i know questions about this conversion can be overkill, but i'm about ready to throw on my new front end and was wondering what to do about the radiator support.

im not trying to create an arguement over whether its needed or just to modify the 96-98 one, but when i search for a 99-00 radiator support on ebay, it comes up as a 96-00 support.

i know the two are different, so why would i buy one on ebay that says 96-00 when i need 99-00? would this radiator support be the wrong one, or anyone know if it would work? plus if anyone has any ideas where to get one other than doing ebay and junkyards (all around me are awful), that would be great too.

thanks--darryl

 

you dont need it.

 

I would just go to the dealership or try a salvage yard I think you will get much better results then buying something on ebay.

 

This is mine with the 97 Rad Sup. and I think it looks fine, not worth damaging the structural integrity of your car breaking and grinding welds to put on a 99-00 sup.

 

it's a radiator support, it's held on by tack welds. Swaping it out will not damage the integrity of your unibody car unless you put some kind stress on the chasis.

 

thanks now to decide if i should get a 99 or modify my 96

 

don't get the 99, keep your 96 and spend the money on motor mods. The 96 has a bigger opening for intercooler anyways

 

thanks for the input

 

yeah good front end, but when are you painting the car?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by colour-flip &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yeah good front end, but when are you painting the car?</TD></TR></TABLE>

most likely painting when i get home from psu for xmas break.

 

ahh i see u were talking about saywhat

 

Paint is seriouly needed for this car. Car looks clean doe.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Vero &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it's a radiator support, it's held on by tack welds. Swaping it out will not damage the integrity of your unibody car unless you put some kind stress on the chasis.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Took the words out of my mouth.
It doesn't take that long to do, you might-as-well do it the right way.

 

Totally dig the flat black! Doin mine now

 

I'm thinkin about converting mine in the near future. thumbs up for you bro!

 

if memory serves me correct, couple months ago there was someone who posted their conversion that they did on their 96 hatch. He even showed pictures and said that he left his 96 rad support and just replaced the fenders,hood,front bumper and it all fitted fine. But there was also another post where they replaced their rad support to a 96-00 and obviously it worked fine so from what I know. I could be wrong but i know for sure there are several posts about the rad support conversion so instead of wasting money on buying new rad or what not...see if you could just keep waht you have right now and just spend your cash on the bumper,fender, and hood.

 

heres my project just waitin on the grille cuz i miss placed it and waiting on lips and the the shop it goes.







ohyeah 98 rad support i searched and most people rather save the money

i need money for my car insurance

 

looks good, did you encounter any gaps between hood and fender or anything like that? cause I wanted to convert my 97 hatch to a 99-00 as well and i've seen some people complain about the fitting etc.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Top-Fuel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">looks good, did you encounter any gaps between hood and fender or anything like that? cause I wanted to convert my 97 hatch to a 99-00 as well and i've seen some people complain about the fitting etc.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yeah you can his gaps clear as day. They are right where the hood meets he bumper, inbetween the headlights and the grill.

 

can you fix that?? ^^

 

I have heard you can notch the bumper to fit better but that fitment problem is directly related to having the wrong radiator support.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Top-Fuel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">looks good, did you encounter any gaps between hood and fender or anything like that? cause I wanted to convert my 97 hatch to a 99-00 as well and i've seen some people complain about the fitting etc.</TD></TR></TABLE>

the side of the hood and fender fitts great.. <TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Vero &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yeah you can his gaps clear as day. They are right where the hood meets he bumper, inbetween the headlights and the grill.</TD></TR></TABLE>

and this is cuz i didnt put the seal for the hood and missin 2 screwz in the bottem of the under if still see a gap i will try to get an OEM bumbper..

 

i'm gonna do this swap probably next year... winter's coming soon... I'm gonna be so pissed in 2 months I just bought my car and I want to do so much **** to it... but I can't ;(

 

i like the 96-98 front better

the only thing i dont like about my year is the AC controls. i like the 99-00 better.

you should keep your 96-98 front. i know lots of people who have switched back

 

I really perfer, the 99-00 front... I wish I could have gotten an SiR.. but insurance was way to high.. so I went for a 96 Si but soon I will change it to an SiR

I'm really dreading doing the whole blower box swap etc.....