Notwithstanding the clutch and gearbox problems I am experiencing (see "No Third Gear !!!" thread in this forum), I have some good news.

The last time I was at the big track at Willow Springs, it was 104 degrees, and all the modded 350Zs and 300ZX TTs were having overheating problems. Knowing I was going back to that track today, and that it would be very hot in early August, I installed a new cooling system.

Koyo Racing Radiator filled with 1 1/2 gallons of Toyota Coolant (red fluid), plus Nismo Thermostat.

It works like a charm. My 350Z stayed cool as a cucumber all day. Now if my clutch pedal and 3rd gear would just get with the program. . .

 

Cool, this is the bigger koyo unit? At what temperature does the nismo thermostat open?

 

Nice tip...

Did you do the install?

 

53mm 2RW Aluminum Core: 2-1/16" thickness provides extra cooling surface area for the high performance tuner.
Nocolok Brazing: Tubes, Fins, Headers and Brackets are brazed in state-of-the-art Nocolok Furnace, bonding all components into an indestructible radiator.
OE Specification mounting: Fan mounts are situated to OE specification; allowing both stock and performance fans to be used.
Hand-crafted Heliarc Soldering: Heliarc Soldering is the highest in industry standard for enforcement along aluminum connections.
Tube and Fin Alignment: Construction under strict quality control and solid boxing result in pristine tube and fin alignment, fresh from the factory.
KOYO Mirror Finish: All Aluminum surfaces are buffed before boxing to a confident mirror finish

They use stock Toyota coolant (red fluid ) in our NASA PRO racer's cars.

You have the option to maintain your stock fans or go with a low profile electric fan. I would stay with your stock fans for the time being to see the changes that the radiator does then if you need more space in the engine bay for you vortech when you get that you can go to a low profile electric fan.

I know the Nismo Thermostat opens at a lower temperature than the stock unit, but I don't know the exact temperature.

I did not do the install myself. It took a pro about 2 1/2 hours.

 

do you have any close up pics? i realized that our cars overheat often, or get up there, i do alot of mountain driving, and the first week driving on a hot day i noticed after the drive there were little bits of smoke coming from the engine bay, smelled a little like oil and it was damn hot. I need a oil temp gauge.

 

Don't have a pick but it is a nice unit. When installed, the polished look of the top of the radiator is quite a nice addition to your 350Z engine bay. But more importantly, it REALLY WORKS.

 

How much was the radiator?

 

i didnt have any heating problems this weekend. i was there on sunday. most of the day was not bad...high 90s; last run session was a little over 100. i'm on stock cooling system, and i have a pretty modded n/a car (including cams).

for those who went, what times did you get? my best was 1:44. i know i need more track time.

 

I paid $700 installed for the Koyo radiator ($583 parts plus labor). The Nismo thermostat was $120, labor free since they were replacing the radiator. The entire job including Calif. 8.25% sales tax was $862. Worth every penny if you have a modded 350Z and run racetrack events in the Southwest summer heat.