Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums engine-mechanical-aa/Champion CC762 3-Row aluminum radiator installation & review
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88sinZ: (2016-09-03 05:05:43)
Initial unboxing is very sturdy packaging, FedEx 2day was decently bubble wrapped and Styrofoam'd direct from Champion.
Upon dropping it in the petcock bumped on the lower structural lip preventing complete seating of the driver side 'donut'. It's a 9/16 that needs to be removed, even so it requires you palm bump it into place after the petcock is removed. Modifications should be expected when adding a row to the radiator.
Upper mount tabs were a bit wonky, easily torqued into place with channel locks with no ill effects. Not sure if they were tweaked on the jig or in shipping, i'll give the benefit of the doubt and say it was rough handling. --- I should note i'm using sway bar end link bushings to isolate the radiator and position it high enough to run the TR-10 IC.
The further most cross brace also was interfering with the upper inlet location so it did require i cut away a section of structural bracing.PIC 7-8
Build quality looks good, i have yet to pressure test it but have no doubts that it will be of quality construction.
88sinZ: (2016-09-03 05:06:43)
pics of stuff
Attached Files
IMAG0134[1].jpg (1.33 MB)
IMAG0135[1].jpg (1.35 MB)
88sinZ: (2016-09-03 05:08:12)
pics of stuff
88sinZ: (2016-09-03 05:10:28)
pics of stuff and things radiator
88sinZ: (2016-09-03 05:17:02)
Maxima fans seat well, they do require a bit more trimming of the excess that is allowed in OEM radiator positioning. Other wise core dimensions appear to remain the same while core depth is improved.
Pic #2 in first post shows the gap of about 1/3 or 1/4", it's tight. Tried to use valve cover bolt seats to dampen but they didn't provide enough height to locate my IC in its best position with a hack job bracket from years back so i retained the swaybar rubber bushings as dampers.
nismo kid: (2016-09-04 01:08:18)
Great review 88sinZ! Had to do all the same minor modifications during the install on 2 different Z31's. It may be worth noting 1 was made 4 years ago or so & the other was last year. They were exactly the same besides the older radiator wasn't polished as much. Maxima fans definitely fit with some trimming of the shroud. I personally found it easier to hold the fans up against the bottom of the headlight buckets while sliding the radiator in. Then lowering the fans onto the radiator. If your looking for a radiator replacement for your Z31 this is the 1!
Big Supes: (2016-09-04 11:27:58)
Nice review 88.
88sinZ: (2016-09-06 03:59:38)
Rewired and bled it through a few hot/cool cycles.
Engine stays noticeably cooler, about 1/8th of the gauge below middle after a fan cycle, and sits about 1/16 below middle at cruise. It feels like it pulls much better and oil temps are holding 20F below previous - along with no oil temp creep up at sitting idle.
Thermostat is Nismo 170F(76C), i think switch is 180F(82C)? Honestly I can't remember. it is located in the LIM driver side port with an adapter. It does stay on much longer after shut down VS placing it in the lower radiator port, and i'm glad because it acts as a engine bay fan to cool the engine from heat soak.
Haven't data logged temps or its effect on AFR's but will at the next opportunity
CAG8OR: (2016-09-13 20:34:40)
First reply here in a very long time. My Z is overheating in the Florida summer heat with the A/C on and I want to perform this modification. I have a couple questions if you don't mind. I found the radiator on Amazon, is that the best place to buy? Is the dual Maxima fans still the Best choice or is there a better after market option? I am an old guy and don't have money issues. If there is a an easier more expensive option that works just as well, I would rather go that option. Thanks!
FrozenZ: (2016-09-13 22:07:47)
Fellow old guy with no money issues here. I bought this FFDynamics shroud and fans kit off ebay. Fit perfectly first time, works great, looks pretty sexy, blows a shit-ton of air. Mount the fans on the rad first and put the assembly into the engine bay from below.
Z_Karma: (2016-09-13 23:10:21)
First reply here in a very long time. My Z is overheating in the Florida summer heat with the A/C on and I want to perform this modification. I have a couple questions if you don't mind. I found the radiator on Amazon, is that the best place to buy? Is the dual Maxima fans still the Best choice or is there a better after market option? I am an old guy and don't have money issues. If there is a an easier more expensive option that works just as well, I would rather go that option. Thanks!
I've installed some fans from a mercury cougar in my SS and it was almost a drop in once the shroud was removed and the mounting ears on the fan were cut off.
"Ford Contour / Mercury Mystique 4CYL Dual Fan 95-00 / 6CYL 95-97&99-00 / 6CYL without SVT Model 98 / Mercury Cougar 2.0L / 2.5L 99-02 Radiator , A/C Fan Assembly "
http://www.westcoastcovers.com/330-55008-000.html
I think i paid ~40 bucks for mine at the u-pull yard.
Even though i've not technically driven the car with them, they are a good fit.
Here is a previous thread about efans with good info:
https://z31performance.com/forum/z31…-electric-fans
88sinZ: (2016-09-14 02:46:34)
CAG, i ordered this from amazon as well, sold by NextGenAutoParts. $213 w/free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0…?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There may be easier options with other fans, but you will still be required to make a shroud. The Maxi fans require the outer edges be trimmed to fit, not sure if you can locate new (for ease) but junkyards have them readily available with the drawback of having to locate and pull one.
It should help, but i'd recommend going over the cooling system components as well. The Champion radiator does not have the A/C condenser fan switch bung in the lower driver side which is 16x1.5, i cross threaded in a 1/4 MIP to 1/8 NPT adaptor for my fan switch in the LIM port which is a 1/4 BSPT https://z31performance.com/forum/z31…-switch-thread
i've got some wiring diagrams for the maxi fans if you go that route, just post up here or send a PM
CAG8OR: (2016-09-14 13:41:45)
Thanks gentlemen!
I have some more questions, after reading nearly all E-Fan threads last night. I have two spare LIM's sitting on my table. The threads are Not 1/4BSPT from what I can tell. They are simply M12X1.25. I have both a M12X1.25 bolt and tap and both thread into all four holes on both of my spares. That is two holes left and right side of the LIM on two separate LIM's. I make a point of this because a M12X1.25 to 1/8" NPT adaptor is readily available from Kinugwa Turbo Parts. I am curious what temperature range switches you are using for each fan. I assume at 175 off 185 on for fan 1 and a 185 off and 200 on for fan 2. Does anybody have a link for the best wiring configuration? I have used the Derale Switch for a long time and honestly, it is a POS.
Z_Karma: (2016-09-14 14:29:11)
Awesome! I updated my post with your info.
kaur: (2016-09-14 14:29:13)
Maybe the way Nissan did it is good inspiration.
CAG8OR: (2016-09-14 15:02:57)
Maybe the way Nissan did it is good inspiration.
Thank you very much!!! Sorry, I have no Maxima information. This is great and much easier installation. I am glad to know about the LIM mounting position and the need to increase the temperature to 210 F.
88sinZ: (2016-09-14 16:51:20)
I'd stick with a 180F switch, due to being in Florida and having retained A/C. It will come on every time you stop, and remain on until back up to speed.
Do you remember what year the LIM's were pulled from? i've got the late style, and was pretty sure it was a BSPT port - though i never measured.
CAG8OR: (2016-09-14 17:57:58)
Yes, one is an '85 and the other is an '86. I am trying to get ahold of Rick and go with that fancy DCControls Dual Fan Controller. It looks very nice.
kaur: (2016-09-14 18:22:02)
Thank you very much!!! Sorry, I have no Maxima information. This is great and much easier installation. I am glad to know about the LIM mounting position and the need to increase the temperature to 210 F.
That excerpt I posted was from the FSM of European Z31 models. They had e-fans from the factory.
PegCityZ: (2016-09-14 18:40:31)
The threads are Not 1/4BSPT from what I can tell. They are simply M12X1.25. I have both a M12X1.25 bolt and tap and both thread into all four holes on both of my spares..
The stock fan switch that came in some lower intakes was for sure 1/4" BSPT and it is a known fact that Nissan used BSPT threads for oil and water sensors on their older engines.
Since the 1/4" BSPT has a 13.157mm Major Diameter and 11.445mm Minor Diameter with 1.337mm thread pitch, the M12x1.25 would be fairly close with a 11.97 mm Major Diameter and 10.619mm Minor Diameter on external threads with a 1.25mm thread pitch.
Not saying you didn't do what you did, just a logical explanation of why it worked.
CAG8OR: (2016-09-15 18:02:39)
The stock fan switch that came in some lower intakes was for sure 1/4" BSPT and it is a known fact that Nissan used BSPT threads for oil and water sensors on their older engines.
Since the 1/4" BSPT has a 13.157mm Major Diameter and 11.445mm Minor Diameter with 1.337mm thread pitch, the M12x1.25 would be fairly close with a 11.97 mm Major Diameter and 10.619mm Minor Diameter on external threads with a 1.25mm thread pitch.
Not saying you didn't do what you did, just a logical explanation of why it worked.
Understood, good information. If this is the case, then I have located the adapter here:
http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/60041639
There are many 3/8" Male NPT fan switches from American Volt on Amazon.
88sinZ: (2016-09-16 03:47:01)
CAG that part is incorrect, MALE side is listed as 3/8 BSPT.
You need to locate a 1/4 BSPT (1/4-19) male to 1/8 NPT (1/8-27) female to utilize the LIM port with a 1/8NPT coolant switch
this *should* be the correct one, do not trust my word, give them a call and see how they can help sorting out your needs.
http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/09725250
CAG8OR: (2016-09-16 15:53:52)
Thanks, I am getting old, must have posted incorrect link. I am going in a different direction now. Going to weld a bung into my new Champion to mount the sensor from the AutoCoolGuy. This in conjunction with his 125A PCM control unit should do the trick. I love the way his PCM control unit functions. The fans came today, I ordered both, because I did not see Rick's post first. Anybody need a brand new Maxima dual fan kit? I will sell it cheap. I am going with the Ford unit.
88sinZ: (2016-09-17 01:12:01)
heck, maybe test fit both and see what your prefer.
I have noticed that it seems like the 5 bladed maxima fan pulls more air compared to the 4 blade side, one day when i'm feeling adventurous i will swap the 4 blade for the 5
CAG8OR: (2016-10-12 23:34:03)
I just got back to Florida from business trip. I have made a little progress. Going to try and post a picture from phone. This site is not phone friendly. Well, crap! IPhone pics too big to upload. This sucks.
CAG8OR: (2016-10-13 02:33:58)
I had to email the pics to my laptop and use the laptop, what a crock of Sh*t that is, but it appears to have worked. Guess I know why there are not that many pictures on here.
I have a question for all of those that have used this fan assembly. There are quite a few holes in the shroud. I am wondering if you filled all of the holes with Silicone gasket maker or something similar???
CAG8OR: (2016-10-13 02:36:08)
Here is a tool I made to split the silicone tubing for the gasket. I wish I had black, but all I had was some red. Since my car is red, I don't think it looks that bad. The last shot is how the radiator arrived. It was in perfect condition.
88sinZ: (2016-10-13 04:22:15)
That looks pretty legit, just insure you have a stable fan/shroud mount. i'm running no shroud gasket and it does fine, if you can. wire those fan on high for it's trigger.
Did you have to tweak the upper mounts as i did? it's really not much, and as noted i used endlink bushings to isolate upper mount vibration.
I'm running a 170F (76C) thermo, a 190F(?) (87C) fan switch is in the LIM and cycles regularly during slower cruise driving - stays on during long reds, holds steady on stints. Loving the capacity it does cycle i really need to take some logs and look at it.
Will really be putting it to the test this weekend during a mountain climb. https://www.facebook.com/events/1766234570286447/
CAG8OR: (2016-10-15 12:35:53)
When I put the factory lower bumpers on the aluminum tank, the holes for the upper ears no longer fit. I am going to have to drill new holes. I have pictures but no time to convert them and upload them this morning. It is game day and I am heading to the Swamp. I will try to get them posted.
I am trying to figure out if everybody using this Ford housing plugged all the holes in the housing. There are tons of them and cant help the flow rate at all.
Z_Karma: (2016-10-15 20:32:39)
I had a similar issue with my Champion 3 row, with the stock lower bumpers, the upper ears didn't align, then i found that one of the welds attaching the ears was broken, so i skipped on using it until
i can fix the bracket.
I didn't bother with the holes, they don't make measurable difference on the amount of air pulled through the fins of the radiator. These fans move a lot of air.
Using only one fan was enough to keep my car cool at idle. haven't got it on the road yet.
If you wanted you could use some OEM plugs off of newer Nissans and add some Nissan DNA to keep your car from rejecting the domestic ford DNA transplant [archived image: smile.png]
Like these, but they say NISSAN on the top of them. I use them for unused fastener holes throughout the engine bay. A little RTV to hold them in place if they are undersized.
[archived image: RK4WoRq.jpg]
88sinZ: (2016-10-16 02:40:11)
The lower petcock bumped the "tounge" just below the radiator mount. even after removing the petcock the petcock bung still interfered with the "tounge" and i had to palm bump it into place, but it did seat correctly.
CAG8OR: (2016-10-17 05:12:30)
Yes, I also had this issue. I want to remove the petcock anyway and install a proper valve and drain line. I am going to plug all the holes. Thanks for the tip on the panel fastener, that should do the job nicely with Black RTV.
CAG8OR: (2016-12-02 16:35:06)
I finally have it installed. The older I get the slower I am. I am also not home here in FL very often. Of course, the problems are never ending. I turned the key to test my ACC wire lead and smelled gas immediately. My fuel injector seals are gone. Just ordered that $600 kit on Ebay for fuel rails, FPR, and 850CC injectors. How many people are running E85 on their Z31? I run it on my Porsche 944 turbo and I love it. Here are some pictures of my progress.
CAG8OR: (2016-12-02 16:38:22)
A few more pics…
88sinZ: (2016-12-03 00:45:08)
Nice idea with the quick drain.
i've heard mixxed reviews on the injectors but hear the rails are knock off of ASCO. Not sure of quality, i can speak for ASCO is good mounting tabs could use some more beef but they've held.
Never have seen the EBAY kits in person, used ASCO rails. Personally i wouldn't skimp on injectors, only big names like RC/ID/Grams.
CAG8OR: (2016-12-06 16:16:59)
Injectors are good quality Bosch high impedance, i use them on my Porsche and they are very nice.
CAG8OR: (2016-12-06 16:19:06)
Here is the link:
CAG8OR: (2016-12-06 16:20:26)
Has anybody on here used the top mount turbo header kit???