSEGSX]

Um...anyone have that link?

 

[wvturbo2]

HAHA Rumor has it that he's actually a 16 yr old girl tho...

I wish... . Do i need the sensor in the bottom of the radiator >? I definately do't want to try taking it out