Radiator Cooling Plate Thoughts?
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From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Radiator Cooling Plate Thoughts?
My OEM plastic radiator cooling plate is currently mangled. Would it be better to purchase a new OEM one or switch to one of the various aftermarket metal cooling plates? Has anyone tested this? My project for the weekend is ensuring that no air bypasses my radiator.
Joined: Aug 2013
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I haven't done any testing but to me it looks like the password JDM has the most coverage (granted, I could have missed some on the market)
Don't forget about the sides either! Some foam and sheet plastic should work there (not sure if you've done that yet)
Don't forget about the sides either! Some foam and sheet plastic should work there (not sure if you've done that yet)
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From: Windsor, CA
Just buy some double-sided aluminum bubble wrap (super cheap at any hardware store, with the insulation products). It will work as well as any of that stuff, you can cut it to size with scissors, cut whatever holes you need for rad-cap/latch/snorkel and extend it out as far as you want. You can roll it up and stuff it in the cracks between the radiator and frame to stop air slipping past there. I've had no issues with heat from the radiator damaging it. I also used it to wrap my intake.
Joined: Aug 2013
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Just buy some double-sided aluminum bubble wrap (super cheap at any hardware store, with the insulation products). It will work as well as any of that stuff, you can cut it to size with scissors, cut whatever holes you need for rad-cap/latch/snorkel and extend it out as far as you want. You can roll it up and stuff it in the cracks between the radiator and frame to stop air slipping past there. I've had no issues with heat from the radiator damaging it. I also used it to wrap my intake.
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From: Mt. ________
In my opinion the OEM one should definitely be replaced. It guides air directly and should create less vortices in the air before entering the radiator because there is less of a large open pocket above the bumper opening. Difference would be minor I am sure though.
Best to just use the OEM as well as any blocking off any other areas that the OEM guide doesn't cover as well as along the sides and bottom. The sides are pretty open and can be closed up pretty easily. Best solution would be one that directly ducts and controls airflow directly into and out of the radiator but likely a bit overkill.
Best to just use the OEM as well as any blocking off any other areas that the OEM guide doesn't cover as well as along the sides and bottom. The sides are pretty open and can be closed up pretty easily. Best solution would be one that directly ducts and controls airflow directly into and out of the radiator but likely a bit overkill.
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From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Have I thot about it, yes. I have my turbo intake, and my catch can in the way of getting the air from the back of the radiator to my Track Spec hood vents.
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I thought this was a pretty nice self-fabrication for venting/cooling. However; you have a ton of extra stuff in your bay that will likely prevent you from doing this.
As seen in previous posts I also have been working on a custom vented CF hood. With proper venting this will ensure that I will never have any cooling issues as well as reducing a large amount of front lift over the long hood the S2000 has.
I started mocking up the vent duct with cardboard...
...Which got more refined with test fitting and trimming etc etc to this...
With the help from my buddy Joe we transferred this template to sheet aluminum...
I still have to cut and add this final piece...
The fit and finish of the duct is nice and tight...
To hold this new hood in place I found this company that makes a unique hood pin/fastener called quik-latch. They are all machined and anodized aluminum and the latch/unlatch mechanism is the best in the industry IMO. Has a great aerospace quality to them.
I started mocking up the vent duct with cardboard...
...Which got more refined with test fitting and trimming etc etc to this...
With the help from my buddy Joe we transferred this template to sheet aluminum...
I still have to cut and add this final piece...
The fit and finish of the duct is nice and tight...
To hold this new hood in place I found this company that makes a unique hood pin/fastener called quik-latch. They are all machined and anodized aluminum and the latch/unlatch mechanism is the best in the industry IMO. Has a great aerospace quality to them.
Joined: Aug 2010
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