Radiators

Are radiators the same dimensions for AT & manual cars? If so, I can get an AT radiator and ignore the trans cooling fittings.  I got a new "same as oem" from rockauto, but the core is very thin compared to the original (5/8" vs 1.25"). So the fan shroud does not mount to the core because it hits the tanks top & bottom. OEM surplus still has these for AT application. All the aftermarket ones I am finding have the thin core - and if they are like the one from rockauto, they look poorly made.

Not sure about the oem ones but I got  an aftermarket mishimoto which is thicker than the oem one but the height from tank to tank is the same  you gotta get the one for the ka for the inlet and outlet are on the same side as the ca.... The rad cost me 200 shipped iirc

AT and MT radiators should be the same. Most OEM's make them the same radiator these days and just plug the AT cooler lines.

silverton on 07:01:58 PM / 20-Mar-13AT and MT radiators should be the same. Most OEM's make them the same radiator these days and just plug the AT cooler lines.

David, I got one of the OEM Surplus ones for a later series and it fit fine. I still have my shroud (cut down to fit the fmic pipes) and all is well.

Got one ordered, should be back on the road soon! Norm at OEM seems like a good guy to deal with.

I've gotten MANY parts from them, even spares for things i don't need at this time due to the nice price break.

Finally got my new radiator from OEM Surplus. FedEx screw ups made we wait 2 extra weeks. It's an AT radiator as discussed above and fits fine in the manual. Just going to cap off the trans cooling tubes so no chance of getting corrosion going in the trans cooler. SO much better quality radiator vs any of the "direct fit" aftermarket ones - and same price. Figure my original one made it 28 yrs, if this repalcement does at well it may outlive me (omg).
Also got a new O2 sensor. Was a bitch to change; old one was long frozen in place. Had to change the manifold insert as well - but what a difference in pep of my mighty ca20 - acceleration much smoother and quicker and better pull up grades in 4th gear.

Yeah red,  I think the stock radiators that came in these cars are of a pretty high quality.  The ones that you can buy as replacements are SO CHEESY and thin,  and plastic.  Did you snap a pic of that new old stock radiator?  Im sure it looks awesome.

I took pics to compare, will post soon.

Cheapest radiator that fits is the FB RX7, its slightly less wide but allows for large mounting tabs and FMICs and is less than 120 on ebay. the OD on the inlet and outlet are slightly bigger but the stock hoses still fit.

My Nissan OEMsurpus radiator was $125 including shipping to WA from WI and fits perfectly.

Nice fit. I see no shroud; I assume electric fans?

Affirm 1 14" Electric Fan, I have a shroud for it Just haven't installed it yet. Need to build a PnP Harness for my engine harness.

Here's pics of the oem product vs aftermarket.
Aftermarket on right, note core is about 1/2 thickness of oem. Also, the "cooling ribbon" in the aftermarket is very flimsy. Because tanks overhang core, shroud does not fit unless you are willing to cut it.

Shroud holes & bracket holes don't line up

^what brand radiator is that don?

If you have some balls you can do like me an r32 rad from god speed and cut the rad cap and weld an aluminium puck 175us$ included 2 electric fan

nice find on the FB rad. looks like a good option for mid mounting an IC. have you seen the UpGarage one? it tucks in the rad support. also pretty cool. real nice for RB swaps and making the engine bay look super clean




I'm going v8 in the off season. You guys think the FB one would work or do i need to focus on max capacity

I would focus on max capacity just because of the temps it gets out here 115+ plus drifting temps I forsee overheating especially with the v8... JMO