As you know my radiator craped on me a couple of weeks ago so I replaced it with a Spectra radiator from Autozone. The core is way thinner then the oem one. The problem I'm having is on the highway under normal acceleration it heats up a lot, but if I'm in traffic or at the stop light it cools ok. I've checked all over the place and I see that these Spectra radiators are the most popular ones. The question is do I have a bad radiator or due to the thinner core size it cannot cool fast enough under acceleration?

 

Should have went with Megan!!!

 

it's not an option for him, he has an auto, and needs the trans cooler that is built in....

 

im thinking of going mishimoto. i already have a separate trans cooler that i purchased from NAPA so just got to find time/money to get the new radiator but that is always another option for him

 

he actually already has an extra , external trans cooler like you said but I think there is another complication with doing that if I'm not mistaken.... Dacib shoul be tuning in soon

 

Sorry my bad!

 

The extra transmission cooler that I have is to small to cool the fluid on it's own, it's 10x5in. So to get the MIshimoto or Megan radiator it would cost me around $400 for everything and I would have to deal with custom fitting the fans. I think it's to much ...

 

ahh... the cooler i picked up is 7.5x12.5 so i was hoping that'd be big enough to cool the trans on its own. 8.75 core so who knows

 

Under normal driving conditions that should be fine. I need a bigger one because I do a lot of Autocross.

 

oOo. i dont auto-x but just drive like an asshat somedays lol that and cruises

 

it should cool better at higher speeds...

 

It does cool as soon as I take my foot of the accelerator but when I accelerate it heats up again.
I've replaced the cap last night but that didn't make a difference. I have a 170 thermostat and I was reading last night that in some cases this is causing the car to overheat under acceleration since the coolant doesn't stay long enough in the radiator to cool off. I will put back the original thermostat tonight and see if that will fix my issue.

 

that could be an issue...report back!

 

So I put back the oem thermostat and I even replaced the radiator with a new one and it's still the same. I can't believe that this POS Spectra radiator is everywhere: Autozone, AdvanceAuto, Napa, Pepboys, Autoparts warehouse, etc. they all have only this one except Autopartswarehouse but all the other radiators online are as thin as this one. I called the stealership and they want $600+ for the oem one. Looks like I'll have to go with the aluminium one and get a bigger transmission cooler...

 

well good news on getting the new aluminum radiator then which one do you have your eye on?