I need to buy a radiator, a new headlamp and a hood for my '09 Civic.
I was told that aftermarket parts are okay but that I should stick to OEM. But the thing is some OEM parts are expensive. Then I read somewhere that aftermarket hoods may not be to specs in regards to crumple zones, etc...
I was told that a good radiator is Koyo, but then read a bad review of it on another site from someone who bought one.

Anyone have any good suggestions for aftermarket parts for all of the above mentioned? Brand names?
I would really appreciate the help. Since my cousin damaged my car and I need to get this fixed relatively soon - using my cousin's car for now. lol

 

a good rad mishimoto... very good

what about getting a carbon fiber hood? headlight you can shop around and find oem used for decent prices.

Apart from the rad, OEM is always best for those particular parts.

 

Acura hoods are direct fitment and are a little less costly than the original Honda ones... I have a Acura hood and trunk lid now since a freak hail storm in the summer of 2010 did $9500 Cdn damage to my FA5. I couldn't tell the difference until I looked at the decals on the underside of them.

 

I was thinking about a carbon fiber hood, since I have a silver 09 Sport and thought it'd look good. However a friend suggested strongly against it since he thinks it'll look ricer. Any recommendations for something clean and simple?

As for the head lamp, I'm assuming you recommend I stick to OEM and not aftermarket?

Thanks Dave, appreciate the help.

 

I looked around online but couldn't find what year/model hood from an Acura would fit. Could you point me in the right direction? I'd appreciate the help.
Thanks.

 

Ya for the headlights I would really stick to oem.

I don't think carbon fiber is ricer but thats personal taste...

 

The OE Acura CSX hood for the 09-11 CSX will fit our cars... got that from my claim form.

 

that's fine and dandy for you canadians. we didnt get an acura csx in the states.

 

Go with CAPA certified aftermarket body parts.
They are good, the cheaper line are garbage.
As for Radiator , KOYO is good or go with a good OEM used one.
The cheap ones will not last and will burst on hot climate.

 

What about getting a radiator from radiatorexpress.com? I have used these in mysupercharged Thunderbird and a friends 95Chevy 2500 4x4. No problems and its been 5+ years.

 

well, it got fixed finally and I have to say it looks like it just came off the lot when I first bought it brand new.

They managed to get a koyo rad' as I requested, a used oem hood and an original headlight.

the body work is spectacular and the quality I must say is above and beyond.

so thank you everyone here for your suggestions, it helped a ton and if anyone needs a good body shop recommendation, send me a message and I'll pass the info onto you.

I'll post before and after pics in the next few days.