To upgrade the fan or to upgrade the Radiator?

[JordanB21]

After driving my car (FINALLY!) and putting real stress on the motor with WOTs, and doing 0-60s on the highway I saw the car would go all the way over to the L. It wouldn't pass it (though if I drove it harder I could've made it passed it).
This is the fan running on high speed, on the highway.

So should I aim to upgrade the radiator or the fan?
This'll be a while before I ever do it since my job doesn't pay me real money anymore, but I was just wondering.

Thanks, guys!

 

[94GTCoupe]

Get a real coolant temp gauge first.

 

[JordanB21]

I would but all the gauge mounts are super ugly. I can't think of any I like.
I was just thinking about it too. A pods are gross, the clock replacement are ugly. Any suggestions?

 

[94GTCoupe]

I installed mine in the center stack.
Moved the ac controls to the space where the pocket used to be.

Best picture I have right now.

 

[JordanB21]

There was actually this one gauge mount that replaced the spare storage compartment and you could put three in. But that requires putting in two more gauges, and I wanted to upgrade to a double din. But that is one of the cleanest mount spots

 

[94GTCoupe]

Yeah, I thought about mounting them low, but I like them closer to eye level.

How about the cluster bezel gauge mount?
1 on each side, and it'll leave the center stack open for your double din.

 

[earleys94gt]

davis3's suggestion
http://www.cjponyparts.com/2-1-16-dual-instrument-cluster-bezel-1994-2002/p/AM10003/
or
http://www.cjponyparts.com/steering-column-gauge-pod-single-1994-2004/p/AM10004/

 

[JordanB21]

Yeah, I thought about mounting them low, but I like them closer to eye level.

How about the cluster bezel gauge mount?
1 on each side, and it'll leave the center stack open for your double din.

If I was keeping it single din then I would've done it the low way, it's harder to say, but it fits perfectly and flows well with the interior.
The cluster bezel gauge is a good one, but still looks off, I considered it for a bit but not to sure.

davis3's suggestion
http://www.cjponyparts.com/2-1-16-dual-instrument-cluster-bezel-1994-2002/p/AM10003/
or
http://www.cjponyparts.com/steering-column-gauge-pod-single-1994-2004/p/AM10004/

Maybe I'll do the steering column one, it's not gorgeous, but it's in line of sight and is only one gauge. Time to start pricing I suppose

It'll be atleast a month till I can do that though. I was scheduled for 4 hours this week (time to find a new part-time job!).


I aspire to have a full custom gauge cluster, but those are very very expensive...;D


davis3 what does your signature mean?

 

[94GTCoupe]

For my "How To" write ups, this is the only place I post them.
I'm a member of the "other" forums, but stangnet is my home.

As for the cluster bezel, my buddy SableSal has it.
Looks cool in person.

 

[JordanB21]

For my "How To" write ups, this is the only place I post them.
I'm a member of the "other" forums, but stangnet is my home.

As for the cluster bezel, my buddy SableSal has it.
Looks cool in person.

I'll look them up then

It's really a money thing for everything, it's all thoughts right now. I've just never been about to drive the car into the 'hot section' of the meter on the highway with the fan spinning so it peaked my concern. But, like I said, I was driving it 'rough.'

But, being able to accurately measure my coolant temps seems like a good idea.

 

[revhead347]

Do the radiator instead of the fan. Also a high flow thermostat makes a big difference too.

Kurt

 

[94GTCoupe]

Stay away from mishimoto.
Nothing but headaches.

 

[JordanB21]

Do the radiator instead of the fan. Also a high flow thermostat makes a big difference too.

Kurt

I've already got a 180 stat.

Stay away from mishimoto.
Nothing but headaches.

yeah, i've read nothing but trouble and leaks about mishimoto

 

[revhead347]

180 is the temperature that it opens at, not the flow. Mr Gasket makes thermostats that have a bigger hole and flow more water.

Kurt

 

[JordanB21]

180 is the temperature that it opens at, not the flow. Mr Gasket makes thermostats that have a bigger hole and flow more water.

Kurt

Gotcha! I'll order one soon, probably next paycheck.
One more question for you guys, when should I set my fan to kick on at? I've not changed it from it's original setting at the minimum of 160 degrees, but it goes upto 220, via adjustment screw.

 

[chaos254]

I went with a summit racing aluminum radiator when my stock needed replacing. It has been in the car since 03 or 04

 

[revhead347]

Gotcha! I'll order one soon, probably next paycheck.
One more question for you guys, when should I set my fan to kick on at? I've not changed it from it's original setting at the minimum of 160 degrees, but it goes upto 220, via adjustment screw.

The actually have that Thermostat at Advance and I think at Autozone as well. I have my fan set at 190 degrees. There is no reason to have the fan kick on before the thermostat is open.

Kurt

 

[JordanB21]

The actually have that Thermostat at Advance and I think at Autozone as well. I have my fan set at 190 degrees. There is no reason to have the fan kick on before the thermostat is open.

Kurt

I had never adjusted it from the factory setting of 160, I need to do it tomorrow. But good point. Thanks, Kurt.

 

[VibrantRedGT]

185 in the South Florida heat. C&R Aluminum Radiator, 180 Stat, 2 bottles of water wetter, 60 Water / 40 Coolant, stock Fan switched on HIGH at all times. Oh and a real gauge.

 

[revhead347]

I also have a C&R Radiator. I bought it from Steeda back when they were selling them. Can't speak highly of it enough. I've had it for 10 years now, and I have never had any of the problems people have with other aluminum radiators. The factory setting for the fan is something like 212 degrees. I know for sure it's over 200 degrees.

Kurt