11th Gen Coolant Tank Upgrade Project - Part 1: Dissecting the OE Coolant Tank
Here we go, 11th Gen fam. We know you’ve been missing out when it came to an upgraded coolant tank. You know what we mean….the 10th Gen CivicX crowd has had an upgraded coolant tank for over a year now and so you guys were like, what gives 27WON!? Where’s our tank?
Well, the good news is that it's coming soon. Let’s talk about the OE coolant expansion system and share our plans for a 27WON tank.
11th Gen Civic Si OEM Coolant Expansion Tank
Good news for 11th Gen Civic owners, Honda has ditched the pressurized coolant tank that is prone to leaking on the 10th Gen Civic and for the 2022+ Civic 1.5T trims went with a simpler nonpressurized expansion tank.The radiator is connected to this expansion tank via a rubber line and this is where the coolant “overflows” as the coolant temp gets hotter. When the coolant system cools down, the coolant heads back into the radiator and thus the coolant system maintains proper level.
It’s a simpler design and more robust i.e. less prone to leaking and cracking.
11th Gen Civic Si OEM Expansion Tank Coolant Lines
But, Honda didn’t do much in the looks upgrade department. It looks like a milk jug and that’s putting in nicely.
11th Gen Civic Si OEM Coolant Expansion Tank
Let’s talk about objectives for our 27WON upgraded tank.
Of course, we want to make sure it’s even more robust and leakproof than the stock Honda tank while fitting just as well. When it comes time to top off your coolant, you’ll thank us for giving this tank a big mouth. OH! And when it comes to checking coolant levels on the fly, we’ll give you a nice sightglass to be able to quickly add coolant if needed.
We want to make it look like it belongs underneath the hood of your Civic. We’ll be bringing some bling here! Ditching the ugly plastic is easy. But, what takes its place?
We’ve been using aluminum with great success for similar projects and this material allows us to craft pretty interesting shapes. And we want the tank to feature a nice aluminum billet cap as well.
CAD Prototype of the Coolant Expansion Tank
We’re going to leave you with this preview of the design that we’re working on so you have time to drool and then compose yourselves.
Drop your comments or questions below and till next time.
REDEFINE the Aftermarket
-Vlad