My Zed's great unknown is it's radiator and hoses. As I'm a great believer in preventative maintenance I'm going to make sure that I know the history of this vital part of my engine. So I'm considering my options.Option 1: - replace radiator hoses with OEM ones ($200 on ttzed or cheaper from Repco etc.) - pull original radiator and get it rodded and pressure tested ($70) - replace cap with 1.2bar capOption 2: - as above but replace lower hose with aluminium (same price as above from ttzed or UAS or $180 extra from STILLEN)Option 3: - As for option 2 but replacing the stock radiator with an thicker, aluminium one ($800). Where can I get a price for a KOYO?I'd really value people's opinions. From what I've read I can see that there is very little price difference in replacing the lower hose with an aluminium one and this will prevent collapse of the hose when under heavy load.I am thinking about taking my car to the odd track day (and not just to take photos off the track!)I am willing to spend the extra $$ for a larger radiator if it means improved reliability as well as cooling.I would also value people's opinions on fitting an aftermarket water gauge or water level sensor. Although I think my mind is made up on putting one extra dial in my car after seeing how useless the factory temp gauge is when I car over heated on our last QLD cruise.Cheers everyone. MikeZ
KOYO pricing If you get the KOYO the cheapest place is pittwater radiators in Sydney - $730 + $30 delivery. Most expensive but best of your options.
So that makes it actually cheaper than the 40mm radiators offered by UAS and TTZ. Thanks for the advice. What are the specs JT? Cheers MikeZ
Mike, K-Zed and i were discussing this very thing on the cruize. Really, if your cooling system is in top shape and all components working properly you prob don't need the Koyo radiator. The real option is if you want it !!!For bling factor, I'd say goforit but if it was my money, I'd do the option 2 and spend the rest on other things, maybe an aluminium rad/headlight cover sets etc...PS: For a better temp guage, I know you don't want to skimp but I bought a digital guage from Jaycar for $40. Has proven to be 100% reliable.I fitted it in place of the useless instrument #2, the clock. Will take so photos one day ...
We discussed via MSN today and >>> >>> I raised query re TTZed's alum. bottom rad pipe - how many have fitted it and are there any problems? i.e. fitment, fatigue ...?Mike & RichO may both go with the alum. lower pipe if ppl give it the thumbs up :YD
New hot pink overalls for Cass and >>> >>>rodding of the OEM rad - saves $'s and as discussed, if cooling sys properly maintained there should be no need for an expensive upgrade at current power level (+ quite a bit!)Mike wants to replace all front cooling hoses & flush system so we (with RichO's Zed) may do both next weekend.
Pink hey? Could be arranged! I'm thinking Option 2 is my best bet. Radiator looks to be in good condition although there is a slight chip in the upper hose fitting. It doesn't look like it'll cause any problems as the hose sits so far over it. Looking at pulling radiator on Thursday, getting it rodded Friday and putting it all back together on Saturday. I'm sure I can find some room in my garage for 2 red zeds guys. What coolant is recommended? What about a wetting agent like Redline? MikeZ
Keep meaning to check this gauge out If it is an easy fit and a pre-made kit I might get one this week and we can fit it Saturday.MikeZ
Yep, I'll take some photoz of the install today. I fitted it to the clock opening. Jaycar details.I particularly like how you can set the alarm to trigger when it goes above a nominated temp.Note that it is internal battery powered, but the way I've set it up, it's an easy snack to swap it out. Had it for 3 mths now and very happy especially for $40.PS: You need to buy extra double wire cable (like speaker wire etc) to reach
You should organise a group buy as the price gets cheaper in bulk. Would probably have to be done on pick up basis as postage would null any benefit tho.Any WA zedders want one? Willing to organise something if interested.zed4life, was a straight fit or did it need a bit of fiddling?Cheers Rob
Opinions on PWR radiator Have found a PWR 40mm radiator for a good price. Any opinions on this unit?Cheers MikeZ
A couple of mates have PWR radiators ...>> in their RX7's. They think they're great. How much will it cost for a PWR radiator to suit the zed?Some other options to consider: - UAS 29mm radiator with stock tanks $540 - Silicon radiator hose kit from UAS $395I've had a Stainless Steel lower hose for 4 years, I'd recoomend using a SS or aluminium lower hose, it barely an more money than a stock lower hose.
the KOYO is THE recognised performance radiator. I have one sitting in my lounge room waiting to go in. So just go for it. Also the aluminium lower radiator hose from TTZ is actually cheaper than a price I got for the OEM rubber hose from Nissan! I will also be getting an Autometer aftermarket water temp gauge as you are correct - the stock gauge is useless. Electrical type gauge is the go.
Mike, I'd like to know about the PWR >>> quote as well. Please email me (or post here) if you can. When I checked the PWR website, it only listed the R34 and Centra under Nissan. I'm not in a real hurry, so haven't chased PWR about it, but if they do offer a Z32 TT radiator, I'd like to include that on my list of possibles. I did find PWR Z32 TT radiators listed on a US website though, I think it was Strictly Z. I do have an issue with my current OEM radiator, but it is under control and being monitored. I'd rather go thicker alloy than get new plastic end tanks on the thin OEM.edit: I have also had a s/s lower hose on my car (UAS version) for nearly 3 years. Recommend it. I replaced the top hose with a Nissan OEM unit - make sure you get a TT hose, they ARE different to NA.
upper radiator hose price TTZED and Nissan have them for over $90. That's about $10 a cm!So, I used the search function and found that this hose fits:Top hose : 1976-ON Ford Falcon/Fairlane/Cortina 6cyl (Gates #05-0273)$12 later!!!Found the PWR radiator via a friend. Once I've got back in contact I will post results.Cheers MikeZ
More info on this guage> Re: group buy- At $40 each, the price is pretty good compared to other digital guages around. Would prob be more hassle than benefit.These guages are not for everyone. The two limitations are the probe is not technically designed for auto applications. It doesn't have a screw to go into the water hose. It uses a probe as you can see on this photo[image]http://members.optusnet.com.au/markfield/guage2.jpg[/image].I found the best location was jammed in between the water pump housing and timing belt cover. SOunds precarious but it is 100% rock solid in there. Note: It is not actually measuring water temp, but the housing itself but gives a pretty close indication of what's going on.The other limitation is it is battery powered. I am meaning to get it wired into the cars 12 V system but so far the battery has lasted 2 months with no probs.Anyway, it has limitations but as an early warning device for $40bucks it's not bad.Jaycar sells them and you need to pick up about 3 metres of double strand wire to patch into the wiring so that you can mount the unit in the car dash, whilst having the probe in the engine bay. I used this tech article on how to run the wire thru the firewall. I used the passenger side method (much easier)
May I suggest waiting until >>> >>> after the weekend when we fit top hoses to MikeZ's TT & RichO's NA. We've got 2 cheaper options to trial fit. (The NA look-a-like I got cost $7.)
