Radiators: OEM vs Aftermarket - Honda Prelude Forum

nickdimaria · 12-10-2011, 12:59 AM

Need to replace my radiator on my '98 Type SH.

I usually go with OEM parts but I am wondering what are your opinions and experiences when it comes to radiators? I am looking at OEM (Denso) vs aftermarket equivalent (not an upgrade).

Also, what about coolants?

Thanks.

Kronn 98SH · 12-10-2011, 02:39 AM

I'm curious about this also. However, I know which coolant to use.

bouckarooo · 12-10-2011, 11:25 AM

I have personally used fluidyne, mishimoto and Koyo rads. The Mishimoto was great but developed a leak after 9 months of use, the koyo was good was expensive (the same as the fluiddyne). Currently i am using a fluiddyne and have no issues with it. Bear in mind that all three of these radiators were aftermarket upgrades; although the mishimoto was the closest to stock of the three, but also failed.

As for coolant, i usually use prestone or honda, it depends on what car im working on and whats closest at hand really. Maske sure you use filtered, demineralized water when you make the mix or you will have scale deposits built up on the interior of your block.

TypeT · 12-10-2011, 11:40 AM

is SHs radiator bigger than Base?

usmcmarc · 12-10-2011, 08:01 PM

Just use straight Honda Blue...it's premixed and made for the car. Minor investment

Kronn 98SH · 12-11-2011, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TypeT

is SHs radiator bigger than Base?

No. They are the same size. In fact, the SH uses the same exact rad as the base sissy-stick.

nickdimaria · 12-11-2011, 03:38 AM

Thanks for the responses. Is prestone extended life silicate free?

I was looking at hondapartsunlimited.com OEM radiator (denso) is like $290; Autozone Spectra Premium is $95. But I'd rather spend the extra $200 if there is a good chance I'll have to deal a leak/warranty issue down the road.

Any thoughts?

E-Money · 12-11-2011, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickdimaria

Thanks for the responses. Is prestone extended life silicate free?

I was looking at hondapartsunlimited.com OEM radiator (denso) is like $290; Autozone Spectra Premium is $95. But I'd rather spend the extra $200 if there is a good chance I'll have to deal a leak/warranty issue down the road.

Any thoughts?

When I bought from Majestic Honda, they warranty their products for 12 months. I had a damaged Radiator from shipping.

TypeT · 12-11-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kronn 98SH

No. They are the same size. In fact, the SH uses the same exact rad as the base sissy-stick.

so theres just few hoses/connectors more, thx

dblair · 12-13-2011, 01:49 PM

I've always disliked radiators with plastic tanks like the stocker. After doing something stupid I replaced it with a brass/copper one which worked very well. Ran it for about a year and put in a Mishimoto. Be glad to sell the bras/copper one cheap if you're interested.

dallgire · 12-13-2011, 02:09 PM

I put in a stock autozone replacement about 5 months ago after mine blew up! Been working great for me! But then again its only been 5 months! I know my old one after it sprayed antifreeze everywhere i looked at it and all of the plastic appeared to be cracked everywhere! But so far this one looks good!

nickdimaria · 12-14-2011, 02:13 AM

Dallgire: Was the installation of the Autozone radiator easy? Did it fit okay without modifications?

TypeT · 12-14-2011, 04:21 AM

I have mishimoto radiator & fans, fitted perfect and have worked ok (till this day

)

One problem might come out; aluminium radiator is about 1,57" (4cm) thicker than the stock one, so if youre planning to get performance header (which actually give gains) it could not fit with that bigger radiator. Dont know yet this (my header hasnt still arrived), but I might have to put stock one back there (with mishimotos better fans) if theres no enough room..

dallgire · 12-14-2011, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickdimaria

Dallgire: Was the installation of the Autozone radiator easy? Did it fit okay without modifications?

The fit was perfect! Only thing you have to do which i didnt know until i installed it was it comes with a hole in the bottom for i believe they said it was for an automatic. No worrys all you have to do is what i did and take the radiator to lowes and buy a plug for the hole (it will just screw right in. The plug you need will be brass i believe.) and make sure you put some rtv around the plug to just make sure it doesnt leak. It was very simple to install! I actually put it in took it out and put it back in. The first time you do it its kind of a pia but after that its very simple! Just a few plugs and hoses. You do have to reuse the old fans so make sure you dont trash them or the parts!

P.S. the hole in the bottom will have a plastic plug in it. Dont try to make that work the pressure will blow it out.

nickdimaria · 12-14-2011, 11:40 PM

Thanks Dallgire!

Since I have a SH isn't that hole in the bottom to cool the ATF for the ATTS or is it an extra hole for something else? Do you have a Type SH or Base MT? The reason I ask is because I'm wondering if the Autozone radiator is an oem equivalent for the Denso or Toyo radiator? I read online that the stock fans are not interchangeable from one brand to the other (the mounting sites don't line up).

My stock radiator is a Denso.

Kronn 98SH · 12-15-2011, 02:11 AM

Easiest way to find out Toyo or Denso (assuming they have one in stock)....

Go to AutoWeDontKnowShítZone, park, and pull your rad cap. Take it inside for a test fit. The caps are also not interchangeable.

dallgire · 12-15-2011, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickdimaria

Thanks Dallgire!

Since I have a SH isn't that hole in the bottom to cool the ATF for the ATTS or is it an extra hole for something else? Do you have a Type SH or Base MT? The reason I ask is because I'm wondering if the Autozone radiator is an oem equivalent for the Denso or Toyo radiator? I read online that the stock fans are not interchangeable from one brand to the other (the mounting sites don't line up).

My stock radiator is a Denso.

That might have been what it was for! My fans fit perfectly! Everything went together veryyyyy smooth! It just take a minute figuring out how to unplug the plugs at the bottom after that and once you figure it out its a breeze! And Kronn is right the radiator cap did not fit BUT it came with a new one! And he is also right Autozone employees are dumb as hell! hahaha

P.S. I drive a base and make sure you drain your radiator! Me and my skills didnt and boy that was a mess!

nickdimaria · 12-23-2011, 04:54 AM

So does anybody know where I can get a Denso (19010-P0F-J53) equivalent aftermarket radiator (not an upgrade, but stock equivalent)?

I just want something that's not going to leak and is going to fit without any hassle. There are so many out there. They carry Spectra at the auto parts stores around here, but this brand seems to get mixed reviews and it's doesn't list my part # as it's equivalent so I'm thinking it's the Toyo equivalent.

Anyway Kronn had a good idea of taking the cap in and seeing if it fits, which I might have to do.

Kronn 98SH · 12-23-2011, 06:09 AM

I just called up the Radiator shop and they can order my Toyo for me ($85 after tax).

horatiomaximus · 12-23-2011, 06:27 PM

I have a similar situation, but I DO want an all aluminum radiator. I don't want to spend over 200, any suggestions? I have a base that is an automatic, but after my build it will be a manual, so I'm looking for a radiator for a manual base, or one that I can utilize for both and just plug the extra holes. Thanks