Hey guys so I found out from the local pa forum that Mishimoto came out with a radiator for the 1st gen. Before winter (my mini's a garage queen in winter) i was having some issues keeping her cool when the weather was really hot out, and i'm getting close to 89,000 miles, so I'm figuring it wouldn't hurt to upgrade the radiator and switch out the thermostat once it's nice out again. I've heard great things about Mishimoto radiators for other cars (i also have an old subaru legacy to beat on ) but so far I haven't come into contact with anyone who is using this radiator... so basically my question is: is there anyone using this radiator?? I'm not deadset on getting this yet, but I definitely want to do some research before I spend my hard earned money lol. any opinions welcome!

 

Why do you think you need a new one?

The OEM one is a really a well built unit. As long as you have maintained the coolant, you shouldn't need a new radiator.

 

Well, when I was driving it this summer I kept having overheating issues, and I went to my mechanic and he recommended me replace the radiator, thermostat, and hoses... Idk if i'm going to do it quite yet, but I definitely want to explore my options.

 

Try some prestone radiator cleaner in the system after draining the anti freezeout then follow steps to replace antifreeze. Also check low speed fan to see that it is working.Put on AC and see if fan comes on.If not replace or put new resistor or fan in.

 

I would go to a respected radiator/repair shop and have the cooling system completely flushed out. Not just drained. That may be all you need depending on the frequency of coolant change and the product used.

 

I'll second the low speed fan problem. Are your issues occurring when you're moving or at idle/traffic?

 

It was happening when I was at idle/ in traffic mostly, but it did it sometimes when I was driving.. and then i'd pull over, wait till it cooled down, put some fluid in it, and drive it again. It would be fine for a while (usually till I got home at least) and then would do it again the next day...

 

I have experience with mishimotos in S2000's. Never had an issue and the quality was pretty good. It sounds to me like either your thermostat was sticking or like others said the fan is not turning on soon or enough. I don't see anything wrong with getting the mishimoto. Definitely would improve the max cooling power of the system.

 

I have seen nicer units. I once was supplied a Mishimoto intercooler to install with a build...was kinda junk quality IMO. Maybe their radiators are better.
I would start with a thermostat and a coolant flush first, using OEM coolant. The low/high speed fan would also be a good start also. Thermostats go bad/leak. wouldn't hurt to swap that out at the same time.

 

So has anyone actually used one? They have a lifetime warranty. SO if there are going to stand behind the prodct for that long, how bad can it be?

I will be installing mine next weekend. So I hope to post pics.

 

I haven't used one but would like to add this.... My '06MCS was overheating and I was slowly loosing coolant and would have to top it off about every other day. I talked to my "Speed Shop" mechanic because I thought I had air in the system somewhere after they took off the SC which includes the water pump. I thought they didn't bleed it correctly. He said replace the coolant reservoir cap as the rubber seal/pressure release will go bad. $20 part and problem fixed. If pressure is lost on the coolant system it will cause you to loose fluid and will let boil, causing you to loose more fluid.

Winded, I know. Just saying it could just be a $20 cap.

 

I have an actual leak at the end cap. It squirts coolant onto the top radiator hose. It is minor now. So I am changing mine next weekend as I am waiting for my radiator to ship from Mishimoto. I hope all goes well.

 

Be sure to post up pics and a how to write up.

 

Long story short: Hit a groundhog doing approx. 90-95 mph at VIR Turn 7. Had to replace most of the plastic front end, including radiator support. Radiator started seeping at upper RH seem just as Braminator described. Figured the MISHIMOTO would be a good up-grade. Thx to Bramnator's input, the job was uneventful and successful. (I had plenty of practice after replacing the entire MFE!) FWIW, this unit is top quality and excellent fit. Welds are a work of art. If you do the work yourself, the savings in labor cost will exceed the price of the radiator! Then again, find another unit that will give you a lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty!

 

Are there any fitment issues with this radiator?

 

ZERO. Fits just like the original.

 

Is this radiator the same thickness with the stock one?

 

I picked up one of the mishimoto knock offs a few weeks back for $180 shipped off ebay. Workmanship looked fine. Not show car perfect but what I'd call good with no defects etc. It is a 1/2" thicker than stock so it was a little tight against the fan shroud. The extra thickness has to go somewhere I suppose. The drivers side upper AC condenser tab was off ~3/16" and I had to bend the condenser tab a tiny bit. Radiator hose fitment and alignment was perfect. The alignment/mounting bosses on the bottom also lined up like original.

Honestly I don't see any need to spend close to double the money on the Mishimoto radiator with this option out there.



Welds-


Bent Condenser Tab-


The only other visible part of the radiator so I figure I'd post a pic-

 

Well, I hope yours holds up but, from what I can see, all they've done is to weld on side tanks to a stock core. IMHO, compare yours to a real MISHIMOTO and you'll see the difference of $120 in quality and lifetime guarantee.

 

The core is a 1/2" thicker than stock. Stock core is 1" thick and this is 1.5".

 

Nissens?

 

There was zero branding on the radiator or box it came in. Just a big blue box completely devoid of any writing at all. There was no written material in the box either. Your guess is as good as mine to its origin.

 

Looks pretty decent, time will tell if it'll hold up.

 

I've had my Mishimoto for almost a year now. I replaced it due to a leak in my stock core. A couple weeks after the install, I noticed the upper radiator hose rubbing against the intake manifold. The elbow on the radiator was either not bent enough or welded at the wrong angle. I spoke with their support and sent them a few pictures of the issue. They promptly sent me a replacement unit that fit perfectly. I'm a happy customer and the quality is great.

 

Mishimoto is the best radiator IMO because of quality and there no hassle lifetime warranty. Sorry to revive this, but I recently had to have one warranteed and when I emailed them a picture of a pinhole leak, they sent me another within 3 days, no questionsasked. Now thats customer service.