Was actually surprised at how thin the stock radiator core was.
So after seeing some good reviews of ASI raditors and the price really sealed the deal. Decided to go with the 52mm with fans and shroud, as I didn't want the dicking around fabricating and buying thin fans, when the package was so reasonable. It didn't look like the stock fans would fit, with a 52mm rad. After installing it, the stock fans may fit, but it would have been a bitch to get in with next to no clearance.
Probably overkill and there is some added weight, but I should not have to worry about the radiator again.
The ASI radiator
The fans look kinda cheap plasticky, but as long as they work I'm not fussed. They had 12v 80w stickers on them so I assume they are volts and watts??
I'm no expert by the welds looked great and the construction seemed good to me. Overall happy with the quality of the product.
Some comparison pics with the stock.
Instalation
Overall it was not complicated, but not completely bolt on. Close, I would give it 9/10. Some small issues I had with the instalation below.
Wiring, you need to either change the plugs on the radiator or the car. I decided to change the ones on the raditor and reuse the old plugs. Soldered and shrink wrapped.
You need to remove the hanging bolt from the stock radiator and put it on the ASI. Had to drill out the holes as they were too small for the bolt. Also there was not enought clearance with the hanger for this bolt to just slide the radiator in. Some slight massaging of this hanger was required. I needed two pairs of hands, one to hold the raditor and the other to bend the hanger, then bend it back once the radiator slid into place.
This bracket for holding the aircon lines would not bolt back on. If you don't have aircon then dont worry about it, but in Darwin its essential. This bracket stops the aircon line flapping aound and possibly hitting things when driving.
Got a small 90 degree bent bracket to secure the air-con line back.
Also as a result of the radiator being increased to 52 mm, once you secure all the other air-con line brackets to the mounts on the raditor. The line will be pushed up against one the the engine belt and pulley. I found this out when I restarted car the it started squeeling. Luckily the metal line didn't wear through. You need to somehow massage the metal lines so they won't come into contact witht the belt and pulley. I managed to get about in inch clearance, so it would have to be a big knock in the front to make this line come into contact again.
Thats it installed filled and up and running again.
The quality of construction was pretty good, all the mounting holes lines up and hoses. I did have some issues with the installation, however it not something the backyard mechanic should get too worried about. Overall very happy with ASI - 8.5/10.
Will update this thread again if I have any issues with it.
