So to make a long story short, I installed my DP 2 weeks ago went to stage two and after a quick test drive my old boss wanted to drive it. Well he did and he crashed it into a foot high curb at about 30... So I finally get the car back 2 days ago after he claimed he fixed it. So just to make sure everything is up to par I brought it to my mechanic and he instantly said I need a new radiator (along with about $1500 in other repairs he decided to ignore). The OEM is $316 but I saw Mishimoto sells one for $250+ shipping. Anyone have any experience with this rad, or any other aftermarket ones that they would suggest? (I'd be willing to spend up to $400 on an aftermarket one, doesn't have to be cheaper then the OEM one)

 

I've heard good things about the Mushimoto ones, I believe they are actually better than the OEM ones.

 

same here

 

Yeah I've been doing my research and it looks like that's what I'm going to go with and a set of there hoses. I hate OEM because of the plastic end tanks, always afraid of them cracking.

 

Mishimoto is a good product, but I think CBRD is making the best aftermarket radiators at the moment. The one for the X is a direct swap. A little more expensive, but all hand built and excellent quality. I haven't seen any that I like better, yet.

 

CBRD is a worthy option.
Mishimotors biggest selling points is cost. Its ridiculously low. What is even more stunning is the life time warranty.
Koyo is a great brand as well.

Another one to consider is CSF.

 

Agreed

 

Man u must be a nice guy i don't even let my wife sit behind the wheel when its in the garage lol

But this rad talk has intrigued me. Dont forget to post some pics of the final product and let us know how the install went.

 

have you ever looked at our radiator next to a mishimoto? as far as quality?

we only produce radiators for specific vehicles- we arent an OEM type replacement radiator company- therefor we are specialized- and do lower volume in the perfomance market-

that results in a high quality product- specific to each application

cb

 

The majority of the aftermarket radiator's cores are produced by the same limited number of manufacturers within the industry. The thicker and more stacks of the radiator core would actually hurt efficiency and effective at some point. Practically any radiator that mounts with original bolt points and radiator hoses is good enough even on track day with sensible caring of considering engine's health. Unless the demand of the vehicle is extreme, a radiator is not as critical as one would think on the priority list of improving the thermo management of the engine over the OEM spec.

I would consider cost first for a simple radiator replacement job before anything.

 

Are the radiator fans supposed to spin while the car is on in park?

 

Pretty sure the car doesn't care what gear your in, as soon as temps reach a certain point the fans kick on. Id say they have more reason to be on when the car is in park than at any other time because no air is moving through the rad.

 

I actually installed my Mishimoto rad.on my evo 8 4 days ago. I believe I have the one for Evo 4-6. I needed an aftermarket upper hose that is almost completely streight. Other then that. its an awesome product. I havent herd of anyone one else with a lifetime warranty.

 

It depends on number of factors. In general, it is good to have a spinning fan when a vehicle is at static.

 

Mine doesn't spin when in park. Sometimes when I turn the car off there is a loud blowing noise. But the only time is when I have the air on, otherwise it doesn't do it. I guess I never thought about it till I was looking at this thread cause I didn't want to make a thread about it. ha