radiator

F

frazer

New member
I'd like to get opinions on radiators. Of course, I want good cooling, but I would also like to save money. I know some people run the mazda comp stuff, but what about the howe radiators. Not too worried about having to run the radiator hose from the other side. Oh, and if anyone could tell me what size to look for I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Mike

[This message has been edited by frazer (edited June 13, 2003).]
 
www.howeracing.com

Look for part number 342AF for a standard 26x19 or number 342AFNF if you want a radiator with no radiator filler, in case you want to run a surge tank setup.

Then call 800-882-7231 and ask for Mike Norsen. Tell him Chris told you to get the dealer discount price. Should cost less than $180 + shipping.

I just ordered one for a friend, and will be ordering my own when I am closer to installing the motor. Easiest way I can see to install it is to take some 1.5" steel strap and use the factory mounting holes. Drop the strap down and put 2 90* bends at the bottom to cradle the radiator so it looks like this ( ______________] ), then use some aluminum sheet to secure the top of the radiator to the core support. Should turn out fine.

Good luck.

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Chris Wire
Team Wire Racing
ITS Mazda RX7 #35
[email protected]
 
I had mine custom made using a Howe core. Cost a little less than $300. Mounts to factory holes and the necks are the same as stock. I actually had planned to set it up for factory hoses but I measured wrong and was forced to use flex hose. The guys that did the work were in Michigan but I've lost their email addy. My point is that you can save a bunch of money over the Comp unit. Just look around for anyone doing custom work.



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Chris Ludwig
08 ITS RX7 CenDiv
 
thanks for the advice. as a temporary fix, should i install an electric fan? the car hasn't run hot before. thanks again...

mike
 
The 26" radiator puts the tanks out beyond the factory mounting holes, I already looked into that. I just didn't believe that the 22" version was sufficient for racing in the Southeast. The hose locations have not proven to be a problem, it just takes a bit more searching. Gates Vulc-o-flex hose comes in a large range of dimensions to aid the process.

The only other issue that MAY cause a problem is on the 89-91 cars where the radiator cap is not the highest point of the cooling system like it is in the 86-88 cars. I know of some guys that use the 86 front cover for just that reason.

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Chris Wire
Team Wire Racing
ITS Mazda RX7 #35
[email protected]
 
Thanks a ton Chris! I just got off the phone w/ Mike and ordered the radiator (342AF). Wasn't sure about the cap, so he's gonna check. I think he may follow up w/ you on that one. Otherwise, it's all good. As the racing thing keeps growing, I'll be coming to you for more stuff.

Thanks again,
Mike
 
The early water pump isn't supposed to be as good as the later one though Chris. You can see the difference in the volume. The later pumps have a higher RPM limit before the cavitate. Another good reason for a custom rad. Use the late model pump and put the cap where ya need it.
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Chris Ludwig
08 ITS RX7 CenDiv
 
One of the guys that runs a 1st gen at Blackhawk Farms & other places in the CenDiv has a alum radiator that fits into the OEM location/mounting that has oil cooling within the water radiator. One radiator, not a stack. Ya hook up the water hoses & the oil hoses to the one radiator. 4 conections. I last saw him in May & am looking forward to see how it is working as the weather warms.

Anyone view these in the past?

Hvae Fiun
wink.gif

David
 
I let myself be sold the $500+ Mazda Comp cooler after confirming that it was a "bolt-in" proposition. Well, yea, it bolts into the stock holes . . . . but: You have to cut away part of the hood framing because the filler is so high. Worst of all, the bottom outlet protrudes into the space where the sway bar should be. I had to shim the sway bar down almost 2 inches! Never was sure about the geometry again. And it did not remove all concerns about overheating. Don't buy it. It is a thing of beauty, though.
 
Question on the size:

-----
PaulC on the RX-7 forum wrote:
Cooling. Started with a Griffin 26x19, turned out to be too tall (interfered with the swaybar), but a custom 25x15 would work better. I switched to the Koyo OEM replacement, so far so good. Temps with the griffin and a stock oil cooler at T-hill back in September (~95) were around 190-200 water, 210 oil. Koyo in November (~80) the temps were up around 210 water, 230 oil.

PaulC
-------

Will the 26x19 size be too big? We are starting to seriously look at the radiators out there and want to get something that will not require huge amounts of fabrication.

The MazdaComp unit is great, but the price is serious.

If anyone has pics and would like to share, it would be hugely appreciated!

-Bern
 
If you're looking for a radiator EXACTLY like the mazdacomp unit ,try calling Tony Woodward at AWR 1-760 598 9782(I think this # is still good) . I bought one a couple years ago at a much better price!
BrianB
 
Originally posted by Bern:
Will the 26x19 size be too big? We are starting to seriously look at the radiators out there and want to get something that will not require huge amounts of fabrication.
Click to expand...

The 26x19 fits my application without any problem, however I am using a NASCAR style splined sway bar. No interference at all.

I can't comment on clearance issues with an OEM type bar as mine were long gone when I got around to measuring for radiators.



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Chris Wire
Team Wire Racing
ITS Mazda RX7 #35
[email protected]
 
I have a drawing for an aluminum radiator that will fit in the stock 84-85 location. Probably would work with factory hoses, although I'm using generic flex hose so I'm not positive. Has provisions for a heater core/ water to oil intercooler return line, sensors, drain, ect. Requires you to cut the notch for the factory tabs and drill 4 holes for the stock mount, but the fit is great.

www.alumrad.com is the place that makes the radiators for Howe. Cost around $300 to have this one built. If it was Mike Piecko at Blackhawk, this may be the original design I gave him and he had Howe include the oil cooler also.

The folks at alumrad.com are great to deal with, can make anything you want quickly. Their radiators arrive built to the exact dimensions you ordered. And no, I don't know them personally.

Anyone needs a copy of the drawing and notes, drop me an email.

I run 195 on the hottest days (12a).
 
I run a two pass aluminum radiator in my 12A and it's usually 190 to 195 when racing.
It is a custom made by Mike VanSteenberg at ISC Racing in Winter Haven. I think Mike takes a standard Howe or Griffen aluminum radiator and he cuts the header in half and welds in a bulkhead to make it a two pass instead of the typical one pass. It fits the stock Mazda shroud. I think it was about $300 when I bought it a couple of years ago. I just added an electric fan for the grid and for after the race when the temp goes up.
 
I had a custom dual pass rad made by Fluidyne to my specs for $340. Fat 2" core, dual pass, mounting plates for stock holes, correct size inlets and outlets(no adaptors or weird sized hoses) and with a dual pass unit both hoses come out on the same side so there is no long hose to cross infront of the engine. Never have a cooling problem, even on the hottest day.
There racing division makes up custom units all the time, speak to Keith Robertson. He is in charge of there racing program. They might even have my specs in their computer. This is the most important component to the life of a rotary, don't skimp.
WWW.fluidyne.com
 
I'm in the early investigation stages of getting into road racing, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the site & message board here - definitely some of the best info I've found so far about what it's going to take for me to get on the track. (and the videos on the site are great fuel to my ambition)

Anyway... as for this topic, you guys that are looking for radiators should check out:

AFCO Racing

I am an employee at AFCO (in the Internet dept) and by the descriptions on this thread we (AFCO) might be a good solution to the radiator needs for the RX-7.

Try these:
80103N
80103FN
80119N

They are 19x26.

The 80103N & FN are single pass and offer opposite inlet and outlets (sounds like that might be an issue from a previous post) they run $179.

The 80119N is a double pass with a 1/4" pipe fitting for an filer. It sells for $219.

These radiators are not a drop in type thing and would need some brackets etc... to be mounted. However, because we build all our radiators in house we can weld on mounting tabs and / or remove fillers or even build custom applications at pretty reasonable prices as well.

I can post some actual pictures of these radiators if it would help you guys out.

I hesitate posting cause I don't want to be considered "spaming" or "plugging product" (on my very first post no less) I hope you'll forgive me but I think this info might save you guys some bucks.

I'm sure I'll have more post in the future as I get closer to actually getting involved.

Good luck,
Scott Payton



[This message has been edited by spdracer (edited June 18, 2003).]
 
WOOHOO! Received my Howe radiator today. Man, that thing is a work of art. It's gorgeous. I'm so excited to get it in. Went down and took pics as soon as I got it out of the box. I'll take plenty more pics once I get it installed.

Note to Chris Wire: I'll be calling you soon as I've got a few questions. Hope you don't mind.

Thanks,

Mike
 
Mike,

I'm no longer in the racing business but I'll help you any way I can.

Best way is to email me (see my sig) which I check every evening. If you need daytime access, I'll get you my cell number as I'm on the road now.

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Chris Wire
Team Wire Racing
ITS Mazda RX7 #35
[email protected]
 
I took the Mazda Comp rad and had a welder take off all the unimportant stuff like the filler neck and change the shape of the upper tube so I could raise the rad away from the swaybar. I still had to lower the swaybar about 3/8 of an inch to fell safe, but the whole thing fits great with out having to modify the hood and the temps hve been good. Brian Bagnell who posted earlier about the same rad from a different source for cheaper sounds like the way to go.

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Nick Leverone
04 ITS Mazda Rx-7
www.flatout-motorsports.com
 
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