So I wanted to try an experiment seeing that the Evo8 engine bay is nearly identical besides being a bit more beefy, and beefy exactly what I got today. It's huge, but it will still fit if I get the mounts rewelded. All aluminum Evo8 2-row radiator for 1/3 the cost of a Koyo.




L X W dimensions are exactly the same, but the EVO is about an inch thicker. I will have to get rid of my A/C fan. No biggie. Extending the overflow hose, no biggie. Inlet and outlet size are approximately the same as ours. Overflow hose also the same.

I have some concerns maybe some of you can clear up:

1. If this radiator is very close to the heat of the headers, will that become an issue? Cracking from heat expansion during winter?

2. Will the ECU recognize there's more coolant to be cycled, and does radiator size and capacity matter?

If it comes down to it, I might not do this (blow up the car or something). In fact I might be a complete idiot, but a radiator is a simple thing and my mind has accepted the simplicity of products like this.

 

I don't see why it wouldn't work. The heat from the exhaust shouldn't be an issue, an inch closer isn't enough to crack anything, and since it's bigger there should be more cooling power from it, preventing any issues. Plus it's sorta designed to withstand heat... It's a radiator...
And since javageek has the half core radiator with no apparent problems, I don't see why a bigger one would hurt. You may want to get a different thermostat to take advantage of the extra cooling power.
As for your engine going boom? No way. Like you said, it's a pretty simple component, and it should work great!

 

The reason I switched to the half size was my manifold was sitting about 1/2 inch or so from the stock radiator. This was causing the radiator to be extremely less efficient. How close are your headers going to be when it is mounted? You may not notice it as much since it is a better than stock radiator.

 

sounds good guys. i'll look into finding a thermostat, if you can steer me in the right direction, ebay doesn't have any. maybe summit has some aftermarket ones. i've never looked into that. the reason i'm experimenting this is because i want it to last. hyundai makes some cheesy radiators.

^javageek it's about the same, 1/2 inch away, bottom line it isn't very good. but they are gt headers so most of the heat is upstairs and gets out through the cowls.

like a few years ago i'd be scared to even touch something like this, but with experience i'm not afraid anymore. especially if it saves money.

 

Well I thought I remember seeing a cooler thermostat on either Kspec or SFR (I know, not the reputable stores, but hey...), but now I don't see them anymore...

 

Maybe you could get a piece of sheet metal and make some sort of heat sink attached to the radiator support. You can buy the heat reflector stuff from jegs or summit that would probably help keep the heat from soaking into the radiator. If you don't have issues then you really don't need to worry about it but that would be another option.

 

My question is........why?


I'm down here in 100 degree weather floorign my turbo car all day long, and have never overheated. So apparently the stocker is just fine for racing. The only reason I can see for getting anything different, is for Java's reasons, needing the space with a half core.

 

here's a link to the aftermarket thermostat

http://www.sharkracing.com/acecart/bin/sho...;cate=010903000

 

HKC has a leak in his stocker so he's trying this.

 

If you are worried about expansion and overheating try evans coolant.

No water, boils at 369 degrees instead of 224 with water, no pressure system, and it doesn't expand like water.

Evans coolant

Supposed to give better heat transfer and is environment safe too.