Radiator options?

ARC

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It looks like I'm up for a new radiator.
My current and original one now has 180,000kms on it and when idling it seems fine, but drive it a couple of kms down the road and the engine starts to heat up. So I'm guessing I've got a blockage and it might be time to upgrade.

The stock Lancer/Mirage one has done fine with the CM5A so far, I could just replace it.
Given I want to start doing some track days next year, It would probably be a good investment.
Would it be worth while maybe seeing if a Evo6 one might be better? I'm sure its probably bigger.

Thoughts and opinoins please
 
While not a radiator option, if you go ahead and do a flush of the cooling system, use the Tectaloy rad flush, cause thats got 200g/l of alkaline salts, compared to the more expensive SCA branded with lesser salts per litre. One 200ml bottle or so is meant for 10L system. More salts = stronger fluid to help clear out gunk. Its awesome stuff to use straight to clear out the rad overflow as well
 
Thanks Donki, I'll try the cheap option first.
Might buy me some time to look at some other options.
 
I've run heaps of track day's with a standard radiator but with no ac or intercooler in the way. I would get an auto radiator so you can use the auto cooler for power steer cooling. The track will give the PS a hard time.
 
External cooler for ps is always much better then being inside another heat sink.

Ebay radiators seem to be ok. Mine was a bit hit and miss, Matty's was great.

If you get an evo rad you'll need a new drivers side too bracket, but I reckon an oem evo rad should be plenty really for your application. Just make sure the top tank doesn't show any signs of brittleness/cracking
 
The standard rage radiators are not huge in coolant volume but have a very large surface area and seem to work well. The cooler idea works well as temps for power steer fluid get well above coolant temps remember that automatic transmission fluid is cooled and warmed in the same way. This is not the best way to create a p/s cooler but it is effective and an opportunity that you have now that you're looking. I put an auto cooler on the race car out of a commodore radiator mounted externally but the cooler in the bottom tank would have been heaps easier. Temps in the bottom tank are lower than you may think.
 
If you're not watching the bookfaces, seems I found the issue.
While doing the radiator flush this morning I found the top hose got hot, the bottom remaind cool.
 
Took the thermostat out, did a big loop around the turf farms and came home and it was cool as. Probably cooler than normal actually.
Before I barely made it on to the first turf farm before it began to heat up... At least the cooling system got a clean out. lol
 
Lucky it was something simple.

Awesome little hint on that auto rad, that's pretty nifty for the heavy trackers
 
I did a flush n clean anyway, got some gunk out.
Had to pull the rad right out because my bottom plug is partly snapped off by the intercooler piping.
My original rad is looking a little worse for wear with 180K on it now, might be worth replacing it soon.
At least I've got it going again and in time for Cars n Donuts tomorrow :)
 
Don't leave the thermostat out, you need some resistance. The old mini trick was to cut the guts out of the thermostat so you were left with just a ring.
 
By allowing full flow the coolant doesn't stay in the radiator long enough to cool adequately so as zipper has pointed out just chop the moving part out in the middle or replace.
 
It's all back together now. New thermostat, flushed and renewed. Seems good. :)
 
Weow, love that it was an easy fix. means more money in the kitty for bonsai!
 
Weow, love that it was an easy fix. means more money in the kitty for bonsai!

Considering I'm about to buy 4 new daily tyres and another set of wheels and tyres for track days next year. Yes! :sunglasses:
 
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