Basically I've replaced my oem rad (Canadian spec) around 5 years ago with a Nissens, which is about 4 summers of driving as I've replaced the engine last year (cracked head around a spark plug from an 11 years old timesert, and $300 for a complete engine + trans was cheap). The 4ish years old Nissens rad decided to leak at the lower neck and it probably doesn't help that they're trying to hold a round part flat when the bolts aren't centered, but the oem and most aftermarket ones are all that way. 4 years is long enough for water to mess up the nuts, so one won't come out, and from experience, heating + plastic rarely ends well with radiators. I've looked around for a new rad without this silly design, not much outside of Mishimoto and CSF. If feedbacks for those aren't good, I guess I'll just buy another OEM Canadian spec rad...

 

If you'll do a "Mishimoto" search, you'll find my comments. At least I'll say they honor their warranty...three times! If you do buy one, be sure to register it and save the paperwork.

 

My replacement radiator leaked right out of the box around the O-ring. I was pressed for time, so I crossed my fingers, drained, cleaned and applied a high temp, high durability RTV to the interface. 24hrs later I put it all back together. So far, no more leaks. Probably not the preferable solution, but it is a terrible design and this seemed to work.

 

@MiniManAdam has one on his car.

I've used Mishimoto on my 300ZX and while one did develop very tiny pinhole leak, I can attest to a super easy and hassle free warranty process. I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again.

 

I have had a CSF radiator in my car for about a year now purchased from FCP Euro. In the past few days, I am pretty sure I have found that radiator to be leaking on the passenger side. A very small leak but a leak nonetheless.

I had been warned about aluminum radiators before but I'm stubborn.

I will order a replacement soon and add that to my list of things I'm waiting to do to my car. I haven't had any problems with warranty claims from FCP Euro, so I'm not too concerned.