Another Ebay Aluminum radiator for sale....

[Flyineunos]

Jusy saw this this morning,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-MIATA-90-98-2-ROWS-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-FAN-SHROUD-KIT-/160601906422?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AMiata&vxp=mtr&hash=item25649e9cf6

has anyone had any experience with this company? At under $200 for the radiator,fans and shrouds, this is a steal!

[stormin'norman]

Wow, that is pretty slick. I suspect it is similar to the CXracing which I know many folks are running with favorable results.

[zoom]

I have the Godspeed dual core radiator which looks pretty similar. It's been installed for over a year with no issues at all. Installation was easy and it fits perfect even with the OEM fans, there are no clearance problems.

[Dliverance]

That's really not a bad deal considering the shroud and fans.

[Agent☣Orange]

Heck, I was thinking of just using the fans and shroud. I wonder if he sells those parts alone.

[stormin'norman]

Heck, I was thinking of just using the fans and shroud. I wonder if he sells those parts alone.

This would be awesome. I'd like to ad some slim fans to my mishimoto.

[Agent☣Orange]

Yeah, for say $50 just for the fan/shroud set.

[AngelsAndBombs]

I have that radiator in my 1.6 and love it! Keeps the motor nice and cool. I'd recommend it for the price.

[Flyineunos]

Just bought it this AM, and they declined all my offers untill I offered $185. I will post up pics when it arrives.

[Agent☣Orange]

Cool!

[revlimiter]

Got any way of testing airflow through it? I'd be rather suspicious of the fans until I knew they worked at least as well as stock.

You could set up a quicky tube manometer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_measurement#Liquid_column). Measure the stock radiator pressure differential with fans on in your garage. Then install the new setup and measure the differential of that unit.

[George]

I'd jump on this... if I didn't have to pay 270$ for shipping

[Agent☣Orange]

Usually that's the trap but this ad says free shipping plus 4 ebay bucks back.

I'm genuinely interested in how good this is even though I already have an aluminum radiator, so thanks to flyineunos or taking one for the team. If I could get the shroud and reliable fans super cheap, I'd jump on it.

Thanks for the measuring info Rev.

[George]

yeah, but not to Europe

[Flyineunos]

These guys ship extremely fast. Got this in the mail after two days of sending payment.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6658078211_e704b7d1c3_b.jpg
They were taped together and shipped just like this.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6658082125_4237035549_b.jpg
They are packed really well.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6658088427_828ac8f2a5_b.jpg
New Shinny Rad.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6658093791_0fe65e88ae_b.jpg
1.1 Rad cap

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6658099995_46215e8a37_b.jpg
DNA Motoring

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6658099995_46215e8a37_b.jpg
Slim fans packed ok.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6658111735_56ff6a6fcd_b.jpg
Fans and shrouds.....nice and the fans are marked 80W and 12v

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6658115057_91b3e1f43c_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6658118657_bf9ee94d5e_b.jpg
fitment of the shroud on the rad is very good

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6658124093_0a7e98598d_b.jpg
Finally the rad is approximately 5.5inches in depth.

[Agent☣Orange]

Damn, I'm impressed so far.

[Flyineunos]

Omg, I just read my picture quotes....I shouldn't post when I am falling asleep! Lol

[revlimiter]

DNA Motoring


I'm glad you typed this description. I couldn't figure out the name. lol!

It DOES look very nice. You might consider spacing the shroud away from the core with some little metal bushings and adding some weatherstripping to the edge of the shroud to keep it sealed up. That would help with efficiency quite a lot.

This really does look good so far.

[Graeter]

Does look pretty promising so far!

[Graeter]

I'm glad you typed this description. I couldn't figure out the name. lol!

It DOES look very nice. You might consider spacing the shroud away from the core with some little metal bushings and adding some weatherstripping to the edge of the shroud to keep it sealed up. That would help with efficiency quite a lot.

This really does look good so far.
Why would this help with efficiency? I would think that would get it closer to the engine block. Unless you are saying that will be cooler than the radiator itself?

[Flyineunos]

I'm sure he is referring to a better seal to the radiator will increase the efficiency of the fans.

Hey rev, I saw your link to the cfm measuring, is it possible to translate this for me? I'm not so smart and couldn't figure out how to do this at home.

[Graeter]

Gotcha. That makes more sense.

[Flyineunos]

The more I read about this setup, the more it looks to be very similar to the Mishimoto rad/fan/shroud set up

[revlimiter]

Why would this help with efficiency? I would think that would get it closer to the engine block. Unless you are saying that will be cooler than the radiator itself?

Fans that are really close to a heat exchanger are not as efficient as fans that are a bit farther away. Add a bit of an air gap and efficiency increases. And you add weatherstripping to seal things up.

[revlimiter]

I'm sure he is referring to a better seal to the radiator will increase the efficiency of the fans.

Hey rev, I saw your link to the cfm measuring, is it possible to translate this for me? I'm not so smart and couldn't figure out how to do this at home.

Basically, you take a clear tube and nail it to a piece of wood. Then you make marks on the wood every inch. Then you add some water to the tube. That's a DIY manometer.

Read this. It gives details of measuring duct efficiency.
http://autospeed.com/cms/title_Undertrays-Spoilers-Bonnet-Vents-Part-1/A_2159/article.html

[Agent☣Orange]

Gonna have to remember this...

[Meow]

I have the Godspeed dual core radiator which looks pretty similar. It's been installed for over a year with no issues at all. Installation was easy and it fits perfect even with the OEM fans, there are no clearance problems.

Love this radiator myself. Kept the OEM fans instead of using the one they supplied.
Keeps cool and looks awesome

[stormin'norman]

Any updates on this rad? Need one for my budget project.

[turbotyla]

stormin i had one in my old na and it worked awesome for the time i used it. i sold the car and the new owner never got back to me with any issues.

[Flyineunos]

I'm gonna try to put it in tonight pics to follow. Sorry just been busy.

[Rezist09]

Gonna need this

[stormin'norman]

I'm gonna try to put it in tonight pics to follow. Sorry just been busy.

Any news?

[Flyineunos]

Ok I finally got around to installing this rad this morning. I will also include a a little how to with it.

First, you have to drain the radiator. I unscrewed the drain plug using a Philips screwdriver.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/003-5.jpg


When draining the radiator, make sure you don't forget to remove the cap too to allow it to drain faster.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/004-5.jpg

Then, disconnect the lower rad hose but lossening the clamp and twist it off. Don't forget to put a bucket under it as there is more coolant in there.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/005-6.jpg

Now locate the two brackets holding the A/C lines. They are held to the radiator with 10mm bolts.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/007-1.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/008.jpg

Now disconnect the electric fan wires.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/009-3.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/010.jpg

Time to disconnect the top rad hose, by loosening the clamps and twisting it off.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/011-6.jpg

Locate the two 12mm bolts holding the radiator in place. There is one on each side of the rad.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/012-8.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/013-3.jpg

Now pull out the radiator. It should come straight out.

I weighed the radiator and fan assembly when I took it out. It came out to 15lbs.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/014-2.jpg

Then I weighed the new rad with the fans and it was 17lbs
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/021.jpg

Next I had to remove the minting point from the old rad and place them on the new one. The small bars with the rubber isolators are attached to the rad with "c" clips. The other one has a metal spacer on it. All you have to do is push it out and then squeeze the rubber bushing to get it out.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/018.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/019-1.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/020-2.jpg

[Flyineunos]

Now just reverse the installation. And you would get to this.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/022.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/028.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/029.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/031.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/032-1.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/036.jpg

The only issue I have is that the radiator actually sits about 1/4 in back behind rad support.

[Flyineunos]

I also installed this at the same time.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/044.jpg

[diabeetus]

pretty good lookin set up dude
nicely done

[tino]

pretty nice setup.

[Neocataboi]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MIATA-MX5-MX-5-DUAL-CORE-FULL-ALUMINUM-DNA-RACING-RADIATOR-MT-MANUAL-DRIFT-RACE-/180799240146?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AMiata&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a187977d2#ht_3443wt_1270

the NB one.

[Itsaparty]

i think the cx racing one is cheaper as far as costs go.
i've been on mine for 2 years now with no problems.

i don't have the fancy shroud though. just 2 slim fans.

[R2Limited]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/031.jpg

The only issue I have is that my turbo is blowing through my stock, plastic flexy intake pipe.

FTFY

(Sorry, (you know who). I had to.)

[Flyineunos]

Yeah I know. I know..... I have an intercooler setup almost complete. But I'm thinking of a custom setup by a local guy might be a better option.

[Tekel]

That looks EXACTLY like my Mishimoto minus the name stamped on top. Everything from how the mounting brackets are held on the side to the welds.

[jaredef]

im seriously thinking about this radiator,

flyineunos, how much boost are you running?

[Flyineunos]

I kinda figured that this rad would be the same as the mishimoto unit. I ran the car today and no leaks at all. Also the fans seem to be a lot stronger than my 21yr old fans. I compared the amount of coolant I used is almost double.

I'm at about 6 psi but sometimes it spikes up to 8psi. This is strictly my street car and I would never track it at that high of boost. I did do all the band aids, fuel pump, injectors, begi down pipe,and bipes. I have a wide band and it tells me I'm running rich even on 8psi of boost.

[jaredef]

nice sounds like a sweet setup, did you see a noticeable difference in coolant temp when you had the stock rad?

[stormin'norman]

nice sounds like a sweet setup, did you see a noticeable difference in coolant temp when you had the stock rad?

An aftermarket radiator is simply going to allow the car to operate within a safe range for a longer period of time under harsher conditions. The coolant will still be scorching hot just as if you were running an oem.

[jaredef]

eh? ya, i was just wondering about things like coolant heat up time to operating temperature and if he ever saw the temp needle lean over to the right more often than when he was NA.

ninja'd - i only ask because i'm planning similar FI numbers.

[stormin'norman]

eh? ya, i was just wondering about things like coolant heat up time to operating temperature and if he ever saw the temp needle lean over to the right more often than when he was NA.

ninja'd - i only ask because i'm planning similar FI numbers.

The stock temp gauge has a wide range to play with before it shows any real visual changes and is actually quite "dumb". I have the large Mishimoto (probably identical to this radiator) and I didn't really notice much of a difference in terms of coming to operating temps even during winter time. Your thermostat will still function normally and dictate coolant movement, coolant will still get hot, but what you might be able to measure (with an accurate water temp gauge) is just how high and then how stable water temp levels reach under track use for example.

There's quite a bit of talk on aftermarket radiators on Spec Miata forums with regards to this. Unless you are FI or drafting another car 10/10th's for multiple laps a naturally aspirated Miata will likely get by just fine on a nice condition oem radiator. It is a nice item to have however.

This is one of my favorite videos showing factory cooling systems being put to the test but pro drivers. OEM systems can only hold up to so much though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBGaqLQBnUM

[Flyineunos]

I never really had problems with the stock cooling system when I just daily it. I do remember getting close to over heating when I was at the track. Back then i was non turbo, and my oem rad was brand new with fresh water wetter / water combo for fluid. It should be noted that it was summertime, and the temp was 102 degrees and the track temp was over 130 degrees.

[stormin'norman]

It should be noted that it was summertime, and the temp was 102 degrees and the track temp was over 130 degrees.

We get 2 of those days per year up here. :p Thanks for making the review btw. Definitely have this and the CXracing in mind for my budget project.

[R2Limited]

Just ordered one of these for the heck of it. The radiator in my '96 is brown and crusty and needs to be replaced and the price on this was attractive. Thanks for the review and photos, Flyineunos.

FYI - the auction auto-accepted my offer of $185.

[Flyineunos]

When you recieve the rad and fan combo, I totally see that the radiator can sit closer to the rad support. All you have to do is redrill the holes where the support brackets on the rad attach (to the rad) about 1/4 inch toward the center. Sounds confusing but once you see it, it will maybe make sense. Before I do this to mine, I'm gonna buy a garage star cooling panel to make sure it fits.

I forgot to add. I cut the plugs off on the fan side of each connector. Then I soldered the new wires together. Black to black on both sides and black w/ blue strip and blue wires to both blue wires on the fan. This will get the correct polarity(pull) on the fans.

[R2Limited]

I forgot to add. I cut the plugs off on the fan side of each connector. Then I soldered the new wires together. Black to black on both sides and black w/ blue strip and blue wires to both blue wires on the fan. This will get the correct polarity(pull) on the fans.

That's pretty key. Thanks for the head's up. I'll make sure to double-check which way the fans are blowing.

[stormin'norman]

Before I do this to mine, I'm gonna buy a garage star cooling panel to make sure it fits.


I put the Garagestar cooling panel in with my Mishimoto. Although my radiator doesn't sit back as far as your photos it is a tight fit. So be sure to test everything before you drill.

[Flyineunos]

^ thanks for the heads up. I was thinking that when I saw that there is a lip on the stock rad. And the DNA rad is flat.

[bedheadben]

Speaking of tracking on OEM rad's, I had a brand new stock radiator blow up at the track running 100% distilled water on an 80° day. The upper plastic end tank just cracked all the way along the back. I had been lapping for 20 minutes though...

I may be picking one of these up soon! Thanks for the review and pics Flyineunos!

[Flyineunos]

Another update.......

The rad has a pin hole leak in the coil. I emailed DNAmotorsport and they told me to return it and they will send me a new one. So far I'm meh because of all the labor. They did pay for return shipping and customer service/communication is good.

[R2Limited]

Yikes. That sucks. Hoping I don't have the same issue.

[Flyineunos]

Ok let's try this again. Great communication with DNA and they sent me a replacement radiator as soon as I returned the defective one. Gonna install it today and will report back soon.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/flyineunos/2c0a1096.jpg

[R2Limited]

I installed mine today. Interestingly...mine came without any DNA Motorsports branding whatsoever. Not even on the box it came in. Plain brown box, plain silver radiator with NO logos on it. Not even on the radiator cap.

Some photos:

Clean undercarriage. Love it :)

http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rad1.jpg

Side-by-side with the OEM radiator. Roughly the same overall thickness.

http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rad3.jpg

Swapping the OEM pigtails onto the new fan leads.

http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rad4.jpg

I soldered, heat shrunk and taped the OEM connectors on.

http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rad5.jpg

The one detail that had me scratching my head was the upper water neck on the new radiator. For some reason its' canted down at a relatively significant angle.

http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rad6.jpg

The OEM neck comes out of the top end tank at a 90-degree angle so that it's parallel to the ground. I have not a clue why they angled this one down. Not only is it a little awkward looking, but it also causes the upper radiator hose to interfere with my IAC hose.

http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rad7.jpg

They actually touch. I'm sure it's not really a big deal. But it's an unnecessary deal and a little disappointing considering how impressively well designed and made the rest of the kit is.

Here's a top-down view of the whole kit installed so you can see how much room it leaves. Again...pretty much the same as the OEM radiator/fan setup but with a thicker radiator and thinner fans.

http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rad8.jpg

[bedheadben]

Very good! I'm going to have to get me one!

[Grip Driver]

I'll have to add this to my list of things to do.

[shane]

Well I was sold but I really don't want to risk having to RMA a defective radiator like you did......hmmm

[Flyineunos]

They have great communication and the replacement radiator so far has been good.

[spyder]

Seriously considering picking up one of these for my boosted Montego. It'd be nice to get rid of the turd-colored stockie before next month's lapping day. I just hope it holds up for the price.

[spyder]

Just ordered, we'll see how it goes.

[Slider]

Ordered one yesterday, how long did it take you guys to get yours?

[RyanxStorey]

I put mine in while putting the turbo in so idk how long but in a scale of 1 to 10 1 being easiest it was definently a 1. Very easy to put in.

Edit: and it took like 4 days for me.

[R2Limited]

Ordered one yesterday, how long did it take you guys to get yours?

Mine showed up after just a couple of days.

[Slider]

Thanks helped calm my anxiousness, I got the tracking info a few hours ago. :mrgreen:

[spyder]

Looks like I'll be getting mine tomorrow. Went to take out the current radiator today and ran into a snag. I bought the car turbo'd and the previous owner used a bracket to hold the intercooler on, using the support of the radiator. There are two "L" brackets bolted to the radiator on the bottom, and the bolts spin with the nuts, and I can't get at the nuts. So I've got a question, what does the radiator need to be supported on a stock Miata? The two bolts up top, is that it?

[bedheadben]

Looks like I'll be getting mine tomorrow. Went to take out the current radiator today and ran into a snag. I bought the car turbo'd and the previous owner used a bracket to hold the intercooler on, using the support of the radiator. There are two "L" brackets bolted to the radiator on the bottom, and the bolts spin with the nuts, and I can't get at the nuts. So I've got a question, what does the radiator need to be supported on a stock Miata? The two bolts up top, is that it?

No, it has those little supports at the bottom too that fit into the slots in the radiator support.

[spyder]

Damn, does anyone have some pics of a Miata from underneath the radiator? If someone who has bought this one could snap a picture that'd be amazing.

Also, how much coolant do we need to add into this new radiator?

[RyanxStorey]

I didn't use those brackets at the bottom because my rad didn't have anything sticking out to fit them on the brackets.

[spyder]

Just got and installed mine today. It arrived in two separate boxes, one with the radiator, one with the fans. No lettering, logos, etc. Welds looked a little crummy, but I went ahead and installed it. Was a hassle because of my turbo set-up and intercooler stuff, but I got it in. Bought two gallons of coolant and filled her up. I tried to make a DIY overflow tank out of a stainless water bottle, but I can't find anywhere to put it. I just cleaned up my bay, so I'd hate to throw the stock yellowish one back in there, but we'll see. Started the car up and no leaks, seemed to run good, but I can't drive it because it's still on stands. Hopefully she holds up :)

[Andy]

Eunos keep us updated on how you like it. Would you but it again. How long it holds up. That sort of stuff.

[Flyineunos]

Will do, so far so good.

[spyder]

Pinhole leak today, but it's my own fault. I dinged it up real bad on part of my intercooler support when putting in. I wasn't sure if it'd leak from there or not, but I bent some fins and a line. Sure enough, slow leak. I emailed them, hopefully they'll exchange it or something, otherwise I'll be out the money :(

[RyanxStorey]

Jb weld

[RyanxStorey]

Have had mine for 3 weeks keeps my temps pretty low and I have a turbo in my car.

[spyder]

Jb weld

I've got a friend that can weld aluminum, but I'm not sure if that'd give me piece of mind. I'm putting down about 200whp and I don't want it to bust open on the track.

[bedheadben]

I've got a friend that can weld aluminum, but I'm not sure if that'd give me piece of mind. I'm putting down about 200whp and I don't want it to bust open on the track.

Regardless of how much power your car is making you shouldn't have so much pressure in the rad to bust a good tig weld open. I'd say try fixing it, then run it on the street and see how it fares. I had a radiator blow up on me at the track and I just pulled off, wasn't that big of a deal.

[Carlos]

Not available to APOs. Blah.

[bubb]

Any updates on these radiators for those who've installed it and used it? Thanks!

[spyder]

Any updates on these radiators for those who've installed it and used it? Thanks!

I ended up emailing them about the hole I put in mine (my own fault), and asked if I could have a refund or exchange... might as well try, right? They were very nice and said I could choose whichever I like, they'd be willing to do both. I opted for the exchange, they said to send just the radiator back. They paid for return shipping and send a new one back free of charge, with another new slim fan kit. Awesome customer service! Installed the new one a few days ago and all has been great!

[bubb]

Thanks for the info. Will keep these in mind for when my radiator needs changing.

[Rocketman]

I really don't like bursting anyones bubbles on this forum But I just had to respond to this thread.
when I had the 91M I too was looking for an aluminum alternative to the stock 1.6 rad.
I found what seemed like a great deal on ebay from what would have been a reputable dealer.
turns out the rad was crap. Tiny holes in the welds. It would not leak a drop until you parked the car.
You shut it off, go in the house come out next morning = puddle -o- fluid on ground.
Had it replaced with another. The guy swore he pressure test each unit.
Got replacemant unit and it had a leaking weld on the upper right hand attachment tab.
When I told him this radiator leaked as well he asked me to go have it welded. I sent him a 4 letter word and a middle finger over the phone.
After looking around for a good Radiator I found the MISHIMOTO brand on an alternate site ( Not Ebay)
Dual core ,16 psi locking cap, Direct fit, Zero leaks. $249 shipped.
Everything including the stock fans fit like gloves. Problem solved = Priceless !!!!