Silvia Club of NSW

After a couple of months putting up with my car wanting to overheat at odd times i've decided to upgrade the radiator, even though it's something that needs doing anyway.

I went down to my local radiator shop today which used to do a heap of in house assembly and they don't do squat anymore. Best they could offer me was a stock replacement that is a 34mm vs the current 25mm core for 530 supply only. I thought that was a bit steep seeing as i've seen 40mm cores go for that.

So, what i would like to know: Who has upgraded their radiator, what brand, type (brass or alloy) and thickness, where did you get it and what sort of price.

And most importantly, does it work?

I'll probably be increasing the size of my thermos as well as it takes forever to cool down when sitting at idle (thats if it doesn't decide to heat up).

Thanks guys

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meh

yo dave,

mate as you know i had really bad overheating problems before, especially driving down motorway or putting around town on a hot day!

i ended up purchasing a KOYO 53mm Twin Core Radiator off the forums from a member.

it was brand new, and i got it at bargain price of $400. recently some mates of mine have also bought this radiator but paid something like $600 for it.

I installed it myself, very easy to do, and i dont use the clutch fan i run a single 13" thermo

now, i was skeptical as to how good it would cool my car.........

but it is seriously just simply AMAZING. driving down the motorway - no hotter than 83 degrees.

putting around town normally - 78 degrees.

after a massive burnout and thrash at WSID - 80 degrees.....

after doing 3 laps of oran park north @ kids race day - 85 degrees

the car runs stupidly cool, sometimes if i drive up the road for like 5kms the thermo fan doesnt even come on!

probably one of the best result mods i have done on my car.

-mark

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this sounds interesting.. maybe ill look into this as my car started to experience the overheating phase last night.

the KOYO range of radiators has flooded ebay. you can get one for $270 US, before shipping and taxes

worth a look

I'd be looking at improving the airflow through the radiator, and making sure the air can't get out under the car between the intercooler and radiator.

My car was running a stock S15 radiator (12mm core!) and sat on 78° no matter what.
I think the highest I ever saw was 82, and that was doing lots of low speed high rpm driving in hot weather.

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The Engine Whisperer - fixer of things

are s15 radiators a direct bolt on or will require minimal work?

That's something that will be happening once i get the new radiator and probably a bigger intercooler in.

It's definately not an airflow problem (we'll it's probably part of the problem) as it has just been getting worse gradually over time to the point where it just can't maintain a constant temperature once it cracks about 87 degrees.

US ebay could be worth a shot. good old free trade agreement

Which car dumhed?

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meh

My car sat on 72-75 all day everyday. Going up mac pass it would peak at 76 not a bit higher.

Im running a big thick assed brass radiator. It does its job pretty well apart from the leak at the top tank that I need to get fixed and the slight bend it now has in it

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To live your dreams you must first face your fears...........

Anyone know a local supplier for koyo gear? The us ebay guy doesn't stock skyline ones (damnit) and they are soooo cheap over there. His pricing is about 50% retail or less, and thats US retail as i checked koyo's US website for skyline radiators.

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meh

Get a Koyo, very nice price and effective.

Money no objection?
Get a dimple wall core, greater surface area.

I went for PWR 57mm twin core, before the influx of Koyo stuff came in. i would of went Koyo if i were in the market now, much cheaper.

General driving, 78 degress. Max 83 degrees in 40 degree ambient temperture with air-con on sitting in stand still traffic. Although no air-temp correction, idle is a little bit off in this condition.

the 40mm pwr is about 810 plus delivery

54mm ase is 795 plus delivery (for NS.com members )

I'm trying to find a local price for the koyo 40mm. Bit hard at 9:00pm.

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meh

Try campbeltown radiators tommorrow dave

They are up on badgally road opposite the brewery.

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To live your dreams you must first face your fears...........

I was there this morning. They didn't even know what car i had and took 20 mins to find a radiator that might fit.

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meh

Ah you got the stupid guys, that don't know anything other than VK holdens and XY falcons

Ill make a phone call for you tommorrow morning.
They deal in koyo and PWR cores.

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To live your dreams you must first face your fears...........

Thanks mate

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meh