So I dropped my car off at the dealership today to find out why my coolant light kept flickering intermittently. Turns out I have a small leak in my radiator. Mazda quoted me roughly $1500 total for the new radiator, hoses and install, $1,000 of which was the OEM radiator. Turns out, there are quite a few aftermarket radiators that are significantly cheaper. Do I trust them more than OEM though? If I do, what companies are reputable enough for their quality?

 

CSF and Koyo are credible manufacturers for radiators. I'd suggest going with an upgraded all-aluminum version from one of them, unless the installer refuses to fit it due to the design difference. CSF also makes an OEM replacement radiator (same material and design as factory) that should save you some money, if they are picky.

I have a new OEM radiator that I pulled from my car. Service records from the dealer show it was installed in July of 2017 as part of mitigating an overheat condition, however it was subsequently identified that the car had blown coolant seals. I bought the car in March 2018 with only three more miles traveled since the radiator was installed. I already had an uprated CSF to install so I pulled the OEM radiator from mine. I'd sell it for $100 + shipping, but it may still make more sense to just get an aftermarket given your location.

 

I really like my CSF 3164. Works well, keeps me under 215°F on the track.

 

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions guys. I definitely didn't want to drop almost $2k on this, when I KNOW it can be done for cheaper without sacrificing quality.

 

I have a Mishimoto radiator in my Brilliant Black 04. Its been an excellent radiator and has had zero issues. Its priced reasonably as well.

 

I have a CSF aluminum one, with a Remedy pump. Great for street and track. is over twice the thickness of the factory one. You will need to adapt the hoses to the 1 inch shorter version (cut them) for the best fit.

I did hoses as well while it was all out. 10 year old, or my case 14 year old rubber, is not what it once was..

I still have factory fans, 180 to 185 is the norm, and I live south of you.

 

I don't recall having to change any hoses to fit my CSF.