MikNomis

Hey all, I recently obtained a salvaged '99 Civic coupe EX and after getting an inspection received a huge list of things that need replacing. One of the first things to change the mechanic said was the radiator.

So I need some advice for getting the best bang for the least buck. I tried researching some on my own, and came across cheap stuff like Blackworks, where they came warped and the fitment was terrible, etc. I don't want any of that, and was wondering if anyone knew any cheap, but good radiators such as Mishimoto but cheaper.

If not, I was thinking of taking a used radiator out of one of the many Civics parting out on Craigslist. There's some things I need to learn first though:

1. How do you check the condition of a used radiator?

2. What parts do I need to take out of the car I'm buying it from? Radiator, hoses, that's it?

3. What years of Civic radiators will be compatible with my '99 Civic EX?

4. My car is automatic. So does that mean I can only use radiators from automatics?


Thanks in advance.

Moonraker09

If you don't want to put the money for a radiator, be prepare to buy 94 of them on ebay and change them every 8 months...

Used? up to you.

OEM? yeah why not...

to answer your question:
1.look
2. what are you looking for? a radiator, the hoses or both? for the price... go with new hoses please...
3.any 92-00 rad
4.Yes

Don't try to save bucks on a radiator or you will regret.

Ci-v-iC

A new rad is cheap @ $60

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

how much was the blackworks one u had?

alphalanos

i got a proliance all aluminum radiator for like 150

-the one i got didnt have a/t cooling so i had to buy a external a/t cooler

MikNomis

Yes, but are you talking about the ones on ebay or?

I didn't have a Blackworks radiator, I just came across it on the web. They were being sold on ebay and Craigslist for like $45 new.

How is it, the quality of the product?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

You're asking about the Proliance? I thought you needed it cheap?

MikNomis

Thought I should take note of it anyway. If getting a used stock radiator costs like $50 and it breaks down in a month, then I should opt for getting the best-priced, new, quality radiator I can find.

On a side note, installation of a radiator is fairly simple right? I have 0 experience doing any DIY on a car.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Is it easy? Have you actually LOOKED at the radiator? It a bolt and 2 hoses. Get a manual if you have no idea what you're doing. It has pictures.
Buying a used OEM is rather on the unwise side, to be polite.

MikNomis

Why's it a bad idea?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

When NEW radiators can be had, with warranty, for a relatively inexpensive price, getting a used one out of a junkyard is just plain stupid.

MikNomis

Just discovered Radiator Barn and Performance Radiator. Likely will go with one of them. Anyone have experience with them?

mattyfo0z

Go to Autozone and get one for your model car and get the warranty (forgot if it comes with it or if it's extra $).

My radiator blew a quarter size hole in it on my way home from school one time, leaked coolant everywhere. Got a ride to Autozone, bought one for like $80 I think, then took it back to my car and bolted it on + filled it back up. Worked fine for the rest of the time I had that car, which was about 3 or 4 months.

MikNomis

Anyone have anything to say about Koyo brand radiators?

brett304

No one bothered to post how to properly inspect a used radiator.. And the reason why someone may want to do that is to get a better radiator for a cheaper price.. You can buy the autozone one for not a lot more than the ebay ones, but what if you want something better than that? (I bought the advanced one and its lasted three years, btw)... Its just like any other product, if you know what you're looking for you can buy used and get a better deal.. We're not talking rocket science here... DO you guys buy new cars just because you get a warranty, damn the price?

flush_EJ1

I was going to suggest Koyo. They are the best you can buy. They come in copper or aluminum. I havent had one fail yet.

MikNomis

Thanks haha.

I noticed a lot of posts around the web mentioning that the Koyo had issues with fitting because it was too thick or wide. I don't know if this goes for my model of Civic as well, do you have any input?


Also, I was looking at radiator hoses, and am confused by something.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...gs+Best+Seller
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...gs+Best+Seller

The above two I'm not confused about, they're upper and lower radiator hoses compatible with my car. But what are these:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../GAT18792.html
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../GAT19151.html


And what other hoses do I need again for an automatic car?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

We're not talking about a trailing arm or any other hard part. This is part of the cooling system and not that expensive at that. If you're dead broke and have no other alternative then I can see having to settle for a used unit. But if you're just trying to be cheap then there's no excuse.

apexi_rsx

yeah ive had a koyo radiator for years, with no problems just thats it rubbed on the top of my rad support some. i took a piece of hose and split it in half and tucked it around the edge of the front support problem solved.

MikNomis

I actually am dead broke... college too expensive :/

I'm just going off what the mechanic said after the inspection. He said my top priority was to get a new radiator. I don't have any overheating problems or anything but I won't argue against his professional advice. I could wait it out and save money and get a better quality radiator, but I was weighing my options between getting a good one later vs. a cheap one now and a better one much later. Unless of course, I could somehow get lucky and get a cheap one now that's quality.

I see, thanks. That's in your Civic and not RSX yeah?

apexi_rsx

yes in my civic.my rsx is basically stock with i/h/e

brett304

Heres the options really, new performance rad, new honda rad, cheaper aftermartket but still decent, cheap aftermartket (or ebay).. Or buy any of these used for less than the same new. And grumble the reason for buying one of these used is that its a simple part that does a simple job that is easily inspectable... So you CAN get a better radiator at a cheaper price with the right research...

strategy400

I got mine at radiatorbarn.com it was like ~$65 and at my door THE VERY NEXT MORNING.

They have warehouses everywhere.

Been working good in my car for about a year now. Aluminium with plastic tanks.

Saw this too the other day:

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/2583392176.html

Local to me...

NotAJDMFanBoy

Radiators are pretty simple. A friend had a no-name eBay one and it worked fine, and I have it now, and it's still fine. All aluminum dual core and takes the OEM fan. It should never be at anything over about 13 PSI.

Since coolant can become acidic and plastic gets brittle, deposits can form, lots of other bad stuff like the brass fins coming loose (happened on my OEM radiator), get a new one unless the used one in question was a replacement.

98civdx

I have a performance radiator in my car, no problems here.

Paid about $100 for it. Would I buy again? Yes.

I've had it for going on 3 years, not even a hint of a problem

Also, I have their AC condensor as well. Just in case your looking for that to. lol

EDIT- I also should add, I know a few people who run ebay rad's, other than 1 issue I haven't heard anything bad.

The one issue was a small crack started to devolpe where the cap goes, which was easly fixed for less than 20 bucks.