Dual-Core Cooling Design
One of the biggest upgrades is the:
- Dual-core aluminum cooling design
Combined with:
- High-efficiency cooling fins
This dramatically improves:
- Heat dissipation
- Thermal efficiency
- Coolant stability
- Sustained cooling performance
Especially beneficial during:
- High-RPM pulls
- Turbocharged driving
- Track sessions
- Summer traffic
- Aggressive canyon driving
Where old Honda radiators occasionally begin spiritually overheating.
Skunk2’s all-aluminum, Full-Size Alpha Series Radiator for the 88-’91 Civic/ CRX is designed to dramatically increase both cooling efficiency and engine performance. Alpha Series Radiators are manufactured from lightweight and durable aluminum, feature 100-percent brazed cores, and include polished end tanks with Skunk2’s signature Alpha logo embossed along Every side.
Lightweight Aluminum Construction
The radiator is manufactured from:
- Lightweight aluminum
- Durable welded construction
This improves:
- Cooling efficiency
- Vehicle weight balance
- Long-term reliability
- Corrosion resistance
Especially important because:
- OEM EF radiators are now ancient
- Plastic components degrade over time
- Modified Hondas generate far more heat than factory setups
And turbo Hondas somehow create temperatures wildly disproportionate to engine size.
Each Alpha Series Radiator includes a dual-core design, high-efficiency fins for maximum cooling capabilities, and includes a genuine Skunk2 Radiator Cap for maximum performance and a premium appearance. Every Alpha Series Radiator also includes provisions for the OEM cooling fan and larger 1.25″ inlet and outlet, which makes it ideal for most engine swaps that utilize larger radiator hoses.
Perfect for Swapped & Turbo Builds
This radiator is especially valuable for:
- B16 swaps
- B18 swaps
- K-series conversions
- Turbo D-series builds
- Drag setups
- High-compression street cars
Improved cooling helps reduce:
- Heat soak
- Coolant spikes
- Thermal fatigue
- Power loss under load
Especially because K-swapped EFs create enough chaos already without overheating joining the conversation.
Skunk2’s commitment to producing high-quality components means that Every Alpha Series Radiator meets or exceeds original equipment manufacturer standards, that Every radiator could also be installed without modification to the vehicle and is compatible with OEM cooling fans and shrouds. Skunk2’s Alpha Series Radiators are the very best addition to any high-performance vehicle and are designed for the street or track.
Compatible with OEM Fans & Shrouds
One major advantage is:
- Compatibility with most OEM cooling fans and shrouds
This helps provide:
- Easier installation
- OEM-style integration
- Better airflow management
- Simplified cooling upgrades
Without requiring:
- Major fabrication
- Extensive modifications
- Full custom cooling systems
Which is fortunate, because old Honda projects already escalate financially at alarming speed.
Features:
- Manufactured from lightweight and durable aluminum
- Dual-Core Design and high-efficiency fins for maximum cooling capabilities
- Compatible with most OEM cooling fans and shrouds
- Radiator Inlet and Out 1.25
- Includes Skunk2 radiator cap
Compatible Honda Models
The Skunk2 Racing Aluminum Radiator is compatible with:
- 1988 Honda Civic
- 1989 Honda Civic
- 1990 Honda Civic
- 1991 Honda Civic
- 1988 Honda CRX
- 1989 Honda CRX
- 1990 Honda CRX
- 1991 Honda CRX
Perfect for:
- B-series swaps
- D-series turbo builds
- K-swapped EF projects
- Track cars
- Drag Hondas
- Daily-driven restorations
Because every EF chassis eventually receives an engine swap recommendation from somebody online.
Note: This Skunk2 Racing Radiator includes a 1.25″ inlet and outlet. The factory hose(s) ID measure just over 1.00″ and won’t fit in this radiator. Because of the increase in size, it can be important to modify the hood for proper radiator cap clearance. Some engine swap applications may require custom radiator hoses and/or cooling fans. Not Compatible w/ Automatic Transmission Cooling System.
Better Reliability for Street & Track Use
Aggressive driving creates:
- Elevated coolant temperatures
- Sustained high RPM operation
- Increased engine bay heat
- Continuous thermal load
A larger dual-core radiator helps maintain:
- Stable operating temperatures
- Better cooling consistency
- Improved reliability
- Reduced overheating risk
Especially important because overheating a swapped Honda usually happens exactly when you’re finally winning the race emotionally.
Manufactured from lightweight and durable aluminum
Dual-Core Design and high-efficiency fins for maximum cooling capabilities
Compatible with most OEM cooling fans and shrouds
OEM-Style Direct Installation
The radiator is engineered for:
- Direct-fit installation
- OEM hose compatibility
- Factory-style mounting integration
Typical installation requires:
- Coolant drain
- Basic hand tools
- Hose clamp pliers
- Approximately 1-3 hours
No major:
- Fabrication
- Cutting
- Custom mounting typically required
Which is excellent news for anyone already deep into an EF project spiral.
Why Upgrade the EF Civic/CRX Radiator?
Common reasons owners upgrade radiators include:
- Aging OEM radiator failure
- Turbocharging
- Engine swaps
- Track overheating concerns
- Preventative maintenance
- Cooling reliability improvements
A performance radiator remains one of the smartest upgrades for older Hondas because:
- Heat kills consistency quickly
- High-RPM engines create serious thermal load
- Modified EF builds overwhelm stock cooling systems fast
Especially once boost pressure or VTEC arrives.
Radiator Inlet and Out 1.25
Includes Skunk2 radiator cap
Fitment: 1988 – 1991 Honda Civic 1.6L DX/EX/LX/Si and 1988 – 1991 Honda CR-X 1.6L DX/HF/Si
Final Verdict
For 1988-1991 Honda Civic and CRX owners wanting improved cooling performance and long-term reliability, the Skunk2 Racing Aluminum Radiator delivers serious thermal management upgrades with lightweight dual-core aluminum construction.
Key benefits include:
- Dual-core cooling design
- High-efficiency cooling fins
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- OEM fan compatibility
- Ideal for swaps and turbo builds
- Direct-fit installation
Most importantly, your EF Honda finally stops treating every VTEC pull like a coolant temperature emergency.






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