After reading this thread:

http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...p?threadid=5301

I think I have a pretty good idea of the benefits of a replacement thermostat and radiator cap. It looks like most who have done this mod have gone with the Mugen pieces.

Spoon also sells these, though, and I am curious about any differences. Here is the information that I have been able to find:

Mugen:
RADIATOR CAP 19045-XGER-0000 $29.00
The open valve pressure is 1.3kg/cm*2 compared to the normal 1.1kg/cm*2

THERMOSTAT 19301-XGS-0000 $69.00
Operating temperature:

 

Ted, email me and i'll give you the spoon details.

 

Well, I haven't gotten much response...

Richard, thanks for the info on the Spoon pieces. I hope you don't mind if I post them here:

Radiator cap's pressure is increased to 1.35kg from stock's 1.1kg.
Thermostat opens up at 60 degrees C (normally at 88C).

Does anyone have any experience with either of these?

Any thoughts on the slightly different specs between the Spoon and Mugen peices?

Thanks again,

Ted

 

I have both Mugen parts. The radiator cap pressure is 1.3.
I don't know about the cap but the thermostat is a good mod since we know how moody our cars are with higher temps (loss of power). I have been using it for almost a year now and no problems. The car does take a little longer to warm up for the fans to operate so I guess it's doing its job.

 

Just a ?

Why would you need a higher pressure cap (usually used to be able to run increased temps), if you are going to install a lower temp thermostat?

I think just the thermostat would be logical, forget about the cap.

 

Here is my theory: In a properly vented system, as the coolant heats up, it expands. This raises coolant pressure. When coolant pressure reaches the cap setpoint, it vents to the expansion tank. Thus, the coolant system usually operates at the cap relief pressure. Higher pressure means that the margin to boiling is raised. Localized boiling can lead to coolant loss over time on a road course. Even if it was legal in A Stock AutoX, I don't think the higher pressure cap would be of any benefit in that short of a race.

 

Also Tedster, the cooler temps afforded by the lower temp thermostat will lower the temp of the heat coming out of the air ducts in the cabin if you ever use the heater.