I have to replace my radiator support and while I while I have of that out I thought it would be a good time to put in a better radiator. I've seen a lot of different options but the main one that keeps popping up is the one by Mishimoto. Has anyone heard any reviews on it or if you are running it on your MINI I would like to know some thoughts on it before I purchase it. Thanks for any help you can give!!

2002 MINI Cooper S (Watson)

 

Reviews specifically for the MINI - no! Reviews of Mishimoto in general - Do it!

My son owns a performance shop and Mishimoto Radiators are his radiators of choice.

 

I've had one in my R53 race car for about 6 months now. Impressed with fitment and performance. Also like no questions warranty.

 

The warranty alone sells it really I wouldn't think any company would put a warranty like that on a product if they couldn't back it up.

what about hoses? silicone or rubber?

 

I use all stock hoses for coolant & power steering. They are tough, fitment is excellent, and they last a long time.

 

That's kinda what I was thinking seems like everyone keeps trying to sell silicone and I didn't know if they were truly any better

 

Silicone is 100% for looks....
They are advertised as "lifetime" but reality is stock edpm rubber is good for 10+ years, 200,000 miles.....syenthic fibers used for years are so much better than the old cotton and nylons used years ago...
And the silicone ones tend to be a bit porous.... Many folks have to add coolant on a regular basis... Maybe just poor quality ones....not sure...but at 10x the cost of stock(aftermarket exact fit)...why bother. But some folks want/need a color other than black for bling....

 

I'll take quality over bling any day

 

Went with the Mishimoto brand radiator it seems to be the best one to if nothing else for the warranty alone.

 

Somewhat of a big project is upon me as my water pump failed, or the drive gears, so I'll going electric, and doing other things...

Where is a good place to get a good deal on this radiator?

 

We sell the Mishimoto
http://www.waymotorworks.com/mishimoto-radiator.html

We also stock the CSF
http://www.waymotorworks.com/csf-alu...-cooper-s.html

both all aluminum.

 

Thanks for chiming-in Way.

While there seems to be no issues with my MCS radiator, it is 12+ years old. Seems prudent, good preventative maintenance...

I like to upgrade where I can when such opportunities present themselves. Improved efficiency and durability is a good thing. These are often marketed as being lighter too. Do you have a delta, compared to stock?

 

I've got a leak that might be from the radiator so maybe its 'upgrade' time for me also.

Sometimes i sure miss the good ol days when cars had repairable metal radiators. Being that i plan to keep this Mini for a long time i suppose the change to a real radiator is just a matter of time anyway.

 

Update on my mishimoto aluminum radiator. I've had it in for a few months now and love it. I've had no issues at all. I highly recommend it!