good topics lead to good ideas which are applicable and logical
to the real-life mods. The topic about having small or big
radiators and its functionality. Size does matter as long your
personal budget permits.
As usual, in Malaysia, if its not big, its not going to work,
mentally speaking. Whatever mods being done on the streets
of malaysia are stamped by products with labels "For Race
Use Onry". Believe it or not, some of the drivers do not think
of the long term consequences with that fine label sticking beside
the product. Anything which states the highest spec and swipe your
credit card, its good to go. NOT!.
If you decide to go with a dual core/row rad (fullsize or halfsize)
with an aftermarket slim fan, you shouldnt have any overheating
problems. It should work great for street and weekend drag use.
With the radiator and fan combination, do pickup a low temp
thermostat and fan switch. Remember, a large 1 core/row is MUCH
better than a small 2 core/row. The 2nd row of the small aftermarket
radiator will only get warm air from the row before. A large radiator
that is twice the size, but only one row, will get only fresh, cool air into it.
Why over-heating?:
- Dying water pump and seals (Wear and tear issues,
change for god sake)
- Leaking radiator (factory radiator versus engine heat,
it cracks sometimes)
- Wrong radiator pressure cap (Obsession with SPOON
1.35kg/cm2 on a stock rad)
- Slow factory rad fan for 4 climate season countries
(Since we are not in Japan)
- Old and bloated radiator hose (Silicone hoses available)
- Dry radiator (Driver ignorance)
The best combination should be :
- Aftermarket aluminium radiator (Dual/Triple Core If Possible)
- Aftermarket high volume fan (Billion or FAL)
- Low temp thermostat + fan switch
- Good coolant or water wetter
- Correct radiator cap pressure
With all the expensive toys :
- If you can, direct all the air to the radiator. Dont block with
your air-con condenser or smiling intercooler. Be smart.
- Relocate your JDM big-ass plate holder somewhere else and
dont block the air.
- If your bodykit doesnt flow fresh air, make an air funnel.
Dont think by just buying aluminium radiator is cool.
After some time, the top flat portion gets oxidise and turns ugly.
When that happens, you need to do some DIY to shine it.
I think this sort of project is not cheap, not forgetting the radiator
mounts/holder and other relocation pipes for the air-con system
especially. The best would be the same model and size for the
specific car.
Stay cool, always.
