Calling All Aftermarket Aluminum Radiators
10-18-2014, 09:54 PM
#51
My buddy is getting me the Mishimoto for $200 cad, it's the last one in stock from the supplier he deals with which is why it's so cheap. I've read all the reviews and I almost told him not to bother but then I thought for $200 I should give it a shot.
For that price a little fabricating isn't the end of the world.
For that price a little fabricating isn't the end of the world.
10-19-2014, 01:16 AM
#52
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Thread Starter
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Yeah it depends on the customer. It's not a huge issue to fix for some but for many it would mean having your car apart only to find that it doesn't fit and that they may not have the tools or the skills to get it to fit safely.
10-19-2014, 02:03 AM
#53
Driving my unreliable rx8
My csf fit great. The top front holes have rubber bushings that are angled. I had to rotate them just right but that was it. The battery box it a bit tight to install but its not a big deal. It just takes a extra minute to get the bolt holes lined up.
10-19-2014, 07:06 AM
#54
I hear you, if it wasn't such a great price I wouldn't even bother. Luckily my buddy runs his own shop so the car will be on a lift and he's got a full arsenal of tools. I'm sure we'll be able to conquer any issues we come across. If not, then I guess I waste a day and put the oem rad back in.
10-19-2014, 09:42 AM
#55
I hear you, if it wasn't such a great price I wouldn't even bother. Luckily my buddy runs his own shop so the car will be on a lift and he's got a full arsenal of tools. I'm sure we'll be able to conquer any issues we come across. If not, then I guess I waste a day and put the oem rad back in.
Yeah if you can make it fit then go for it man. This is one of those things id rather not try to make fit lol. I just want a drop in fit and not have to stop to make any modifications this time around.
10-26-2014, 05:58 PM
#58
Csf
So finally got my CSF radiator in (previously marketed by Stillen but manufactured by CSF and now discontinued by Stillen) and it seems pretty promising so far.
Packaged well and foam everywhere inside the box.
The mounts were on point with the OEM radiators.
Welds look great
Packaged well and foam everywhere inside the box.
The mounts were on point with the OEM radiators.
Welds look great
Last edited by GK1707; 10-26-2014 at 06:13 PM.
10-26-2014, 06:10 PM
#59
CSF install
Onto the install, its noticeably much thicker than stock.
Fans lined up and bolted on perfectly.
Afterwards
The trickiest part of the install was sliding the aluminum rad back in. The stock one slides out pretty straight forward and as long as you're careful of the AC condenser you shouldn't have much problems getting it out.
But the dual core is much thicker and I had to coax it in you can say.
Its definitely a snug fit with the coolant tank and battery box because the rad is thicker but with some coaxing the bigger rad fits.
I didn't get to go on an in depth test drive, but I have a scangauge and I'll be keeping an eye on the temps. I bled the system after the install and filled up new 50/50, I let it warm up to 180F and took it for a short run around the neighborhood for around 20min.
Took it relatively easy with no redlines but I got in a good amount of quick blasts up to about 7-8k a few times and the car didnt see over 190F the entire short drive.
With the stock I would've hit 200-205 on that drive with stop and go traffic including the quick bursts. So far I'm impressed with the CSF and I'll be back in a few weeks with updates.
Fans lined up and bolted on perfectly.
Afterwards
The trickiest part of the install was sliding the aluminum rad back in. The stock one slides out pretty straight forward and as long as you're careful of the AC condenser you shouldn't have much problems getting it out.
But the dual core is much thicker and I had to coax it in you can say.
Its definitely a snug fit with the coolant tank and battery box because the rad is thicker but with some coaxing the bigger rad fits.I didn't get to go on an in depth test drive, but I have a scangauge and I'll be keeping an eye on the temps. I bled the system after the install and filled up new 50/50, I let it warm up to 180F and took it for a short run around the neighborhood for around 20min.
Took it relatively easy with no redlines but I got in a good amount of quick blasts up to about 7-8k a few times and the car didnt see over 190F the entire short drive.
With the stock I would've hit 200-205 on that drive with stop and go traffic including the quick bursts. So far I'm impressed with the CSF and I'll be back in a few weeks with updates.
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longpath (04-27-2022)
10-27-2014, 04:53 PM
#60
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Hi everyone, I know this thread has been going back and forth over Mishimoto, Koyo, BHR etc but I just wanted to get an overall conclusion on your personal experiences with the radiators.
I can do some custom brackets or what not but seeing how I'm sticking with the stock fan shrouds, I'd rather just drop it in and not deal with the hassle (had to much of that with my previous car)
Seems like Mishimoto is a terrible fit, despite their "redesign" people are still having issues mating up to the stock fan shrouds?
Looks like BHR and Ron Davis don't make a radiator for our cars anymore unless I just didn't look far enough through the interwebs.....?
And it seems likes GK1707's experience with the CSF rad is a positive one... Seeing how he just posted the install pictures, has anyone else had good experience with this RAD? Any successful track day results with good temps? If the fitment is good but the performance doesn't stack up to other rads, it's not worth the ease of instal.....
I can do some custom brackets or what not but seeing how I'm sticking with the stock fan shrouds, I'd rather just drop it in and not deal with the hassle (had to much of that with my previous car)
Seems like Mishimoto is a terrible fit, despite their "redesign" people are still having issues mating up to the stock fan shrouds?
Looks like BHR and Ron Davis don't make a radiator for our cars anymore unless I just didn't look far enough through the interwebs.....?
And it seems likes GK1707's experience with the CSF rad is a positive one... Seeing how he just posted the install pictures, has anyone else had good experience with this RAD? Any successful track day results with good temps? If the fitment is good but the performance doesn't stack up to other rads, it's not worth the ease of instal.....
10-27-2014, 06:08 PM
#61
Hi everyone, I know this thread has been going back and forth over Mishimoto, Koyo, BHR etc but I just wanted to get an overall conclusion on your personal experiences with the radiators.
I can do some custom brackets or what not but seeing how I'm sticking with the stock fan shrouds, I'd rather just drop it in and not deal with the hassle (had to much of that with my previous car)
Seems like Mishimoto is a terrible fit, despite their "redesign" people are still having issues mating up to the stock fan shrouds?
Looks like BHR and Ron Davis don't make a radiator for our cars anymore unless I just didn't look far enough through the interwebs.....?
And it seems likes GK1707's experience with the CSF rad is a positive one... Seeing how he just posted the install pictures, has anyone else had good experience with this RAD? Any successful track day results with good temps? If the fitment is good but the performance doesn't stack up to other rads, it's not worth the ease of instal.....
I can do some custom brackets or what not but seeing how I'm sticking with the stock fan shrouds, I'd rather just drop it in and not deal with the hassle (had to much of that with my previous car)
Seems like Mishimoto is a terrible fit, despite their "redesign" people are still having issues mating up to the stock fan shrouds?
Looks like BHR and Ron Davis don't make a radiator for our cars anymore unless I just didn't look far enough through the interwebs.....?
And it seems likes GK1707's experience with the CSF rad is a positive one... Seeing how he just posted the install pictures, has anyone else had good experience with this RAD? Any successful track day results with good temps? If the fitment is good but the performance doesn't stack up to other rads, it's not worth the ease of instal.....
Some say Mishimoto fits, some say they dont, same thing for Koyo. Mizu is discontinued as well as Ron Davis. I ordered the CSF because it had a alot of positive feedback on other forums so I decided to take the plunge.
I don't have much feedback on performance yet. Its only been installed for 2 days so far and I don't track my car so can't help you there. But i'll be updating with street temps.
Taking a 3 hour drive next week so I'll update it for the highway temps as well. Maybe someone who has the radiator and tracks can chime in with some feedback.
10-27-2014, 06:46 PM
#62
New Member
Double Pass by Northern
Northern Universal Double Pass GM/Chevy Aluminum Radiator 28" x 19" Right Conn.
Most OEM things are not going back in. The engine will be a stripped down built 13b-REW by Atkins Rotary, ProCharger Supercharger for boost with a custom efi carburetor
Most of the electrical will be in the cab or in the trunk with the gas tank and battery. 
Most OEM things are not going back in. The engine will be a stripped down built 13b-REW by Atkins Rotary, ProCharger Supercharger for boost with a custom efi carburetor
Most of the electrical will be in the cab or in the trunk with the gas tank and battery.
Last edited by shanesspot; 10-31-2014 at 12:53 AM. Reason: Answer a Q
10-27-2014, 09:15 PM
#67
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I searched alot and haven't found much concrete info on what rads fit and what don't in our cars. Everything seems to be back and fourth.
Some say Mishimoto fits, some say they dont, same thing for Koyo. Mizu is discontinued as well as Ron Davis. I ordered the CSF because it had a alot of positive feedback on other forums so I decided to take the plunge.
I don't have much feedback on performance yet. Its only been installed for 2 days so far and I don't track my car so can't help you there. But i'll be updating with street temps.
Taking a 3 hour drive next week so I'll update it for the highway temps as well. Maybe someone who has the radiator and tracks can chime in with some feedback.
Some say Mishimoto fits, some say they dont, same thing for Koyo. Mizu is discontinued as well as Ron Davis. I ordered the CSF because it had a alot of positive feedback on other forums so I decided to take the plunge.
I don't have much feedback on performance yet. Its only been installed for 2 days so far and I don't track my car so can't help you there. But i'll be updating with street temps.
Taking a 3 hour drive next week so I'll update it for the highway temps as well. Maybe someone who has the radiator and tracks can chime in with some feedback.
I'm sure the CSF radiator works just as well if not slightly better than the Mishimoto because the history of the company, and by the looks of the pictures you posted (awesome step by step btw), I have more confidence in the CSF over all others.
10-28-2014, 09:46 PM
#68
CSF radiator is great for the price. Happy to have one. I will finally install it this winter. My buddy bought one at the same time i did and he ran his all summer with no issues. He has done about 4-5 HST events at Hallet here in Oklahoma in 100's temps with no problems.
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longpath (04-27-2022)
10-28-2014, 10:39 PM
#69
Looks like the CSF radiator has changed in design a little bit. I had one but sold it because it won't work for my custom V mount setup but I know plenty of guys at the track with the same CSF core as I had and they have no issues. I think it is one of the best bang for your buck options to be honest.
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longpath (04-27-2022)
10-29-2014, 05:27 AM
#70
Damn, my Mishimoto took a crap on me. Four years of use and it is leaking at the core in between fins just directly below the inlet nipple from the reservoir. It happened just when the summer season came to it's end, noticed my coolant level drop and when I searched in the engine bay, spotted traces of coolant on the undertray. It's around this month four years ago when I tackled this task replacing the OEM with the one I currently have now.
10-29-2014, 07:52 AM
#71
Damn dude ironically my OEM was leaking at the same spot (spot that has JB weld slopped on in the pics) right where the inlet nipple is on top.
Worse Thing is I have a MS cold air intake and the coolant was dripping right onto my filter. Filling up my pipes with coolant and giving me a P0103 for maf sensor.
I had to soak the filter and wash my intake pipes and clean the MAF, all which were gunked up with coolant.
Worse Thing is I have a MS cold air intake and the coolant was dripping right onto my filter. Filling up my pipes with coolant and giving me a P0103 for maf sensor.
I had to soak the filter and wash my intake pipes and clean the MAF, all which were gunked up with coolant.
10-30-2014, 12:44 AM
#72
Damn, my Mishimoto took a crap on me. Four years of use and it is leaking at the core in between fins just directly below the inlet nipple from the reservoir. It happened just when the summer season came to it's end, noticed my coolant level drop and when I searched in the engine bay, spotted traces of coolant on the undertray. It's around this month four years ago when I tackled this task replacing the OEM with the one I currently have now.
10-31-2014, 01:49 PM
#73
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i installed the mishimoto one when i broke the top nipple off the OEM changing the coolant reserve tank. been in there for 2 years now. car NEVER gets the Temp gauge over the half way mark. ZERO issues with this rad.
11-14-2014, 09:31 PM
#75
CSF still holding up great. Getting mostly the same temps as stock in street driving. Anywhere from 180-190 cruising and up to 207 in traffic. Big difference is that it recovers quicker and temps dont stay above 200 for as long as they did with the stock rad.
Then again its getting colder here in NYC. Although same time last year my stock rad wasn't performing this well. Took a 300~ mile round trip and highway temps stayed solid between 182-184 doing around 80-85mph in 6th. So far no complaints from me.
Then again its getting colder here in NYC. Although same time last year my stock rad wasn't performing this well. Took a 300~ mile round trip and highway temps stayed solid between 182-184 doing around 80-85mph in 6th. So far no complaints from me.
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longpath (04-27-2022)