Best Cooling Modifications? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

pony5oh · 10-24-2011, 11:56 AM

OK OK...I did use the good ole search button, but this is a pretty broad request and I get ALOT of unrelated threads....
I have a regular, run of the mill SR20DET swapped into my '89 240sx. I recently swapped in a larger aluminum radiator with dual electric fans and shroud. I also removed the OEM clutch fan.
I have noticed that even at freeway speeds (60-70mph) the water temp is creeping higher than it used to with the OEM SR20 radiator and clutch fan...I have actually had to turn my fans on while driving on the freeway in low 60's weather.
I'm sure my aftermarket FMIC is blocking alot of the flow to the radiator...

What have yall done to your S13's to improve airflow to the radiator and lower running temps?

Would an air diversion panel really do anything noticeable?

Short o cutting holes on my front bumper.......

thefro526 · 10-24-2011, 12:06 PM

More often than not, the OEM clutch fan with shroud will cool better than e-fans.

Make sure your coolant system is properly bled, and if you have issues with air in the coolant, look into a swirl tank to constantly bleed the system.

You can also play with ducting, you ensure that you're getting the maximum amount of clean air (Air that hasn't been through another heat exchanger already) is crossing the radiator.

pony5oh · 10-24-2011, 12:14 PM

Yeah, I am going to bleed the cooling system next time I get a chance...just to make sure.

What have people done as far as ducting to get fresh air to the radiator?
Are there any scoops or vents that can make the hole a bit "prettier" if I decide to cut some vents in my front bumper?

!Zar! · 10-24-2011, 12:30 PM

I'm running water wetter and distilled water along with the oem clutch fan, shroud, and that radiator shroud thing.

Anything that helps direct air through the radiator will help with cooling.

Tearlessj · 10-24-2011, 12:34 PM

I had temp problems at the track with Altima fans. Then I put a clutch fan in, problems solved.

badbob2121 · 10-24-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefro526

the OEM clutch fan with shroud will cool better than e-fans.

water wetter always seems to work if you need it too

but i doubt thats your issue...like ^^ said, bleeding coolant properly is a start, has the water pump/thermostat ever being replaced?

OBEEWON · 10-24-2011, 12:41 PM

Take your hood off.

It looks cool.

Its like taking your shirt off.

thefro526 · 10-24-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBEEWON

Take your hood off.

It looks cool.

Its like taking your shirt off.

Only Chicago is allowed to do that.

xX240-SXx · 10-24-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBEEWON

Take your hood off.

It looks cool.

Its like taking your shirt off.

where's the like button when we need one lol

Seraphim38 · 10-24-2011, 01:39 PM

the only time my car temp creeps is when it needs to be bled. I am running the dual e-fans with a large koyo race radiator, stock thermostat and no oil cooler. I am planning on running a good oil cooler with a Canton thermostat...someday.

nightsauce · 10-24-2011, 02:15 PM

my best coolng mod was replacing all my hoses. I had one leak under the intake mani so I changed them all. Not making it any cooler, but more reliable.

idahotuner · 10-24-2011, 02:28 PM

A thermostat that opens up sooner will make it cool better. I need to get one myself

Pstl_pete · 10-24-2011, 02:34 PM

Make sure you have a proper undertray that seals properly so that air actually gets to your rad rather than just flowing underneath it.

chiboy002 · 10-24-2011, 05:51 PM

flush and run one of those anti-rust treatment things in the radiator

flush the shit out of it to unclog passages, with high pressure water

90% pure distilled water + 10% anti-freeze + water wetter. Get a new cap for the radiator

clutch fan + stock shroud owns like a beast

mysharonna · 10-24-2011, 06:32 PM

rb25 clutch fan + stock shroud

MrFairlady · 10-24-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysharonna

rb25 clutch fan + stock shroud

I've heard the Same. (RB fan on SR) - Drift Tengoku shows thats what Yashio likes.

More Blades on the RB Fan that Bolts up to the SR Clutch
Looked into getting one but RHDjapan needs a part number and I found one but not sure its Correct or not.

Someone needs to Get This part avail at the Shops in the US.

mysharonna · 10-24-2011, 06:51 PM

I got mine from Raw Brokerage - Your #1 source for RB20 / RB25 / RB26 parts!

Its the single best thing I did for my sr's cooling. I used stick on foam (from lowes) to seal the shroud to the radiator. I can literally hold a piece of paper a couple feet in front of the car and it will suck it to the radiator... at idle. lol

Just send them an email and see if they have any.

colombianbryan · 10-24-2011, 07:20 PM

Altima oem fans and a nismo thermostat should do the trick!

MyblackS13 · 10-24-2011, 07:21 PM

I just used a C&R radiator with single spal fan, lower temp thermostat, can't remember what kind, the only time I saw temps over half way was at an auto-x at 100+ degree temps. I just used plain green prestone mixed 60/40. I would start with checking for air on the system, then maybe try experimenting with the stock radiator and the e-fans. I'll probably get flamed but I would avoid the clutch fan if possible, I definitely noticed a difference in quickness of revs when I went to the e-fan.

!Zar! · 10-24-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrFairlady

I've heard the Same. (RB fan on SR) - Drift Tengoku shows thats what Yashio likes.

More Blades on the RB Fan that Bolts up to the SR Clutch
Looked into getting one but RHDjapan needs a part number and I found one but not sure its Correct or not.

Someone needs to Get This part avail at the Shops in the US.

KA fans have more blades than a SR as well.

Luvs2slide · 10-24-2011, 07:57 PM

Distilled water doesnt make much of a difference. Tap H20 FTMFW.

Matej · 10-24-2011, 08:31 PM

Using an RB25 clutch fan on my KA.
Not sure how much difference it made, but it looks cool/menacing.

As Mr. !Zar! said, on an SR you can also use a KA clutch fan for a cooling upgrade.

s13 drifta · 10-24-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luvs2slide

Distilled water doesnt make much of a difference. Tap H20 FTMFW.

Distilled water is used to prevent corrosion in the motor and in aluminum radiators. That's the difference.

Luvs2slide · 10-24-2011, 09:22 PM

^ This is the a cooling thread right? Never said nothing about preventative Mx.

codyace · 10-24-2011, 10:02 PM

The key to god cooling is a proper system. Whether E fans or Clutch Fan is the heart, if you don't have the lower panels, nor a bled system, it won't work.

Don't fall to much into the trap of lower thermostats, as that just overcools a car, and never lets it get to proper operating (180*) temperature; in fact a Nismo thermo is NOT needed under any circumstance.

Good flow, good radiator, good fans, proper ducting...that's all that you need.

My personal car

Stock Thermostat
Altima E fans
Derale Fan controller for second fan
OEM lower plastic pieces
Aftermarket upper cooling panel

180* CONSTANT since day one now, 200-210ish on track when beating the snot out of it. Never an issue

Future_gohan · 10-24-2011, 11:07 PM

oem clutch fan setups FTW.

REVGASM · 10-24-2011, 11:16 PM

koyo
nismo thermo
altima fans
DFI dual fan controller
PBM coolant swirl tank

chiboy002 · 10-24-2011, 11:44 PM

is the rb25 fan loud?

Tom25666 · 10-24-2011, 11:52 PM

ive had my cx racing radiator with nismo thermostat and single electric fan with temp switch for 3 years now. through 3 brutal alabama summers, no overheating ever

foxystyle · 10-25-2011, 12:03 AM

How much of a difference does a pbm swirl pot make? In temp numbers.

10-24-2011, 12:06 PM	#2
thefro526 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,813 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	More often than not, the OEM clutch fan with shroud will cool better than e-fans. Make sure your coolant system is properly bled, and if you have issues with air in the coolant, look into a swirl tank to constantly bleed the system. You can also play with ducting, you ensure that you're getting the maximum amount of clean air (Air that hasn't been through another heat exchanger already) is crossing the radiator. __________________ http://thefro526.wordpress.com/ Deto International

10-24-2011, 12:30 PM	#4
!Zar! Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,579 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	I'm running water wetter and distilled water along with the oem clutch fan, shroud, and that radiator shroud thing. Anything that helps direct air through the radiator will help with cooling. __________________

10-24-2011, 12:34 PM	#5
Tearlessj Nissanaholic! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Memphis Age: 32 Posts: 1,907 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	I had temp problems at the track with Altima fans. Then I put a clutch fan in, problems solved. __________________ Nagasaki Motors Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies.

10-24-2011, 12:41 PM	#7
OBEEWON Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hightened State of Emergency Posts: 6,053 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Take your hood off. It looks cool. Its like taking your shirt off. __________________

10-24-2011, 02:15 PM	#11
nightsauce Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: north NJ Age: 36 Posts: 691 Trader Rating: (16) Feedback Score: 16 reviews	my best coolng mod was replacing all my hoses. I had one leak under the intake mani so I changed them all. Not making it any cooler, but more reliable. __________________

10-24-2011, 11:56 AM	#1
pony5oh Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Diego Age: 42 Posts: 74 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Best Cooling Modifications? OK OK...I did use the good ole search button, but this is a pretty broad request and I get ALOT of unrelated threads.... I have a regular, run of the mill SR20DET swapped into my '89 240sx. I recently swapped in a larger aluminum radiator with dual electric fans and shroud. I also removed the OEM clutch fan. I have noticed that even at freeway speeds (60-70mph) the water temp is creeping higher than it used to with the OEM SR20 radiator and clutch fan...I have actually had to turn my fans on while driving on the freeway in low 60's weather. I'm sure my aftermarket FMIC is blocking alot of the flow to the radiator... What have yall done to your S13's to improve airflow to the radiator and lower running temps? Would an air diversion panel really do anything noticeable? Short o cutting holes on my front bumper.......

10-24-2011, 12:14 PM	#3
pony5oh Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Diego Age: 42 Posts: 74 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Yeah, I am going to bleed the cooling system next time I get a chance...just to make sure. What have people done as far as ducting to get fresh air to the radiator? Are there any scoops or vents that can make the hole a bit "prettier" if I decide to cut some vents in my front bumper?

10-24-2011, 01:39 PM	#10
Seraphim38 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Washington Posts: 810 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	the only time my car temp creeps is when it needs to be bled. I am running the dual e-fans with a large koyo race radiator, stock thermostat and no oil cooler. I am planning on running a good oil cooler with a Canton thermostat...someday.

10-24-2011, 02:28 PM	#12
idahotuner Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Maries, Idaho Age: 35 Posts: 1,276 Trader Rating: (17) Rides Gallery: idahotuner Feedback Score: 17 reviews	A thermostat that opens up sooner will make it cool better. I need to get one myself __________________ My Twin Scroll Gt30r Sr22det Build

10-24-2011, 02:34 PM	#13
Pstl_pete Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: LA,CA & Windsor, ON Posts: 443 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Make sure you have a proper undertray that seals properly so that air actually gets to your rad rather than just flowing underneath it. __________________ S14 - New SR Project http://www.speed.academy

10-24-2011, 05:51 PM	#14
chiboy002 Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: ◙ Posts: 4,425 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	flush and run one of those anti-rust treatment things in the radiator flush the shit out of it to unclog passages, with high pressure water 90% pure distilled water + 10% anti-freeze + water wetter. Get a new cap for the radiator clutch fan + stock shroud owns like a beast

10-24-2011, 06:32 PM	#15
mysharonna Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Waldo, OH Age: 40 Posts: 528 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	rb25 clutch fan + stock shroud

10-24-2011, 06:51 PM	#17
mysharonna Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Waldo, OH Age: 40 Posts: 528 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	I got mine from Raw Brokerage - Your #1 source for RB20 / RB25 / RB26 parts! Its the single best thing I did for my sr's cooling. I used stick on foam (from lowes) to seal the shroud to the radiator. I can literally hold a piece of paper a couple feet in front of the car and it will suck it to the radiator... at idle. lol Just send them an email and see if they have any.

10-24-2011, 07:20 PM	#18
colombianbryan Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Age: 32 Posts: 430 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	Altima oem fans and a nismo thermostat should do the trick! __________________ I love drifting into curbs and guardrails

10-24-2011, 07:21 PM	#19
MyblackS13 Leaky Injector Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Indiana Age: 43 Posts: 128 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	I just used a C&R radiator with single spal fan, lower temp thermostat, can't remember what kind, the only time I saw temps over half way was at an auto-x at 100+ degree temps. I just used plain green prestone mixed 60/40. I would start with checking for air on the system, then maybe try experimenting with the stock radiator and the e-fans. I'll probably get flamed but I would avoid the clutch fan if possible, I definitely noticed a difference in quickness of revs when I went to the e-fan. __________________ Dustin - S13 Build LS1 Inside

10-24-2011, 07:57 PM	#21
Luvs2slide Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NW Florida Age: 42 Posts: 1,490 Trader Rating: (81) Feedback Score: 81 reviews	Distilled water doesnt make much of a difference. Tap H20 FTMFW. __________________

10-24-2011, 08:31 PM	#22
Matej Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: N/A Posts: 9,423 Trader Rating: (39) Feedback Score: 39 reviews	Using an RB25 clutch fan on my KA. Not sure how much difference it made, but it looks cool/menacing. As Mr. !Zar! said, on an SR you can also use a KA clutch fan for a cooling upgrade.

10-24-2011, 09:22 PM	#24
Luvs2slide Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NW Florida Age: 42 Posts: 1,490 Trader Rating: (81) Feedback Score: 81 reviews	^ This is the a cooling thread right? Never said nothing about preventative Mx. __________________

10-24-2011, 10:02 PM	#25
codyace Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Poconos, PA Age: 39 Posts: 8,030 Trader Rating: (58) Feedback Score: 58 reviews	The key to god cooling is a proper system. Whether E fans or Clutch Fan is the heart, if you don't have the lower panels, nor a bled system, it won't work. Don't fall to much into the trap of lower thermostats, as that just overcools a car, and never lets it get to proper operating (180) temperature; in fact a Nismo thermo is NOT needed under any circumstance. Good flow, good radiator, good fans, proper ducting...that's all that you need. My personal car Stock Thermostat Altima E fans Derale Fan controller for second fan OEM lower plastic pieces Aftermarket upper cooling panel 180 CONSTANT since day one now, 200-210ish on track when beating the snot out of it. Never an issue __________________ *Want Air Conditioning in your SR20 Swapped car? Check out www.sr20acbrackets.com for more information! Quest Alternator Conversions for SR20!* Check my Group Buy! Tired of lousy internal gates? Go external wastegate with one of my manifolds, Check out my group buy

10-24-2011, 11:07 PM	#26
Future_gohan Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Age: 33 Posts: 919 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	oem clutch fan setups FTW. __________________

10-24-2011, 11:16 PM	#27
REVGASM Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Chicago Age: 40 Posts: 822 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	koyo nismo thermo altima fans DFI dual fan controller PBM coolant swirl tank __________________ ProceeD:Final-Bout:RVGSM SPL

10-24-2011, 11:44 PM	#28
chiboy002 Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: ◙ Posts: 4,425 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	is the rb25 fan loud?

10-25-2011, 12:03 AM	#30
foxystyle Zilvia Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: 909 Posts: 283 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	How much of a difference does a pbm swirl pot make? In temp numbers.