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......

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 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?




Radiator Cracked on my Miata.jpg

[— 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....5699#post75699

[RickRacer]

Looks like I will be changing the hoses out now too, the hoses seem like they are welded into place!! 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!! 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.




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/m.../i-253126.aspx
http://miataroadster.com/koyo/koyo_r...9/i-35577.aspx
http://miataroadster.com/koyo/koyo_r...9/i-36760.aspx

[RickRacer]

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

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?