How do you like your cooling system?

[mmm240]

My S14 has been turbo'd (KADE) and is still rocking the factory cooling system. It made the 600 mile drive home just fine as the t stat seems to be stuck open (just barely got to operating temp and dropped below that once I got close to home and the 20 degree temps)

I want to do a larger radiator e-fans and t stat.

I am seeing three main radiators. KOYO, Mishimoto, and ISIS. The Koyo sounds best and has a very strong description. The Mishimoto has a strong name and includes the radiator cap and a lifetime warranty. I am still learning about ISIS, but If it is just as good, I can save quite a few bucks...

The SR radiator is different from the KA, correct?

I've no idea which t-stat to go with yet.

I also don't have an overflow as the space is limited due to the turbo/Intercooler piping. I know I can buy an aluminum one and place it where ever, but I would like to see how much is in there. Is there a clear option?

Spring is coming, time to purchase parts!

[2_Liter_Turbo]

I can tell you from experience that the Koyo is vastly superior to both the mishimoto and especially the isis. The fin density and tube size is much better and it just cools better. As for the thermostat, just get a new OEM one. Not anything aftermarket.

[GTR PrYdE]

I bought a CXRacing for dirt cheap (to me) for around 120-130 New from their site. Install was perfect (other than modifying my shroud) and quality seems real good. But does it cool better? I haven't driven my car much and summer time was about the only taxing time on my cooling system down here in Houston TX.

Reading reviews though, I have to +1 hearing the Koyo is a superior radiator (in cooling, where it counts the most.) Otherwise build and fitment seems great on all the radiators.

I would like to update this thread this summer with my results from my CXRacing radiator..

As far as fans, I love the ease and reliability of my clutch fan. I would upgrade to a GKTech fan blade if needed ($99). I dont mind the shroud though, though e-fans are a much cleaner look.

Good luck!

[buckandahalf]

I have a Koyo. A friend has the Mishimoto. Both are well made and work great.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

My water temp went up 15 deg when I went from a Koyo to a mishimoto... no other changes.

[mmm240]

Sounds like the smart bet is to buy the koyo regardless of fans. I'm good with that. Koyo doesn't mess around. I would love to clean it up and run e fans, but there really is no replacement for the fan clutch. I should be fortunate my shroud is still good. Yeah, I like that idea, thanks all!

[mmm240]

I also like the idea of running the factory t-stat. Anyone have info on it? P/N and make?

[2_Liter_Turbo]

Just grab it from the dealer, best quality. It's not very expensive.

[The Inflicted]

My 1995 is mostly stock and runs very cool.
It has a large no-name eBay aluminum radiator similar to this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-95-98-240SX ... 0c&vxp=mtr
...and its pair of electric fans that go with it but on a cold day, even with neither fan running the temperature on the gauge doesn't even budge above the bottom. I would need to idle/rev in place for 5-10 minutes before it even reaches a quarter of the way up. Currently the fans are set so that one comes on with the air conditioner and the other cuts on from the second-stage of the old belt-driven fan, in overheat mode (it's never come on, ever, even in summer).

Come to think of it, maybe that's not normal. Could my temp sensing unit be going bad?

[mmm240]

I'm thinking your t-stat is stuck open.

[The Inflicted]

I'm thinking your t-stat is stuck open.

Yeah, I'm trying to remember whether I replaced it on this particular car when I put the new radiator in.
It's been about 3 years since I've had to do anything with the cooling system at all.

[GTR PrYdE]

the gauge doesn't even budge above the bottom.

Is this from the factory temp gauge? I wouldn't rely on it for any accurate temps.

[crimson180sx]

Koyo for the win. I have used Koyo Racing radiators for a long time now. The KA radiators have the upper port on the radiator on the passenger side and the SR radiators have it on the driver side. I just replaced my KA one for an SR one to clean up the look in my engine bay. You can make the KA one work for an SR engine but it needs extra/customization of the upper radiator hose.

While this information pertains to S13, hopefully it helps anybody reading this thread.

[mmm240]

the gauge doesn't even budge above the bottom.

Is this from the factory temp gauge? I wouldn't rely on it for any accurate temps.

Do the factory gauges fail, or are they just not very accurate?

I'm wondering how many autometer gauges I should be running lol

[mmm240]

Kayo radiator is here. unfortunately I noticed cracks in the factory fan between every blade. I will be ridding it and running my flex a lite 15in fan I've had sitting around since my s13 near a dozen years ago.