SoulShott

Thanks for the reply RIWWP, i want to get into tracking more and even some drifting (both on a track ofcourse) but my wife doesnt want me to ._. its wearing on her though haha so with the intentions to do more than just having a sexy DD, would it be better to just go aftermarket? ill inspect my radiator and see what kind of condition it is in, if its still pretty decent ill probably invest in an aftermarket one, do you think the difference between OEM and aftermarket for the radiator makes that big of a difference in proper cooling?

Again all research i could do myself x.x lol i spend much more time lurking and researching than posting in the threads

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

*edit* re: Mazmart*
^True enough for OEM RX8 parts.
I also like Advance Auto for many things that I can order online & pick up the same day, typical maintenance things; filters, plugs, brake pads, etc.
Their online coupons can help save money too.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yup. Most consumables are best obtained from the local parts store.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

If I may be so bold as to offer some more, VERY important personal advice;

"Happy wife, happy life."

"If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

Jus sayin.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

At 90,000 miles or so, your current radiator's efficiency drop is probably due to internal problems, not something you can just 'inspect'. Like silt, or silicone sealant clogging, or rust cloggiing, etc... Replacing them on mileage is pretty safe and not a waste.

It...depends. There are so many different factors that it's impossible to just say that one will work better than the other. The radiator performance grade is just how well it can shed the heat that is given to it. The higher the ambient temp, or the higher the heat load provided to it, the better of a radiator you will need. However, the OEM is still generally pretty good for all street duty unless you see consistent ambient temps over 90F, like southern Texas, Arizona, New Mexico. The dry heat vs wet heat makes a difference too, as it can shed more heat into a high humid heat like Florida than it can in a dry heat like Arizona. If you only rarely see that, or maybe just a couple times a year and can deal with no AC at that point, then no, you won't see a difference.

If you want to run cooler temps, you need a thermostat change to a lower target temp point.

SoulShott

Awesome, i really appreciate that input, from both of you. ATM im not in any areas like that, but within the next few years i may be So ill probably just stick to OEM for now, and see if i can make some friends and get some deals at local shops for the rest of my ruitine mileage replacement parts, other than coils because im probably going to go BHR coils and catless midpipe, that way i can net some gains and reliablity in the process, Gives the wife some extra reasoning hehe

Thanks alot guys.

gwilliams6

I agree totally with RIWWP here about the radiator, the OEM one works fine unless you are tracking the car a lot or driving and living in very high heat area. In my seven RXs over the years I only used aftermarket upgraded radiators in my boosted and track modified RXs. Just be sure to replace an old radiator system as too much heat is the curse of an early death for rotary engines. Rotaries engines are happy and work well in their warm to hot heat normal operating temp range, but don't have a defective cooling system and let your engine go over the normal temp range for even a short period. The temp gauge will really only move into showing dangerous heat readings after it may be too late, so be sure to have your thermostat changed at your high mileage. There are others who have replaced the oem thermostat with aftermarket ones that open at a lower temp threshold, which also turns on the fans at a lower temp threshold. . Check the forum threads here for info if you are planning to go that route. It is not totally necessary to do that ,but that is a change that wouldnt hurt your car.

And I do recommend you go to the BHR coils and wires, with new plugs at the same time.

04Green

iTrader: (1)

I suggest looking at all the track cooling threads before diving into replacing a radiator that may be just fine. Check out the congrats thread below. There is $20 in mods that can make a huge difference in cooling. After that the branches are radiator, better water pump, additional radiator, magic radiator juice and a lot of things..