Soo - the only thing that is still stock on my car now is the radiator. (Gross overstatement, but nonetheless) I am using the stock single core radiator that came with the 100hp motor. However, the motor setup is a little more powerful than stock now. This gives me two options - either get the Fludine civic radiator, or the Fludine integra radiator. I can get either for the same price, its just the integra one needs some cutting and welding of brackets to fit into the car. It will give me alot more cooling, but is this really needed especially in these cold times? Like I said, both are the same price - so its a matter of what fits my situation best.

ceas..

 

How about a used Integra radiator if you're wanting to do this on the cheap?

Warren

 

I would suggest getting a 'stock' Integra radiator. It will be just about 1/4 the price of the Fluidyne. It won't look as cool but it should save you about $300. All you should need to do is move the center lower mount towards the outside. Get a spot weld drill & drill out the welds. You will need one eventually 'cuz sh@t happens. Weld the mount to the new location & you're done. You could probably get away with using a rivet but I would weld it. I am pretty sure that the nut is already in place on the upper radiator mount. If not, you could just thru bolt it there.
edit: I was still typing while Warren posted. The only problem with getting a used radiator is that you don't know what kind of shape it is in internally. You can't tell until you really pupoo poo which you can't really do on the street.


[Modified by civicrr, 6:10 PM 2/7/2002]

 

What about a Del Sol radiator? Drop in, better cooling.

 

Are you actually having cooling problems? If not, why bother?

 

After hard use with the stock motor at VIR last year, the plastic endtanks developed leaks. That was the second time the stock radiator had cracked on me under hard driving with the stock 100hp motor. I would just like to be better prepared this time - and not have to worry about a problem that I can correct before I am at the track. BTW - I checked with my friend that can get the radiators at "sponsorship" prices from Fluidine. Compared to a stock ITR radiator, the civic one is $15 more, and the Integra one would be $30 more..

ceas..

 

to ceas for thinking ahead!!!!

seriously

i'm thinking bout getting the dual core delslow radiator...overnighted to me for under 130 bucks!! money well spent i believe...but i'm sick of dumping antifreeze down my driveway!!

 

Yup, Del Sol VTEC is the way to go... dual core 1/2 width with the correct inlet/outlet sizes for b-series motors.

I bought a new "OEM Replacement" for just over $180.

Takes all of 20 minutes to install (including drain and refill).

 

Have the mounts been changed in any way? I would be pretty surprized if leaks were the result of heat alone and would suspect either too much radiator movement or not enough, causing physical damage to the tanks due to stress. Just a thought.

Kirk

 

What Kirk said about the mounting.
BTW dumping anti freeze down your driveway is a big no-no. It is considered hazmat. Big $ in fines in CA.

 

I don't want to steer this too far off-topic but I gotta ask this. What are you doing when you change coolant that avoids it getting all over the place? On my car, you open the drain and it proceeds to pour out...sideways...and often hits the underside of the front bumper. All this means coolant pretty much everywhere...except in my drain pan.

ceas - remember that these plastic ended radiators are trouble prone. My vote is for an all-metal something - be it a fluidyne or a radiators.com type radiator.

 

The first time I did it the car (street car still) was apart so no worries about the 'undertray'. The race car doesn't have the undertray. On other cars, I have put a section of hose on the nipple to direct the flow toward the pan. Makes it slower but less mess.
Depending on where you live, you can take used antifreeze to the recycling centers or dump it in the sanitary sewer. I am no saint but I pollute enough with racing.

 

i realize hazmat hates me....