3rd Radiator

jabed92694 · #1 02-06-2012, 12:16 PM

Is it any advantage to add the 3rd radiator to a street driven car or is this only an advantage for a track driven car?

JoelPirela · #2 02-06-2012, 12:27 PM

what you got the Suncoast's email too? at that price ($189 for the complete kit) I don't need it but I may buy it anyways!

MarathonBob · #3 02-06-2012, 12:30 PM

It's probably not needed if your driving on the street only and haven't done big mods like forced induction. For what it's worth it just went on sale at Suncoast parts for $189.95 which seems a very good deal. I have it on my car because I added a TPC turbo. If you do add it, it's worth adding some grills whether DIY or Zunsport grills to protect from rocks as it's quite exposed. I did the latter and am very happy.

jabed92694 · #4 02-06-2012, 12:32 PM

Yes I got the email and that's why the question. Seems like a deal but not sure if there is any advantage. If there is, then I'd pull the trigger. The only mods I have engine wise is an ECU tune, mufflers and a BMC airfilter. So do you think it would be a waste of money?

JoelPirela · #5 02-06-2012, 12:50 PM

at $189 is not a waste of money. If you can install it yourself and make sure you can purge/bleed the coolant system; then is worth it. A dealer is going to charge you some coin for installation.

joel

dallascajun · #6 02-06-2012, 01:29 PM

I saw that same deal and it got my interest. Only thing, I have a .2 6spd, so don't think it's compatible and don't want to go through the research and cost to make it fit.

Great deal though. If it was for .2, I'd buy it anyway as all it can do is help the car, especially in the heat we get in Texas.

jabed92694 · #7 02-06-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoelPirela

at $189 is not a waste of money. If you can install it yourself and make sure you can purge/bleed the coolant system; then is worth it. A dealer is going to charge you some coin for installation.

joel

What's the advantage of doing it on a car that's not tracked? No need to cool the engine anymore is there? I would have to have someone install it unless its a simple DIY.

dndodd · #8 02-07-2012, 05:32 AM

Not a simple installation, but not hard. You do need to remove the front bumper.

If memory serves me correctly it dropped my engine temp 20-25 degrees.

Probably a write up somewhere here or on rennlist.

wingnut2u · #9 03-04-2012, 03:11 PM

I bought the 3rd radiator kit from Suncoast for $189 and just installed it myself. It is an easy install but it will take some time to complete, expect 4-6 hours if you are doing it by yourself, a little less if you have some help.

Taking the front bumper off and on was the hardest part, installing the radiator was a snap. There are some good write ups on installation over on Rennlist. My water temp is running right at 175.

I live in TX so even if my car never sees the track, it definitely gets hot enough around here that a third radiator is beneficial

zanwar · #10 03-04-2012, 03:26 PM

If you see your water temp rising above 175, fit the center radiator. Otherwise you don't need it.

slicky rick · #11 03-04-2012, 04:57 PM

i think suncoast increased their prices already

Gpjli · #12 03-04-2012, 06:06 PM

Fwiw the water temp gauge is rather like an idiot light. It does not reflect actual water temps but settles at 175 to keep owner happy and feeling secure. If there is a real issue and a dramatic spike in temp it will move off the mark. By that time you have a problem. Point: you cannot monitor water temps with the dash gauge no matter how many radiators you have. Watch your oil temps instead. Should you think this not to be the case do a search.

denversteve · #13 03-04-2012, 07:06 PM

The price looks good but it's not necessary.

Alan C. · #14 03-04-2012, 10:41 PM

I'll second watching the oil temp. Even after 30 minutes of hard track use my 997.2 C2S water temperature gauge would only slightly register above 175.

PSPorsche · #15 03-05-2012, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gpjli

Fwiw the water temp gauge is rather like an idiot light. It does not reflect actual water temps but settles at 175 to keep owner happy and feeling secure. If there is a real issue and a dramatic spike in temp it will move off the mark. By that time you have a problem. Point: you cannot monitor water temps with the dash gauge no matter how many radiators you have. Watch your oil temps instead. Should you think this not to be the case do a search.

Why didn't Porsche just put an accurate temperature gauge? Is there a reason they don't want owners to get an accurate temp reading, or is there a technical limitation?

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