I posted this in the 92-00 Civic forum, but didn't get any replies. I know this isn't forced induction related, but some of you guys either use PWR radiators or possibly have had similar issues with aftermarket radiator fitment. Here's a copy of my post:

"I have a 99 Civic with a PWR radiator that's making contact with the body on the left side. It rattles and it's grinding away at the aluminum. The solution that I've come up with in the past with previous aftermarket radiators hasn't worked. (Cutting a piece of hose in half to push it forward more - see second picture.) I'm also using an aluminum radiator stay, and I'm wondering if the particular brand that I'm using is the problem. The right side of the radiator is fine, though. Do they make slightly longer radiator stays?"

 

Gonna go out on a limb here and say that a custom solution will be neccesary. Either make a new stay to push the radiator forward, or drill out the spot welds for the radiator feet on the rad support and shift them over to the right more, or notch the rad support. Alot of ways to do this.

 

I agree. I've had to have to have the radiator feet cut and welded to move over to the right. Not by much, but enough not to get too close to the exhaust manifold. That's the best possible option if resources avail you to it.

Otherwise, the custom radiator stay would be more of a hopeful "quick fix".

 

Like I said, those "Feet" are just spot welded on so you can drill out the spot welds pretty easy and just self tap screw them in where you want (what I did)

 

True, although I like welded "feet" over self-tappers. A bit more permanent and not as prone to vibration.

My next radiator will be a custom size anyway, so I'll have no choice but to reweld on the next go-round.

 

Is there a reason you cannot just clearance the radiator support?

Seems that would be the simplest solution.

 

X2 bust out the grinder you p*ssy lol jk. I guess some people don't like hacking up there cars like I do lol.

Like otheres are saying moving the lower mounts over slightly is probably the cleanest looking option as long as you have enough clearance for you turbo components.

 

Are you able to just bend the radiator feet slightly down so you wont have contact with the body? It looks fairly close so maybe just a slight bend will allow it to sit slightly lower.

 

And people wonder why these chassis are continually dropping in value.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions! LOL, I'm not going to hack up my car with a grinder. Bending the lower radiator supports down is also an idea I had thought of. I tried pushing the radiator down, but that didn't work, so I guess I'll have to remove it. Otherwise, I'll talk with a fabricator about something custom, starting with a longer radiator stay. The rattling makes my car sound like a piece of junk when it's at a stoplight. It's embarrassing.

Shodan, you always have an appropriate .gif ready for every occasion. Where do you get these things?

 

This is my process:

 

LOL, I bought my last 2 civics for 400-ISH. can they drop more in value than that?

 

Pretty much, when you do the kind of **** you're suggesting to them.

Sorry, you're talking to a single-owner 20 year DC2 owner. When I see them unnecessarily cut "just for ease", I'm like that Native-American with a tear in his eye (Keep America Beautiful PSA) every time he sees a piece of trash fall to the ground as it kills the environment.

 

That makes sense. I'll try that sometime, thank you!

I hear you. I've had my EM1 for 18 years and can't bring myself to cut it up like that. I'm still pissed at a shop who butchered my rear toe adjustment tracks, and that's something not visible unless you're under the car. I guess if you're not the original owner, it doesn't matter so much.

 

I'm in the exact same position as you, I'd be pissed as hell, too if my shop did that to my adjustment tracks.