Ive searched the Internet high and low but I have yet to find an aluminum radiator for the R50. It seems everything is for the 'S' but is it possible that if there arent any R50 Aluminum Radiators that an R53 would function on a Justa?


I fancy that Alum. Mishimoto Radiator :D

 

That's an interesting question. According to MINI South ATL, here's a 2003 cooper radiator:
http://parts.miniofsouthatlanta.com/...ize/122836.jpg
And here's the S model:
http://parts.miniofsouthatlanta.com/...ize/122836.jpg
Is same, no?
In fact, the same part is shown up to 2008 on that site, so I'm guessing the radiators are the same. I know the S models have an extra bleeder valve but I don't know about any other differences. I assume there are plenty, but the radiator itself appears to be common. Is the advantage of an aluminum radiator very great? Weight and anti-corrosion?

 

Looking at the Mishimoto radiator it looks like the bottom pipe is at more of an upward pitch than I remember the base MINI's from when I changed my coolant but I may be mistaken. Dunno if the car needs a radiator that keeps temps lower for twice the price if you aren't racing it? It does look nice, though!

 

Im not sure how much more of an advantage it would be as far as weight and corrosion but im not going to lie, I want the Mishimoto more for looks with that edge of performance. Do you think there would be a drawback to having a Aluminum radiator or running the car too cool ? or could the Aluminum radiator outlast the stock radiator ?

 

The stock rad is plastic sides heat crimped to the tubes...
It is a modern desgin, cheap and easy to make....but seems to last about 10 years before the crimps crack and leak....the aluminum one does look nice...and longevity would be based upon both quality of construction, and care (fluid changes). I might be safe to assume it would have a bigger heat dialsapating capability, but in my driving, i have not seen the cooling system overly taxed...on autox or racing, it might....i'm pretty sure the rads are the same on the s and non s...look up part #s on real oem...
The stock rads do not have drains or bleed locarions...they are on the hoses.

 

That sounds right. I knew the bleeder valves were on hoses, just didn't know if there were extra hoses. Checking real oem would be a good idea for a safety check. They use the same diagrams as South ATL but checking another database couldn't hurt.

 

The S and NON S radiators are different, there isn't an all aluminium radiator for a non S avail. Just go with a stock one.

 

You can use a S version but will have to plumb the hoses yourself. Very doable and easy enough.

 

What do you mean plumb the hoses ? Has anyone done this before (S radiator on a NON S)

 

Plumb as in find sections of hose and pipe it yourself. I will be doing this in 6 months when I get back to the US. Im sure my cooling system needs just as much love as everything else.

 

Im going to be honest, it hurts me to see that your R50 needs repairs!!! I have an identical Justa and yours is like the big brother mine wants to be like.lol Post pics when you do!

 

Yea...my cars took a bad turn when things in my life started to do the same about 4 years ago. When I get back it will hopefully be a fresh start even though I have a ton of hurdles to get over. I wish this on no one. Anyways, the Cooper, BMW and Touareg will be freshened up as best as I can get them. I will probably throw about $5-6k at them. I think before I clear my CF parts I have had sitting around for years...I may get CF doors..

Some of the things I have done to the Cooper would make peoples heads spin...lol. Here are just a few examples....havent changed to oil in almost 80k miles and still beating the crap out of her, running my 5-speed with no oil and it running like a champ (until I made a shift mistake and along came the 6-speed) and lastly, having nails in all 4 runflats for over a year at 0psi doing XXXmph.... So when people complain about a rattle this and a rattle that. Just drive your cars and have fun is all I say