What's a good, lower cost radiator for a MK III?

916MKIIIx2 · 12-10-2009, 06:30 AM

How many BTU's is the stock tranny cooler? Is pretty much any of the B&M ones better? They are all pretty reasonably priced from the site you listed.

cre · 12-11-2009, 07:09 PM

I heard back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdub

Never went that in depth...size wise, you want one that's at least 11x5x1.5. I like the B&M coolers...the bar/plate construction makes them more sturdy and more efficient. They make one with a fan and temp actuated switch that's perfect for mounting behind the driver's side fog lamp....he will have to custom make a couple of brackets.

I sent him another message as I've still got a question about temperature regulation (on units without an included fan); I'll post more when I hear back.

916MKIIIx2 · 12-11-2009, 07:57 PM

Thanks Cre, I ordered the radiator and oil cooler, still waiting to decide on the tranny cooler, whether the 70 dollar no fan one or a 120 dollar fan cooler, I believe the two im looking at are 175 degree activated. I believe thats around the temp. im looking for, correct me if im wrong.

Also, the radiator I ordered a friend recommended me, its the Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator for direct fit with the 7M. If anyone heard anything good or bad about this radiator id be interested, as I didn't find any reviews that were done by people that know what they are talking about.

cre · 12-11-2009, 09:50 PM

I don't think it's really worth it to replace the oil cooler unless you go the distance and replace the stock pressure based system with a thermostatic one.

As for the transmission cooler, I thought it was 180? but I don't know a whole lot about automatic transmissions. Anyway, the bit I was still waiting to hear back about was if the oil cooler needed a thermostatic bypass (or if it SHOULD have one added) or if the transmission has an internal bypass.

cre · 12-12-2009, 09:09 AM

Okay, a thermostat isn't needed (not for the tranny cooler). As long as you mount the cooler somewhere with good air flow you do not need a unit with a fan. The fan will be needed if you place the cooler in a location with poor air flow such as behind the fog light.

I can't emphasize enough that you need to plan the placement and routing very carefully... it can be a pain. Have you thought this out already? I'd like to know what you've come up with.

916MKIIIx2 · 12-12-2009, 07:16 PM

Right now im working on putting in a custom front bumper bar as opposed to the heavy stock one, bolting that up today then I have to map out the new space ill have. But from my original planning I was planning on mounting the tranny cooler right to that bar and have it up front about 3-4 inches infront of the intercooler, the oil cooler will be put in its stock position, if anyone can think of a better spot post it up.

cre · 12-13-2009, 07:07 PM

That sounds fine, I prefer having oil coolers behind the IC for added protection myself.

Off Topic: I was just thinking the other day about getting an aluminum bumper support built for my car.... heh, cool. How are you building yours? Is it steel or aluminum? Any numbers on how much weight you've managed to cut off?

12-11-2009, 07:57 PM	#3
916MKIIIx2 3" Exhaust Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: California Posts: 152	Thanks Cre, I ordered the radiator and oil cooler, still waiting to decide on the tranny cooler, whether the 70 dollar no fan one or a 120 dollar fan cooler, I believe the two im looking at are 175 degree activated. I believe thats around the temp. im looking for, correct me if im wrong. Also, the radiator I ordered a friend recommended me, its the Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator for direct fit with the 7M. If anyone heard anything good or bad about this radiator id be interested, as I didn't find any reviews that were done by people that know what they are talking about. Last edited by 916MKIIIx2; 12-11-2009 at 08:00 PM.

12-11-2009, 09:50 PM	#4
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	I don't think it's really worth it to replace the oil cooler unless you go the distance and replace the stock pressure based system with a thermostatic one. As for the transmission cooler, I thought it was 180? but I don't know a whole lot about automatic transmissions. Anyway, the bit I was still waiting to hear back about was if the oil cooler needed a thermostatic bypass (or if it SHOULD have one added) or if the transmission has an internal bypass. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

12-12-2009, 09:09 AM	#5
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Okay, a thermostat isn't needed (not for the tranny cooler). As long as you mount the cooler somewhere with good air flow you do not need a unit with a fan. The fan will be needed if you place the cooler in a location with poor air flow such as behind the fog light. I can't emphasize enough that you need to plan the placement and routing very carefully... it can be a pain. Have you thought this out already? I'd like to know what you've come up with. Last edited by cre; 12-13-2009 at 07:56 PM.

12-12-2009, 07:16 PM	#6
916MKIIIx2 3" Exhaust Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: California Posts: 152	Right now im working on putting in a custom front bumper bar as opposed to the heavy stock one, bolting that up today then I have to map out the new space ill have. But from my original planning I was planning on mounting the tranny cooler right to that bar and have it up front about 3-4 inches infront of the intercooler, the oil cooler will be put in its stock position, if anyone can think of a better spot post it up. Last edited by 916MKIIIx2; 12-12-2009 at 08:16 PM.

12-13-2009, 07:07 PM	#7
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	That sounds fine, I prefer having oil coolers behind the IC for added protection myself. Off Topic: I was just thinking the other day about getting an aluminum bumper support built for my car.... heh, cool. How are you building yours? Is it steel or aluminum? Any numbers on how much weight you've managed to cut off? __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar ---> Last edited by cre; 12-13-2009 at 07:57 PM.

12-10-2009, 06:30 AM	#1
916MKIIIx2 3" Exhaust Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: California Posts: 152	How many BTU's is the stock tranny cooler? Is pretty much any of the B&M ones better? They are all pretty reasonably priced from the site you listed.

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