A customer is trying to install a Koyo slim radiator on his G35 Auto Sedan. He already has some Flex slim fans, so clearance in that regard is not an issue. However, since we havent installed one, can someone give me some pointers, so I can pass it along to him? Is it even doable??

 

Sharif,

I've looked into the G35, 350Z and some of the aftermarket radiators and fan conversions. I believe I may be able to help.

A few questions and comments:

1) Are you starting with a 350Z Koyo radiator? If so, the upper mounting pins are about 23" apart. The G35 is set up for about 27". Also the fill neck is on the opposite side of the upper tank. This isn't a factor if unless your retaining the G35's main inlet air duct (above the radiator).

2) Unless things have recently changed, no one makes an aftermarket AT radiator. The ATF temperature will need to be controled. You'll need a properly sized ATF cooler that has its own fan/thermo control to prevent overheating and some sort of viscosity or thermostatic control to prevent overcooling the ATF. There are some options that have already been discussed on My350Z.

3) As for the radiator fans, the early 03-03.5 AT Sedans have an engine driven mechanical fan that gets in the way of most FI System installations. I've personally done quite a few fan conversions and talked a couple of people through the process. It not that difficult once you figure it out.

4) One other thing to consider. All G35 AT Sedans come with a 180F-203F thermostat. All the other G35s and all 350Zs have a 170F-194F thermostat. I recommend changing the 180F t-stat to the 170F one. IMO the Nismo t-stat isn't needed for street driving as it may prevent an engine from reaching proper operating temperatures in cold weather. All this was covered in detail in the "Keepin' the VQ Cool" Article -- Sport Z Magazine (Summer 2005).

Give me a call if you need more info Sharif.


DaveO

 

Thanks for the tips....I have passed them along.