Aftermarket Radiator Options

[MSUGeoman]

Anyone got leads on if other folks besides PWR are developing an aftermarket radiator option? Busted the small nipple off the top of my radiator and will be looking to replace it soon. I’ve got it fixed for now with some plastic welding and high heat epoxy but I’d like to replace it for the long term. OE radiator runs $764 and I’m not sure how much luck I’d even have finding one. Lots of FK8 options out there and I’m hoping that Koyorad and Mishimoto will have an offering for the FL5 soon.

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[TW00Si]

I would guess that Koyo will make one. When that’s going to be available, don’t know. But since the Tokyo auto salon is coming up, we might see a bunch of new products released.

 

[MSUGeoman]

I would guess that Koyo will make one. When that’s going to be available, don’t know. But since the Tokyo auto salon is coming up, we might see a bunch of new products released.

Sure hope so, my car is semi hibernating right now but I worry about driving it with a repaired radiator, sucks since I just did the Phearable tune and downpipe and I really want to get some seat time…

 

[PointByPatrol]

Is the radiator in the SI the same as the Type R? I have an OEM Type R radiator if you need it.

 

[hammeredsole]

A radiator I will be buying soon is the DRL "Daiwa Racing Labo" FL5 radiator. It is wholly manufactured in Japan and uses some unique design considerations to maximize airflow over core density. The thicker a core is, the longer the air heats and slows down as it moves through the radiator. DRL manufactures radiators and intercoolers for SuperGT and other racing series.

DRL will also soon be releasing a version of their tube/fin intercooler, which not only cools better than bar/plate on extended drives like a track scenario, but it will probably weigh roughly half of what the PRL IC does, while not blocking airflow like a giant billet brick. Their tube/fin design uses some unique design principles to prioritize airflow and leading-edge durability, giving it best of both worlds sort of properties.

There are so many people piling on tens of pounds of performance parts in front of the front axle on the FL5, it's just so backwards. I appreciate increased capability, but I will wait for items that don't add unnecessary weight.

You can purchase through BlackHawkJapan.com, but DRL also has a US branch based out of Torrance, CA. I will be working on getting some data of the radiator/intercooler combo as soon as it's released.
M&M HONDA ALUMINUM RADIATOR M&M DRL SPECIAL TYPE S FOR CIVIC FL5 01400-FL5-DRL36SPS - Black Hawk Japan

 

[MSUGeoman]

A radiator I will be buying soon is the DRL "Daiwa Racing Labo" FL5 radiator. It is wholly manufactured in Japan and uses some unique design considerations to maximize airflow over core density. The thicker a core is, the longer the air heats and slows down as it moves through the radiator. DRL manufactures radiators and intercoolers for SuperGT and other racing series.

DRL will also soon be releasing a version of their tube/fin intercooler, which not only cools better than bar/plate on extended drives like a track scenario, but it will probably weigh roughly half of what the PRL IC does, while not blocking airflow like a giant billet brick. Their tube/fin design uses some unique design principles to prioritize airflow and leading-edge durability, giving it best of both worlds sort of properties.

You can purchase through BlackHawkJapan, but DRL also has a US branch based out of Torrance, CA. I will be working on getting some data of the radiator/intercooler combo as soon as it's released.

That sounds like a good option, wonder if any of these folks are looking for testers for their products prior to release. I’d be happy to swap one and document the process along with provid feedback for use.

 

[hammeredsole]

That sounds like a good option, wonder if any of these folks are looking for testers for their products prior to release. I’d be happy to swap one and document the process along with provid feedback for use.

Their US office is one guy, Fred. He says that they've got a thriving industry in Japan, but limited penetration outside of the country. Parent company Daiwa also manufactures larger items for industrial heat exchange, and I believe that is more of their economic concern.

Interestingly, they are very nerdy and will custom manufacture units for individuals or teams. They also make hybrid units, where a portion of the OEM core area is utilized for a separate paired oil cooler. I explored this option with the FL5, but I feel that maximum core area is needed for coolant due to the fact that the K20C1 is dumping a lot of thermal energy into the coolant through exhaust port.

I am watching the PPR motorsport 4-port exhaust billet C1 head development closely. If they can pull that off in a plug-n-play manner, that will be a game changer in turbo options, overall efficiency, and will of course greatly ease cooling issues on the platform.

 

[TW00Si]

Their US office is one guy, Fred. He says that they've got a thriving industry in Japan, but limited penetration outside of the country. Parent company Daiwa also manufactures larger items for industrial heat exchange, and I believe that is more of their economic concern.

Interestingly, they are very nerdy and will custom manufacture units for individuals or teams. They also make hybrid units, where a portion of the OEM core area is utilized for a separate paired oil cooler. I explored this option with the FL5, but I feel that maximum core area is needed for coolant due to the fact that the K20C1 is dumping a lot of thermal energy into the coolant through exhaust port.

I am watching the PPR motorsport 4-port exhaust billet C1 head development closely. If they can pull that off in a plug-n-play manner, that will be a game changer in turbo options, overall efficiency, and will of course greatly ease cooling issues on the platform.

Did you order the radiator yet? Let us know if it’s any good once it’s on your car and tracked. It’s always good to have options and ones that members actually testes in the real world.

 

[hammeredsole]

Did you order the radiator yet? Let us know if it’s any good once it’s on your car and tracked. It’s always good to have options and ones that members actually testes in the real world.

I am waiting for the IC to be available before I place the order. I have a small stack of parts to get on already. The car doesn’t drive when it’s raining or cold, and it’s been a lot of both lately. I will update when I eventually get around to it. Quoted timeframe of IC was late Dec or early Jan… so soon.

 

[MSUGeoman]

Is the radiator in the SI the same as the Type R? I have an OEM Type R radiator if you need it.

Unfortunately the radiator is different between the Si and Type R, just confirmed via some pics I had from my 2023 Si that was traded in for my Type R. I’ll definitely keep you in mind if I end up just going the OE replacement route, waiting a bit to see if some other options come to market that may offer a benefit over OE at a more reasonable price.

 

[MSUGeoman]

Reached out to Koyo and they are working on a FL5 radiator now. No ETA provided but they did say soon. Crossing my fingers that means the next few months…

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

Yup I know Koyo and Mishimoto will make radiators for these cars, question is when will they be released..

-Josh

 

[matttheazn]

Im looking to buy a PWR racing radiator. Would you be interested in my OEM radiator?

 

[MSUGeoman]

Im looking to buy a PWR racing radiator. Would you be interested in my OEM radiator?

Appreciate the offer, if some additional aftermarket options don’t come along in the next few months, I’ll reach out for sure again. Figure if I’m going through the hassle to rip the front end apart to replace it, may as well improve on what’s there, which also means an intercooler. Not real happy with the offerings there currently either.

 

[matttheazn]

Also in the same boat. I would like to upgrade the IC when I have the radiator and oil cooler installed. PRL is really the only option currently. I think dream just came out with one as well.

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