Considering new radiator.

[LinuxRacr]

As you all know, Texas weather in the summer is freaking HOT! Tonight on the way to work, I was cruising in, and noticed now that spring temperatures are setting in that my coolant temp is a little higher than I like. In know back last summer driving around that my coolant temps were around 200 F while cruising the highway when the temps outside was about 103 F. I don't like that at all! That was the same day I went to the 1/4 mi track down in Ennnis and ran TERRIBLE TIMES, and lost to a spec v twice due to high temps, and the J&S Ultrasafeguard lighting up like a Christmas tree telling me that there was detonation, and retarding timing accordingly. Tonight, the temp outside was 74 F, and while driving into work, my coolant temps were around 180 when I 1st started driving. About 30 miles later, I started noticing that my coolant temps were around 190-194. This was at night. If my coolant temps are that high now, just imagine when summer hits. (nervous) It also may be time for another flush. The radiator I am considering is none other than the Competition Radiator from AWR Racing. Damn expensive though: http://www.awrracing.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=12_2_20&products_id=12

Does anyone know of any other options that may be available?

 

[LinuxRacr]

I also wonder if I can use the stock fans with this radiator as well?

 

[mp5jeff]

im sure theres a way you can make a bracket for the stock fans...if you are creative at all.(unless theres already mounting places on it)

 

[Striker187]

pwr makes one for the protege. might wanna check into that.

 

[LinuxRacr]

Got a link to their site?

 

[jrodhotrod]

Aren't you running the AWR high performance radiator now? I just got mine and it's going to be a big improvement over the stock MSP radiator.

What about some HIGH CFM fans and water wetter, or are you doing that already?

I am really concerned about temps in my car as well as I start really bulding things up.

 

[LinuxRacr]

I found the link to the PWR Radiator: http://www.titanmotorsports.com/pwr02mazprot.html

 

[Brian MP5T]

A new rad is a really great idea but have you thought of changing the TCV or Thermostat to open sooner...Like 5 deg sooner? It's a sloppy fix but might save you Moocho Denaro$$

 

[LinuxRacr]

Aren't you running the AWR high performance radiator now? I just got mine and it's going to be a big improvement over the stock MSP radiator.

What about some HIGH CFM fans and water wetter, or are you doing that already?

I am really concerned about temps in my car as well as I start really bulding things up.

Naw, I'm running the stock radiator, and a higher pressure radiator cap (1.3 bar). Yeah, I've also considered a higher CFM fan. Spal or Fal. I may talk to Juan at HiBoost about a better fan.

 

[jrodhotrod]

ahhh, thanks for the clarification, had me worried about going with the "high performance" one for a second there... I don't know how I got the idea that you were running one.

Let us know what you find out about the fans.

 

[LinuxRacr]

A new rad is a really great idea but have you thought of changing the TCV or Thermostat to open sooner...Like 5 deg sooner? It's a sloppy fix but might save you Moocho Denaro$$

I have the Mazdaspeed thermostat that opens a lot sooner.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Cooler Rad Temp

I have the Mazdaspeed thermostat that opens a lot sooner.

Cool, Just a thought. Later...Brian

 

[LinuxRacr]

Damn, the price is right on the PWR Radiator, and it is twice as thick as stock!

 

[TheMAN]

somebody contact Koyo and get them interested in making a radiator for our cars... high quality japanese made stuff... their radiators typically are slimmer profile than the fluidynes and perform just as good or better... and they are built to have all stock fitting locations... they also make the most non-bling type sleeper look aftermarket radiators

there's enough turbo guys here.. you guys NEED a radiator upgrade... getting Koyo interested is a GOOD thing... even the sport20 guys in japan can benefit... sure we can get AWR... but more choices are GOOD

 

[LinuxRacr]

The thing is time is of the essence here. The heat is fast approaching, and I don't want another summer like last summer with this inadequate for what I'm doing radiator. I think it would be good to contact Koyo. How do I go about doing that?

 

[Mach 3.5 Turbo]

Have you taken the weather stripping off from the back of the engine compartment? I know it sounds stupid, but it seriously improves the flow of air under the hood and cools it down a lot. It's worth a try if for nothing else than to prove it didn't do anything. Check the temp gauge before doing it, then take it out on the same day and check it again. Let us know if it helps any. I'll be taking mine back off when it gets above 60 here.

 

[stdntDrvr]

check out www.shaneracing.com they have radiators for the protege as well.

 

[LinuxRacr]

I removed the weather stripping last summer. Funny thing is on my way home from work this morning, it was 72 F outside, and the coolant temps did not exceed 185 F. We did have a strong wind. Must have been driving into the wind on the way home, because it was like 74 F earlier last night. (hmm) I still am considering a new radiator thought for those hot, Texas summer days.

 

[LinuxRacr]

check out www.shaneracing.com they have radiators for the protege as well.

Thanks. I forgot about SR Motorsports. Let me take a look...

 

[jrodhotrod]

I would hazard to guess the that SR Motorsports radiator is the same as the AWR one. They have a lot of other AWR products on there re-badged as their own.