Why not to buy a Mishimoto radiator
 

I admit I didn't do all of my research before buying this radiator, but I really expected the quality to be decent. It is horrible! There wasn't a whole lot of info on this forum about the Mishimoto radiator and I thought I would post this to clarify things for others. Learn from my mistake and do not buy a Mishimoto radiator unless they come out with a different version. Pictures are below and you can see how bad the fitment and build quality is.

https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1255720206
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1255720206
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1255720206
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1255720206
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1255720206
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...0&d=1255720423
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...1&d=1255720423
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...2&d=1255720423

More pictures

Send it back. From the second shot it looks like it got warped either from shipping or neglected inspection before being sent.

Also when you do send it back, request dimensions for mounting the fan to make sure it's to spec as it should be, otherwise request your money back.

I plan to send it back and it is warped. The box it came in looks fine so it definitely slipped through their quality control. The mounts all appear to be about 1/4" too close together.

Mishimoto radiators are typically ok if you can fab/modify your own stuff. The fans never line up. Its the same way on the RX-7 radiators and they dont have the correct mounts with them either. If you dont mind modifying things then they are actually a pretty good deal because of how cheap they are.

Did you ever get a replacement? Did it fit?

Mishimoto provided a replacement that is straight and now installed in my 8. The fan assembly bolted right up to the new one without any issues. The upper radiator mounts aren't angled correctly though, so I need to fab some brackets. It still could have been designed better, but for the money it was a good choice I suppose.

Hmmmm.

One time I bought a mishimoto radiator for a talon I used to have, and I ordered it with the fans, but it didnt come with the fans...so I called and said hey it didn't come with a fan so they send ANOTHER radiator /w no fan haha so I called them back and again they sent ANOTHER radiator /w fans so I got 3 radiators for the price of one haha..this was from an ebay seller

recently had the same problem. issue has not yet been resolved.

I just ordered and installed my mishimoto radiator, fans w/ shroud and hoses this last month. Everything fit perfectly and is running great. Havent had one issue at all.

with oem fans its still mismatched. mine matched the photos above exactly. also the upper brackets lined up imperfectly like the pictures too.

grats to you though. glad you didnt experience this.

Yeah I have seen a few Mishimoto installs on several different makes and fitment issues are pretty common in the EVO world and the Honda world. Search the net and you will find many threads about it. But some people get them and they fit fine, it's just poor quality control.

A radiator is not something you should skimp on if you cannot afford to deal with the consequences. Plus you can get a Calsonic or Koyo plastic OEM replacement for pretty cheap with a lifetime warranty. Honestly the factory radiator is very good.

Glad I didnt have to worry about this either but sucks man you had to...I agree they should have better quality control. All mine is lifetime warranty as well so that is good. I have been very satisfied with the product. Hope yours turns out good too.

I'm pretty sure if someone who is more savy than I was doing the install the mishimoto would fit fine with some custom brackets and playing with the fitment. Probably just sell it and go back to OEM once I can find someone selling an OEM radiator. Mine cracked hence the replacement lol