GCR Quote
Paragraph 17.1.4.D.3: Engine Cooling System
a. Any radiator may be used, provided it is mounted in the original location, maintains the same plane as the original core and requires no body or structure modifications to install. No new openings created by fitting an alternate radiator may be used for the purpose of ducting air to the engine.

My 92 Civic SI (soon to be a ITA car) came equipped with a small radiator. Actually the front end is half radiator half AC condenser. So, by removing the AC condenser, leaves a big opening. Under the Any radiator may be used part, I want to run a full length radiator but I would have to fabricate new mounting brackets. No problem, pretty simple. Now to my question is fabricating new mounting brackets considered "structure modifications"?

...and Grumpy, feel free to shine in

 

I'd assume that any part that you built that faclitates bolting the radiator in place that does not actually become an integral part of the "body or structure" would be fine.

Example: Brackets supporting the radiator, that bolt to the existing unibody, subframe, or core support = OK

Example: Cutting and/or welding on the unibody, subframe, or core support to support the radiator = Not OK

It's kind of a narrow distinction but it comes down to what you can make a case for. If you can point to one piece and say, "that's my new bracket" and another and say, "that's the original core support," you are probably on solid ground.

K

 

I would say that should you make no increase in structural strength/ or weakness than the part is not structural. Therefor you would be permitted to install the radiator.

 

apparently honda, non a/c civics had a plastic peice that replaces the condenser. IF you cant run a full radiator because of rules... you might look into running that piece to force air to the radiator.

EDIT: if thats even legal.

 

I'm pretty sure Kirk's analysis is correct - as long as you fabrcaite brackets, but don't cut, bend, or alter the original mounting points, you're legal.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MMsportsRexSi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">apparently honda, non a/c civics had a plastic peice that replaces the condenser...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Excellent point. It is NOT okay to simply cover up whatever portion of the hole you don't fill with radiator (with aluminum or something) but you can use a part that would have come on any year or trim level listed on your ITCS spec line.

K

 

By allowing the alternate radiator, the means to mount it is allowed.

Technically, the rules say modifications, additions welded to the body might be open to interpretation. To be safe, don't weld to the frame unless absolutely required to make a proper mounting bracket.

Remember to isolate the radiator with some types of rubber mounts to absorb the vibrations. The only thing worse than the radiator failing tech is the radiator failing you.

 

Its should be fine. Kirk (the rules nerd) is correct of course.
We have been ITA legal (always- even when we were running in Honda Challenge & not IT.)
We've been using a full-front rad from an integra (car came stock w/ half sized rad). We were able to (no welding nothing trick fabrication wise) make brackets for it using some of the original rad mounting points. We didn't have to "add" anything to the body. There has never been any question about the legality of our rad set-up over the years.