Miata radiator OEM or Aftermarket ? mine just cracked :(

[RickRacer]

So the car started smoking this morning on the way to work, it had that smell of radiator fluid, yeah, you know THAT smell...... :fp:

I pulled over and opened the hood and there is now a long crack. It originally had just a small pinhole leak that I had fixed with some JB Weld. but I don't think the JB weld will hold up on this big crack. Plus the stock radiator has this plastic top which is probably great for keeping the weight down but not so good in the lifespan department.

Went ahead and called Mazda and they quoted me $353.54 for the radiator, but I'm not sure I want the same radiator after this one failed. Granted this one apparently is the original and lasted 19 years :shock: but I would like to race this car on some AutoCross and maybe later do some HPDE type driving courses.

Now what are my options? Who makes a good radiator for these little cars? Sorry for the newb question but just have not seen much talk about changing radiators.

I have some time to make the choice since I have the back up car and this is just my fun car.

What Radiator are you guys using and why? Should I upgrade to better radiator hoses too? :shrug:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8515153617_a559c33a2a_o.jpg


6754

[kung fu jesus]

Koyo makes a great radiator for the same price the dealer gave you. It's an all aluminum unit.

There are cheaper options, like Mishimoto. I prefer metal radiators to ones with plastic endtanks, like OEM.

Yes, I would also change the large radiator hoses. OEM is perfectly fine. Check the condition of the heater hoses, too.

Check out this site's sponsors!

If you're on a tight budget, R*Speed sells an OEM style radiator for $170.

[psulja]

My daily has a leaky rad right now and not wanting to spend too much money on the daily I ordered an $85 rad from rockauto.

For my NA which isn't a daily I'd probably get an aluminum rad but that's bc I'm expecting to go for boost sometime in the next month or two.

[The Driver]

Think about this, if your original radiator lasted 19 years, why would you want something else? If you are planning on going FI, then by al means get an upgraded one. The RSpeed one for $170 is a VERY good deal.

About the hoses, again if they lasted 19 years, why would you want anything else? I just replaced my radiator (with a factory auto one, they are thicker) and ALL THE HOSES. I used nothing but factory components. Of course, a) your coin and b) only you know the direction you want to take performance wise. For the record, I have a friend that daily drives his NA with 300 hp at the crank (FM Turbo), and he uses factory hoses!


My thread:http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?5051-New-coolant-hoses-73K-miles&p=75699#post75699

[RickRacer]

Looks like I will be changing the hoses out now too, the hoses seem like they are welded into place!! :shock: There is some brown goop on the inside, guessing this is some factory glue?

I like the idea of the all metal radiator, aluminum sounds like the way to go, I know there are some cheaper steel versions, but meh. Im kinda picky on parts when its my money. Does anyone here have the aluminum ones installed like "kung fu jesus" stated? If so where did you get it?

kung fu jesus I looked on the site and don't see any applications for Miata? http://koyorad.com/search.asp Mine is a 1994 1.8L M/T if that helps.

[Phatmiata]

Looks like I will be changing the hoses out now too, the hoses seem like they are welded into place!! :shock: There is some brown goop on the inside, guessing this is some factory glue?
...............

I don't think Mazda used any glue, they should come off with a pipe wrench if they are stubborn.

and if the brown stuff is Indian Head Gasket maker you will have to CUT those hoses off. :teehee:

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/ptx/20539/image/2/


ditto on the Aluminum version, for that kinda money just get the aluminum type.

[The Driver]

I don't think Mazda used any glue, they should come off with a pipe wrench if they are stubborn.


As it shows on my hoses + radiator thread, mine were "welded" and they had to be cut. It took us well over 8 hours to get those bitches off!

[Martin]

Here are 3 options from a sponsor:

http://miataroadster.com/mishimoto/mishimoto_radiators_performance/mmradmia90/i-253126.aspx
http://miataroadster.com/koyo/koyo_radiator_vseries/v1139/i-35577.aspx
http://miataroadster.com/koyo/koyo_radiator_rseries/r1139/i-36760.aspx

[RickRacer]

Hey, wow! Thank you Martin!! That is way faster than I could have found the parts on here! hahaha :bow:

Now I just need to figure out if I want the Mishimoto or the Koyo.

Does anyone have either of these installed? I'm looking for some owner feedback if available.

[maharaj]

I've heard good things about the Mishi but I haven't heard any feedback on the Koyo. Doesn't mean it is bad, I just haven't heard anything good or bad about Koyo.

[LOL]

I bought a radiator from eBay for $62 shipped. It is made by AEON and appears to be oem type quality. Anything more than an OE replacement for a stock motor is over kill.

[WASABI]

I bought an $150.00 OBX aluminum radiator from eBay a year ago, the same time my buddy bought a $$$ Mishimoto. We both installed them at my garage, and I must say, from looking at them side by side, it was near impossible to tell them apart, 'cept for the Mishimoto logo on the top.

If anything, the OBX keeps my car too cool. I have a ghetto cardboard air blocker over 1/2 the radiator in the cool Spring and Fall drives! I also went with OEM hoses, because I like the look.

-Jim

[theothersawyer]

I have a PWR radiator in my car and that thing works wonders! I am N/A, so it is way overkill for my car, but damn it works well!

[Andy]

I would rock the koyo from amazon for $80. It has been perfect.

[kung fu jesus]

Koyo, to me, is the standard for aftermarket radiators. No surprises, no quality concerns, no worries.

As for the hoses, I never reuse them if they are 2 years or older. Use a razor, slice them lengthwise on the nipples and peel it away. Are you seriously going to risk overheating or worse because you didn't shell out $50 for hoses?

[bedheadben]

It seems as you have already decided, definitely go aluminum if the car sees anything more than daily street use. Even then, I still prefer a slim aluminum unit. Mishimoto is good, but most of the eBay ones work just fine, although they may require a little extra work fitting.

[kung fu jesus]

Just be aware, Koyo's low-priced units are plastic end tanks. The all-metal units a more expensive. All of them are good, some are built for different purposes.

[Slampen]

While we are at the subject about changing radiator and stuff. :8):

What do you recommend about fans, keep them originale, Mizu (http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/61-0874.html), FM's super-fans, (http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4532&parentid=31&stocknumber=09-56200%20%201990-93), FM's super-super-fans (http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4532&parentid=31&stocknumber=09-56210%20%201990-93) or something else?

[bedheadben]

While we are at the subject about changing radiator and stuff. :8):

What do you recommend about fans, keep them originale, Mizu (http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/61-0874.html), FM's super-fans, (http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4532&parentid=31&stocknumber=09-56200%20%201990-93), FM's super-super-fans (http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4532&parentid=31&stocknumber=09-56210%20%201990-93) or something else?

For fans, I always say it's all about the radiator. Go with whatever you can make fit. I usually prefer two slim fans. I've made shrouds in the past pretty cheaply too, it all depends on the application I guess.

[Phatmiata]

Didn't someone used to offer a radiator that used all the factory mounts and came with fans and a shroud?

[bedheadben]

I bought a couple aluminum ones off eBay that would match that description haha.

[Slampen]

I bought a couple aluminum ones off eBay that would match that description haha.

Old url's seems dead. Got a live one?

[bedheadben]

$170 right here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUAL-CORE-BOLT-ON-2-ROW-COOLING-RADIATOR-FAN-SHROUD-BLACK-90-97-MAZDA-MIATA-MX5-/360532237410?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AMiata&hash=item53f1655c62&vxp=mtr

[Blueiii]

Just an FYI, if you go with something other than OEM, and plan to autocross, it may put you in a different class. (I'm not sure what you have done to your 'otter already, however an aluminum radiator is not legal for ES, RTR or STS...)

[iamdallas]

Does anyone know if anyone makes a radiator with the top outlet closer to the center? It would help a lot with my intercooler placement.

[bedheadben]

Does anyone know if anyone makes a radiator with the top outlet closer to the center? It would help a lot with my intercooler placement.

Go to a radiator shop and have one made for cheap. I've seen many people running Miata Koyo's on even LSX powered builds though, what part of your intercooler gets in the way?

[morr]

Didn't someone used to offer a radiator that used all the factory mounts and came with fans and a shroud?

Not sure if this is the one (http://dnamotoring.com/store/index.php/cooling/radiators/mazda/miata/jdm-miata-90-98-2-rows-aluminum-radiator-fan-shroud-kit.html) you're talking about, but I know a few people on other forums have run them with no issues.

[Slampen]

$170 right here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUAL-CORE-BOLT-ON-2-ROW-COOLING-RADIATOR-FAN-SHROUD-BLACK-90-97-MAZDA-MIATA-MX5-/360532237410?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AMiata&hash=item53f1655c62&vxp=mtr

Any experience with that radiator, FI and track use?

[bedheadben]

Any experience with that radiator, FI and track use?

None at all with that exact vendor. I was just pointing out that an all aluminum radiator with a shroud and fans that bolts in can be had for less than $200. I've ran other radiators off eBay that looked exactly the same, but if you want name brand then go name brand. I've also heard stories about the eBay ones having pinhole leaks, but being replaced with a new one afterwards that didn't leak.

[iamdallas]

Go to a radiator shop and have one made for cheap. I've seen many people running Miata Koyo's on even LSX powered builds though, what part of your intercooler gets in the way?

It's the piping that comes from the throttle body. The rad hose and piping rub. No problems have come of it... Yet.

[bedheadben]

It's the piping that comes from the throttle body. The rad hose and piping rub. No problems have come of it... Yet.

Any way you could get a different hose to fit that wouldn't rub? Maybe one with a more aggressive bend at the neck? They also have those bendable ones at the auto parts store.

[Ozimandius]

Hi,
This is my first post here and I just registered because I have a similar scenario. My stock radiator in my M/T 1.8 '95 Miata started to leak and one of the fans failed due to a fuse. We got the fuse sorted to have both fans whenever the car is turned on, however, I'm still looking for a radiator.

Because I'm located in the United Arab Emirates, I need to order all my parts online via eBay and other Miata vendors from the US and UK. I found a bunch of radiators on eBay and the shipping is around USD 99 to USD 125, while the radiators themselves cost around USD 75 (direct OEM drop bit) to AED 175 (dual and tri-core radiators).

My question is, which one do I buy, considering I attend 2 track days and 3 AutoXs in a year and only drive my car on weekends? I should add that it's pretty hot here but I tend to drive at night when it's cooler with the top down, and the car is a US import which spent its whole life in Texas. I have no plans for a turbo, I just need it to be reliable and doesn't require any or much modification to fit, while accepting the stock fans.

Can I just go ahead and buy an OEM one like this:

USD 85.75 + USD 105
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190591329097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

USD 64.90 + USD 87.55 (but plastic tank)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190594715388?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

USD 77.99 + USD 111.25
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321080698327?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Or should I get one of these dual core ones?

USD 129.99 + USD 99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261138934615?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

USD 121 + USD 120
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221177757330?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Cheers,
Oz

[BEERad]

I replaced my stock radiator with an Ebay aluminum dual core spec'd for NA. It went right in with no problems. It had the tabs to connect the stock fans. I bought aftermarket fans from Ebay and changed everything together.(one of my fans was broken) Wired both fans to the thermostat switch, because I removed the AC. Fans come on when car gets up to temp, and everything works better than stock, so far. Ebay gets a bad rap, because some people don't do their homework. Definitely don't buy plastic tank one. They are junk. Probably show up at your door already broken, ha ha.

[mx54life]

Let us see pics of your aftermarket rad guys?

So having a coolant reroute would be useless if you have one of this efficient aftermarket rad? Would you be running too cold if you have both?

[Hyper]

I have a PWR twin cooler for sale in the classifieds ads. Twin cooler stands for radiator with big oil cooler next to it. Due to its design is best to use a hot side reroute or just forget about it and drive the car with no reroute. For pics in the car, please visit my profile abums or just visit my build thread, HYPERSPEED WORKS///

http://mazdaroadster.net/classifieds.php?listing=fs-flyin-miata-pwr-twin-cooler-8an-ss-lines-mocal-oil-sandwich-plate-160874