What do you guys think would be better for cooling(Greddy FMIC-stock radiator), keeping the stock underbelly pan on, and running fans constantly. Or taking off the underbelly pan and making custom 6" aluminum ducting underneath the car directly to the radiator, and also running the fans constantly. Also, which is more effective, running the fans as pushers or pullers? I know stock fans run as pullers, but it seems like as pushers there is a lot more flow. Just wanted to get everyones $.02.
Evan

 

Don't remove the stock underbelly pan.
Don't use the fans to push.
Get an SMIC or V-mount and not have to worry about overheating in any conditions.

 

Upgrade the radiator first, get a Koyo, it is more important for the overall reliability. If you get the FMIC you will be more temped to push boost instead.

If you made a good ducting, I imagine it could be more effeciant but I had the bellypan off yesterday and it looks like it does a good job enough job already. Ideas can always be improved upon though...

As for the fan direction, I would say that pulling is still better, you have to think that when you are moving the fans would be fighting the natural 'ramming' effect the incoming air has at speed if they were pushing. Pulling, they suck air through the radiator that is already being force-fed when moving. I'd leave them as is. If anything upgrade the blads from the 4/5 to the 99+ spec 5/7 design... there have been a couple posts about the idea lately and it seems like a valuable upgrade.

Those more knowledgable than I will have greater input, but this will give you an idea.
~Kris

 

Ive actually been looking into some sort of ducting for the radiator because i have an FMIC and need to figure out how to get as much air to the radiator as possible. Somebody mentioned a split duct were half would go to the FMIC and the other half goes straight to the rad, interesting idea to say the least. Also the stock front end isnt very good with an FMIC from what i hear, upgrading to an aftermarket one will help cooling a bit more.

edit: FMIC is not in the car yet, im still looking at the best way to keep everything cool before it goes in.

 

Puller fans are more efficient than pushers.

-Max

 

I already have the Greddy 2 row FMIC with the stock radiator. I also have the stock underbelly pan on. I was just curious as to what you all would think of custom ducting. I have two 10" electric cooling fans, as pullers right now. As of now, the car runs too hot, not to the point of over heating, but the dummy temp gauge reads at hottest, a little past halfway. Thats in hot weather and stop and go traffic. I'm buying the Koyo within a couple days though. If I do any ducting I'll post pics of the setup.
Evan

 

hmm, i was thinking about getting a koyo rad but my upgraded smic might not get air right?

cause right now, i still have that plastic duct router that routes ram air into it and into the intercooler..if i get a koyo, it sits in front of the smic, so how does that work out?

and cosmetic wise, it wont look good..imo

 

I believe that you can stock mount the KOYO as well, thus negating the airflow issues to the SMIC.

~Kris

 

I'm trying to get my car cooler also, but i found out a few days ago that my car does not have the underbelly pan. How important is this? I know it directs air to the radiator but what can i do for now until i find one? And lastly, how much do the underbelly pans go for if i was to buy one (dealer or used)? Thanks



- Art

 

Get an underbelly pan! It forces air through the radiator. They are not that expensive -- I think about $150 through Malloy Mazda.

 

you can mount the Koyo just like any other radiator (fluidyne, stock, etc.) it should work just fine with maybe 1" of trimming on the intercooler duct.