Summer is comming up, as a daily driver, i want to be sure my cooling system is up to scratch. I know many peeps are using cheaper radiators (as apposed to $700+ big name stuff) with good results. What do you recommend?? A: Koyo Aluminum 53mm 2-core B: AMS 57mm ALL-ALUMINUM RACING RADIATOR 57mm 3-Core C: ASI 56mm racing aluminum radiator. D: Mashimoto 52mm 2-row Thanks for your input!! Elie
I went with the KOYO 53mm radiator on Coz's advice as to superior fit and quality, I wanted to retain the OEM radiator shroud, i believe the KOYO does this without modification that may be required with others. Would you prefer: Japanese made or Chinese made. Straight fitment with no modifications required.
My thick Koyo radiator fits perfectly and I have never had a hint of overheating despite having a FMIC
I have used both Koyo and ASI, the koyo wins on quality, the ASI is priced very well and fits without issue, I am just unsure how they will with stand corrosion in the long term. I vote Koyo, but only just over ASI.
ASI with alloy underdrive pulley.. winter as low as 79degrees ..hot summers day in traffic 85degrees is the highest its gone.. bear in mind if the rest of your cooling system is not up to scratch wont matter which radiator you use
i think thats the point, alot of people fit an alloy radiator as a band aid solution to try and cover up another cooling system issue. Also most of the stock radiatiors out here are partially blocked so when people change them over they see a significant improvment in cooling. How much better are they really than a stock rad in good condition
Coz's advice? i'm curious as to what experience exactly he has in terms of installing various manufacturers' products? as far as i know, he only has a home based business just selling parts, so i'm not sure how he would come to this so-called 'expert' opinion. the 53mm koyo is a two row rad and the AMS and PWR are three row. if you're going for more capacity for cooling, the three row rads will be better. realistically, the three row requires only minimal extra work to get it in and any shop that actually knows what they're doing can do it easily. even a competent DIY'er can do it pretty easily. when i grabbed a rad, i looked for price, capacity, reputation of place selling it, warranty, etc. i did and went with the AMS rad. for the install, it required the upper rad hose to be trimmed about 1/4" and the rad shroud to be trimmed a few mm to allow the upper rad hose to clear. my vote goes to the AMS rad.
I have no idea about the other brands but my Koyo is a perfect fit and is a true bolt-on. Even fits with larger 2.5" intake piping.
So what are you trying to tell us? That Coz lives in his shop front? Where did you gain your depth of experience on these matters, and why are you so quick to attempt to rubbish someone with whom many Australian Z32 owners have had very satisfactory business dealings? BTW, at least one highly respected Australian Zed owner(Wizard)has visited Coz at his place of business(and it didn't look much like his private residence). 53mm Koyo FTW.:zlove:
How much better are they really than a stock rad in good condition I've never had over heating problems, even on really hot days before the rebuild, the engine tempture showed normal or just slightly above half way, some boosting required to get it to there. For the rebuild I have a brand new stock radiator from a Z chick in wa, cost 250, time will tell!
A big thanks... ... to everyone who voted and has expressed their opinions so far. The Koyo seems to be popular, not just because of the amount of votes, but the certain people who have voted for them is what intrests me. Those that have been in the Z game for a while, and have the most knowledge/experience, that tells me more. The AMS gets good wraps, bar the trimming of the rad shroud and petty things like that, at the end of the day though, more time fitting = more dollars on labour (i will be getting it prof. installed). Anymore input would be greatly appreciated, thanks again guys!!! Elie.
Ive got an ASI Car doesnt get over 80 degrees (running TOO cool), good cooling system and new pump, new thermostat. Does the job perfect for less than $250 delivered. The way i see it, the others will also do the same job but for more money. No modification reqd apart from trimming the top hose to fit a thicker rad.
Direct fit bok choi FTW - unless you want to fit a stupid brace... If so, get something that doesn't fit like stock
I've got a PWR twinpass, one of the original ones I believe. If I had to buy one now it would probably be a ASI cheapy. Stock ones are way too thin IMO, and you'd have to spend a bit on a original one to get it working good i.e. rodded, flushed etc. And one of the end tanks would probably let go anyway as it's plastic. If you buy a new one, you'd probably have been better off getting a big ally one for the $$ And the ally ones are blingy
I had a cheap Chinese rad - it didn't do what it should have done so I removed it. Fitted currently is a Howe item, performance of that Vs the Chinese junk is amazing. The Howe radiator seriously out performs the standard factory radiator & the Chinese rubbish was only just better than stock. You get what you pay for.
