Best Radiator
06-16-2009, 04:57 PM
#1
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Best Radiator
Lets open up Discusion for what the best Radiator for the RX8 is,
What Radiator is the most effective and best radiator to use in a high performance track RX8
Which is the best Radiator for every Day Driving,
What Radiator is the most effective and best radiator to use in a high performance track RX8
Which is the best Radiator for every Day Driving,
06-16-2009, 05:00 PM
#2
BHR and Mazmart's are both great products according to the experiences you can gather here on the boards.
Mixed feelings about the Koyo for it apparently doesn't cool as it should. Maybe for a track car, with a completely stripped down engine bay and a somehow vented hood..
Mixed feelings about the Koyo for it apparently doesn't cool as it should. Maybe for a track car, with a completely stripped down engine bay and a somehow vented hood..
06-16-2009, 05:02 PM
#3
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+1 for the BHR Radiator.
I've been running it for about a year now and with the help of my digital water temp gauges, I've been able to keep a close eye on the temps. Definitely makes a difference.
I've been running it for about a year now and with the help of my digital water temp gauges, I've been able to keep a close eye on the temps. Definitely makes a difference.
06-16-2009, 06:45 PM
#5
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Amended information:
Sorry for the post edit, I had to consult with Ray regarding some details about the radiator because I was commenting from memory.
So!
The BHR radiator is manufactured to our specifications from Griffin Thermal. We chose Griffin because they are known for building radiators for many NASCAR teams, drifting teams (falken is an example), and street cars pushing 1,500-2,000 hp.
The primary benefit to the BHR radiator is the increased airflow through the core. Regardless of core size, if it's tightly packed with fins it restricts airflow and thus inhibits your cooling ability. The reason we addressed this is for the following reasons:
First, the RX8 factory radiator does not flow enough air throught he core for many performance cooling needs. Second, the OEM fans have the capability to move a lot more air than previously thought. Third, the cross-sectional area of the core that Griffin builds for us is nearly equal to many of the LS-engine applications and this same core design is used with success in 700hp applications.
In terms of the attention to quality and detail, BHR is now on the fourth and final version of this radiator. We have spared no expense to ensure that the fitment and ease of install will be the same whether you're NA, turbo charged or super charged.
If anyone is interested in these hand-made radiators the delivery time is 3 weeks.
Sorry for the post edit, I had to consult with Ray regarding some details about the radiator because I was commenting from memory.
So!
The BHR radiator is manufactured to our specifications from Griffin Thermal. We chose Griffin because they are known for building radiators for many NASCAR teams, drifting teams (falken is an example), and street cars pushing 1,500-2,000 hp.
The primary benefit to the BHR radiator is the increased airflow through the core. Regardless of core size, if it's tightly packed with fins it restricts airflow and thus inhibits your cooling ability. The reason we addressed this is for the following reasons:
First, the RX8 factory radiator does not flow enough air throught he core for many performance cooling needs. Second, the OEM fans have the capability to move a lot more air than previously thought. Third, the cross-sectional area of the core that Griffin builds for us is nearly equal to many of the LS-engine applications and this same core design is used with success in 700hp applications.
In terms of the attention to quality and detail, BHR is now on the fourth and final version of this radiator. We have spared no expense to ensure that the fitment and ease of install will be the same whether you're NA, turbo charged or super charged.
If anyone is interested in these hand-made radiators the delivery time is 3 weeks.
Last edited by Flashwing; 06-17-2009 at 01:28 AM.
06-17-2009, 01:08 AM
#7
A lot of guys suffer from a slight overheating here, with 35°C outside. That's because mazda recommends to do some maintenance every 20.000km and never takes care of the serious stuff.
06-17-2009, 01:33 AM
#8
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First. Please see my post above as I have made some slight corrections to my previous information!
For anyone that uses their vehicle as a daily driver, in that application you would be correct. I'm still currently using the koyo radiator on my own RX8 and I've found that it cools fine when I use my RX8 for getting back and fourth to work every day.
I am, however, moving to the BHR radiator myself because the cooling capability of the RX8 starts to become an issue when pushing the vehicle in low speed high RPM situations (such as autocross or mountain driving). Also people with boosted applications that have large intercoolers have cooling issues cause of reduced airflow.
Your cooling needs come down to two factors: Environmental and performance needs. We have a few RX8's equipped with this radiator here in Phoenix because it's not unusual for daytime temperatures in the summer to hover between 110 and 114 degrees with surface temps above 130 degrees.
It's not like that everywhere. I've had a few Northeastern customers contact BHR wanting to purchase our radiator and we've insisted they save their money unless they require it for the track. There's simply no need.
However, if you're looking for a superior cooling solution, this one is it.
I am, however, moving to the BHR radiator myself because the cooling capability of the RX8 starts to become an issue when pushing the vehicle in low speed high RPM situations (such as autocross or mountain driving). Also people with boosted applications that have large intercoolers have cooling issues cause of reduced airflow.
Your cooling needs come down to two factors: Environmental and performance needs. We have a few RX8's equipped with this radiator here in Phoenix because it's not unusual for daytime temperatures in the summer to hover between 110 and 114 degrees with surface temps above 130 degrees.
It's not like that everywhere. I've had a few Northeastern customers contact BHR wanting to purchase our radiator and we've insisted they save their money unless they require it for the track. There's simply no need.
However, if you're looking for a superior cooling solution, this one is it.
06-17-2009, 11:26 AM
#9
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The ability to create positive and negative pressure zones around the factory radiator mounting point is far more the issue than purchasing hardware.
Just to clarify, I do think that many of the more popular cooling upgrades out there such as the Mazmart water pump and radiator, or the BHR unit are quality parts. And for certain applications they probably are very worthwhile...but plain and simple the RX-8 is not well suited in its actual design to really take advantage of any of these upgrades, imo...
Just to clarify, I do think that many of the more popular cooling upgrades out there such as the Mazmart water pump and radiator, or the BHR unit are quality parts. And for certain applications they probably are very worthwhile...but plain and simple the RX-8 is not well suited in its actual design to really take advantage of any of these upgrades, imo...
Last edited by Red Devil; 06-17-2009 at 11:32 AM.
06-18-2009, 02:49 AM
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The ability to create positive and negative pressure zones around the factory radiator mounting point is far more the issue than purchasing hardware.
Since we're able to easily move more air through the radiator the electric fans easily create a much lower pressure zone which results in air opting to flow through the radiator rather than around it.
it'll be good if BHR is one of the vendor here
06-18-2009, 07:57 AM
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As I stated earlier, we've had situations with customers who have wanted to buy our radiator but due to their geographical location and uses of the car it simply wasn't necessary.
As always, anyone can feel free to contact me via PM if they have questions!
06-18-2009, 01:12 PM
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For track use, the greddy radiator didnt stop my water from over-heating to peak temp of 121 deg celsius (reading from Defi)
The real breakthru only comes when I relocated my battery to the washer reservoir. This freeing up of space above the radiator couple with vented bonnet brings down my track temp to 110 deg celsius.
So prolly maximising the airflow is the key as mentioned by some of the guys is more important.
By the way, I live near the equator (with ambient temp of 30-35c on a hot day) and my ride is a N/A 6MT.
On the track, I normally shift at 9k+
Hope that helps
Alan
Last edited by alan23; 06-18-2009 at 01:14 PM.
06-18-2009, 01:19 PM
#16
Alan, is your car running fine? My temps at the track never go past the 100°C with the stock radiator (and AEM intake), 121seems crazy!
I live in Italy so i know what it means to hang around with 35\38°C during summer days
I live in Italy so i know what it means to hang around with 35\38°C during summer days
06-18-2009, 01:37 PM
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Thanks for your concern. I am quite surprise with the how hot rx-8 runs compare to my previous honda. So the first trackday with rx-8, I was happily lapping the track and only notice the temp when the coolant is squirting out via my vented bonnet
100°C seems to be quite normal here even during spirited street driving as the fan for stock cars switch on later before my ECU remap.
But like what you mentioned, I am quite concern with the track temps and recently did a compression test (7.8, 7.9) and a dyno test
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/dyno-results-compilation-77031/page22/
I can only hope that the rotary holds up
Cheers
Alan
06-18-2009, 02:11 PM
#19
Im fine with Mazmart/Ron Davis. For the record Ron Davis is same as Mazda Competition Radiator.
Slow traffic will always get me to around 97-101 Celsius. but thats pretty normal if you ask me. on Cruise, I have no problem getting it down to the low 80s.
I still haven't reinstall the Mazmart Lower Temp thermostat yet. I had it in for couple of weeks. I see temps around the mid-high 70s, matching its spec of 76 Celsius.
I think the key to good cooling is to block the side of the radiator so it will force the air thru the radiator. Most if not all aftermarket radiators do NOT come with them. I know Stock does.
Slow traffic will always get me to around 97-101 Celsius. but thats pretty normal if you ask me. on Cruise, I have no problem getting it down to the low 80s.
I still haven't reinstall the Mazmart Lower Temp thermostat yet. I had it in for couple of weeks. I see temps around the mid-high 70s, matching its spec of 76 Celsius.
I think the key to good cooling is to block the side of the radiator so it will force the air thru the radiator. Most if not all aftermarket radiators do NOT come with them. I know Stock does.
06-18-2009, 02:15 PM
#20
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My temps are getting up to 220 or so lately in traffic but it has been steadily over 100 the past couple of weeks. I just had my coolant changed so we will see what happens as I start logging again.
06-18-2009, 02:41 PM
#21
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Sealing off the radiator is huge for optimal cooling.
06-18-2009, 04:07 PM
#22
before I took it in for engine testing (which failed, obviously)
blah
my first radiator was Koyo, they never taught me to reuse the stock foam
and I chuck my OE rad away (I broke it)
Now I use some heat pipe insulator and Epoxy it. Works pretty well so far.
Mazda used to sell those foam as a separate part, at least I know my FC does. in fact I just bought a few. need to use it in the up coming Koyo radiator(in a month or so), For some reason Koyo seems to have better design radiator for the older cars, dunno what happen now.
I wonder if I can use those foams on my 8. Will see when its here.
The BHR Radiator comes with instructions stating to reuse the OEM foam blocking.
Sealing off the radiator is huge for optimal cooling.
Sealing off the radiator is huge for optimal cooling.
my first radiator was Koyo, they never taught me to reuse the stock foam
and I chuck my OE rad away (I broke it)Now I use some heat pipe insulator and Epoxy it. Works pretty well so far.
Mazda used to sell those foam as a separate part, at least I know my FC does. in fact I just bought a few. need to use it in the up coming Koyo radiator(in a month or so), For some reason Koyo seems to have better design radiator for the older cars, dunno what happen now.
I wonder if I can use those foams on my 8. Will see when its here.
Last edited by nycgps; 06-18-2009 at 04:11 PM.
06-19-2009, 10:27 AM
#23
I am using the Greddy radiator and the temp go up slower and come down faster in day to day driving. On avg, it is probably 2 deg lower than stock radiator.
For track use, the greddy radiator didnt stop my water from over-heating to peak temp of 121 deg celsius (reading from Defi)
The real breakthru only comes when I relocated my battery to the washer reservoir. This freeing up of space above the radiator couple with vented bonnet brings down my track temp to 110 deg celsius.
So prolly maximising the airflow is the key as mentioned by some of the guys is more important.
By the way, I live near the equator (with ambient temp of 30-35c on a hot day) and my ride is a N/A 6MT.
On the track, I normally shift at 9k+
Hope that helps
Alan
For track use, the greddy radiator didnt stop my water from over-heating to peak temp of 121 deg celsius (reading from Defi)
The real breakthru only comes when I relocated my battery to the washer reservoir. This freeing up of space above the radiator couple with vented bonnet brings down my track temp to 110 deg celsius.
So prolly maximising the airflow is the key as mentioned by some of the guys is more important.
By the way, I live near the equator (with ambient temp of 30-35c on a hot day) and my ride is a N/A 6MT.
On the track, I normally shift at 9k+
Hope that helps
Alan
06-20-2009, 02:15 PM
#24
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fixing up the mazmart waterpump yet?....
See you at sepang
10-15-2022, 09:59 AM
#25
bought and installed BHR (Griffin) Radiator in Oct of 2012. Worked great for years, then a couple years ago my car would randomly spit up coolant, 1st thought it was the overflow tube from the reservoir. Not a big deal, just kept a close eye on it, didnt drive it much, but even sitting in my driveway without running for weeks, it would just randomly throw up coolant.... so odd right....
skip forward to a few weeks ago, was working on something else and finally noticed the coolant leaking was coming from the bottom section of the radiator. Got it tested and it can't be repaired stating "the epoxy that runs the length of the bottom has failed and it is not repairable"
So i go to BHR's website to order a new one and it is no longer sold.... ughhh....they have a Koyo and a CSF brand now.
Now im on the hunt for a new one... Mishimoto sucks, it doesnt line up to mounting points and hose connector on top is the completely wrong size.
Koyo sounds like theres some issues there as well.....
Anyone tried the CSF one? or suggestions on another brand?
skip forward to a few weeks ago, was working on something else and finally noticed the coolant leaking was coming from the bottom section of the radiator. Got it tested and it can't be repaired stating "the epoxy that runs the length of the bottom has failed and it is not repairable"
So i go to BHR's website to order a new one and it is no longer sold.... ughhh....they have a Koyo and a CSF brand now.
Now im on the hunt for a new one... Mishimoto sucks, it doesnt line up to mounting points and hose connector on top is the completely wrong size.
Koyo sounds like theres some issues there as well.....
Anyone tried the CSF one? or suggestions on another brand?
Last edited by FLCL; 10-15-2022 at 10:19 AM.