Thanks for all the info. I got a full alum radiator from Amazon for $225. But I also went with dual electric fans to get rid of the mechanical fan & clutch (see if get increase in power and mpg). Just installed Superbowl Sunday.
Aluminum Radiators (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter marcus2001
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- aluminum radiator replacement
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Not all dealers will install OEM part, they usually upcharge an aftermarket option.
Fwiw- TRad has a manufacturing plant in Kentucky for domestic supply to OEM.
Yes, trans cooler in bottom tank. Straight hookup to existing lines.
I have a variable speed controller for the fans (flex-a-lite #33055) and temperature sensor. I set it really high initially yesterday and fans would kick on at 103 deg C (213 deg F)! I turned it down and now they turn on at 85 deg C (183 deg F). I'm using my cheap OBD2 reader to view the temperature and it only shows in deg C. Need to get a Scangauge.
You may want to turn that threshold up just a tad more. On my own truck (which does run 2-3* warmer than others it seems), my normal running temps are 185-193 depending on incline and ambient temp. With your fans set as they are, they'd still be spinning on the highway.
I really, really like your set up and might try to copy it this Spring. If I did, I'd have fans kick in around 197-200 as you'll likely only see those temps while idling in higher ambient temps. Grab that scan gauge as soon as you can, it'll be pivotal to getting the fans dialed in at the right temps.
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Yes, I agree to turn it up a little
I also got a switch to turn off the fans completely, leave controlled by controller, and turn on all time. The controller has this option to add a SPDT switch.
MongooseGA, sorry missed the bottom question: I have the fan pulley still there. Had to put a couple of washers under the nuts to take up the space of the fan clutch.
have links to the products you used?
Any noticeable mpg improvement?
mmmm crap, they are out of the radiator I bought on Amazon. Even searched and couldn't find the correct one that shows the trans fluid hook-ups. Only have the ones without....but I'm sure they will replenish as their were 2 vendors with the same radiator when I bought it in January (about $225). Either from 'Staycoo' or 'OZcoolingParts' have the radiator.
Derale Fans
Flex-a-lite Temp Sensor
Aluminum Temp Sensor Holder
SPDT switch or Flex-a-lite Switch
Flex-a-lite Variable Speed Controller
ACDelco Lower Radiator Hose
Gates Upper Radiator Hose
Need 10ft red & black 10awg wire and 50amp circuit breaker. There's various breakers on Amazon that are waterproof and look good. If you do this conversion hit me up, need to 'mod' the radiator ever so slightly to mount the fans and create a seal between the two. Nothing complicated. Can use approx. 1/2" x 1/8" thick weather stripping w/adhesive back ($10 Amazon).
You’re the man! Thanks.
Ahhhh not really. My mpgs have been low for years now, around 11. Got worse when I went to 35s. Haven't been scientific about it but I can check now as I just received and mounted my scangauge this past weekend.
Same thing with power. Maybe there is a little, but like I said I'm on 35s.....
What I do notice with the fans once they come on they stay on for only a couple of minutes and temperature drops. We'll see how they are this summer in sunny SoCal and when I do my yearly drive down into Baja. You can hear the fans and feel the blowback heat with the front window down and sticking your hand out at a traffic stop. If you stand by the drivers or passenger front door you will feel the heat blowing back hahaha. These suckers work pretty good. Sounds like a hovercraft
I saw this one on Ebay: alum radiator. Looks like mine, might be better because mine had the damn drain plug on the wrong side! Minor detail but I had to space it back away from the front of the car so I have access to the plug. This one has the plug on the correct side as the trans cooler connections. Also, the connection to the overflow tank is facing the correct way too. Mine is opposite if you noticed in the picture above.
That one looks pretty good. The one I got while back started leaking from the coolant drain plug. It’s a plastic fitting with a very cheap rubber seal. The one you posted has a screw looking fitting which would probably be much more reliable...
Yes, the fitting is a zinc yellow chromate plated steel 'thumb screw'. Same as the one I have on mine.
Found this regarding denso and their aftermarket radiators. Gonna buy from the dealer, don’t care to replace every 2 years.
www.repairerdrivennews.com
Denso: OEM, aftermarket parts from same manufacturer not necessarily identical
It’s sometimes asserted that OEM and aftermarket parts made by the same manufactuer are identical. But a leading Tier 1 supplier producing both confirmed last month differences might exist. D…
Installed my factory radiator today. Factory hoses, and factory tensioner as well. Couldn’t be happier that I spent the money this time. The denso was crap. Leaked almost immediately. Same with the aftermarket hoses. They never fitted tight enough. Hard to get the new ones on! 100 deg today. Temp held solid at 194 for an extended idle.
just buy factory!!
just buy factory!!
2001LC
SILVER Star
OEM hands-down, best!
The better aftermarket are more work to install with adding foam, and too often weep at lower goose neck.
I always replace Thermostat with radiator, unless I know it has newer OEM installed correctly (jiggle valve up).
The better aftermarket are more work to install with adding foam, and too often weep at lower goose neck.
I always replace Thermostat with radiator, unless I know it has newer OEM installed correctly (jiggle valve up).
uHu
Bridgeburner
Me confusion now. Isn't the factory radiator made by Denso? Or is this a case of Denso USA vs Denso Japan?
