So I have a 2012 Frontier that is kitted out for Touring/Overlanding. It has an ARB Deluxe Bull Bar with Winch along with 33's. While driving the truck in the warmer weather I noticed the Temperature likes to be around 190°-205° with an outside Temperature of 80°-90°. Of course these Temperatures will change by what other conditions I encounter like wind or driving up a slight incline.
Now technically these Temperatures are most likely going to be considered especially knowing the fact that the OEM Thermostat will start to open at 180° and be fully open around 205° Degrees. That doesn't mean I wouldn't prefer it to be a little lower being closer to 180° within reason. What I have been considering is an all Aluminum Radiator over the OEM as I understand that All Aluminum Radiators can certainly be more efficient vs the OEM Plastic Aluminum Radiators..
What I would like to know is how much more efficient the Aluminum Radiators are especially on a nice hot day. Has anyone taken the Temperature difference readings? If so what did you find?
Aluminum Radiators vs the OEM Plastic Aluminum
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FrenchPople
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2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
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AZhitman
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Re: Aluminum Radiators vs the OEM Plastic Aluminum
I don't have actual data, but the first thing I replace on ALL my vehicles is the crappy Calsonic plastic radiator.
I have 15 Nissan / Datsun vehicles, and haven't had a radiator issue (or overheating) since replacing them with thicker aluminum units (and we see 120*F ambient temps pretty regularly in the summer).
With that said, optimum operating temp is likely in the 200* range. So, what you're adding isn't a cooler-running engine, but rather a larger margin of error (and protection) in the event something else isn't exactly right. Definitely worth doing.
I have 15 Nissan / Datsun vehicles, and haven't had a radiator issue (or overheating) since replacing them with thicker aluminum units (and we see 120*F ambient temps pretty regularly in the summer).
With that said, optimum operating temp is likely in the 200* range. So, what you're adding isn't a cooler-running engine, but rather a larger margin of error (and protection) in the event something else isn't exactly right. Definitely worth doing.
Re: Aluminum Radiators vs the OEM Plastic Aluminum
AZhitman, which radiator brands do you like to use?
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FrenchPople
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2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Re: Aluminum Radiators vs the OEM Plastic Aluminum
As one that has lived in AZ for 11 years way too long(and now reside in Colorado) I have driven a few different vehicles with no problems in the good old Arizona Heat that you speak of. These particular vehicles were stock and did just fine. That even included my 1983 280ZX Turbo that I had(man I miss that thing). Because they were all stock, I wasn't too concerned about the Aluminum Radiator. The current vehicle is a bit different since it is decked out and loaded!(Dropbox link at the end). I will certainly agree with the extra safety Margin of things as there are many different ways to get a vehicle HOT. I also know it's a good idea to make sure you can control things well within reason so it doesn't become too much of an issue. It's just a question of how much of a difference this will make.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fq68gdpf ... 2juux&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fq68gdpf ... 2juux&dl=0
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FrenchPople
- Posts: 126
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2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Re: Aluminum Radiators vs the OEM Plastic Aluminum
Well I made a choice and it was a bit different than I expected.
I'm sticking with the Plastic Aluminum for now, but I'm still making an upgrade in a way. The Factory Radiator for the D40 has a Core Thickness of 1.25 in and is a 1 Row. The CSF Aluminum Radiator has a Core Thickness of 1.625 in and is a 2 Row. What I decided to go with was a KOYO Radiator that is made in Japan. It has a Core Thickness of 1.4375 in and is a 2 Row as well.
Why the KOYO? For starters we have the price. With new mounting bushings it cost me $150. Also the Radiator is made in Japan. Next with the Radiator being a 2 Row, it has a bit more Coolant Capacity and will be able to cool a little bit more(most likely to the temperature I was looking for as well). To specify the OEM Radiator has a tube thickness of 1.25 in. The KOYO has 2 tube that are most likely 0.7 in thick each. Put together and you have 1.4 in. That gives you 0.15 more surface area per tube row(as in counting the tubes next to each other). It may not be much, but if you have 40 rows of tubes in each radiator, that is a lot of extra surface area. Keep in mind that is simply an example as I don't know the exact count of tubes for the OEM Radiator.
Now I have already made the order today and it should be here sometime next week. I will most likely do the install next weekend. After that I will drive it around and let you all know how that goes! I suspect we shall have good results.
I'm sticking with the Plastic Aluminum for now, but I'm still making an upgrade in a way. The Factory Radiator for the D40 has a Core Thickness of 1.25 in and is a 1 Row. The CSF Aluminum Radiator has a Core Thickness of 1.625 in and is a 2 Row. What I decided to go with was a KOYO Radiator that is made in Japan. It has a Core Thickness of 1.4375 in and is a 2 Row as well.
Why the KOYO? For starters we have the price. With new mounting bushings it cost me $150. Also the Radiator is made in Japan. Next with the Radiator being a 2 Row, it has a bit more Coolant Capacity and will be able to cool a little bit more(most likely to the temperature I was looking for as well). To specify the OEM Radiator has a tube thickness of 1.25 in. The KOYO has 2 tube that are most likely 0.7 in thick each. Put together and you have 1.4 in. That gives you 0.15 more surface area per tube row(as in counting the tubes next to each other). It may not be much, but if you have 40 rows of tubes in each radiator, that is a lot of extra surface area. Keep in mind that is simply an example as I don't know the exact count of tubes for the OEM Radiator.
Now I have already made the order today and it should be here sometime next week. I will most likely do the install next weekend. After that I will drive it around and let you all know how that goes! I suspect we shall have good results.