I am still pretty new so I need a little advice. I am thinking it's probably time to change my radiator. I was looking at Mishimoto's set that has the aluminum radiator, silicone hoses, and fan shroud. It seems kinda pricey though. Any better options?

Also, I read that the stock fan programming is a bit low, so you should set it up to blow more, how is this accomplished?

Thanks guys.

 

Get a Koyo OEM replacement and call it a day.

Change fan speeds with a Cobb or an aftermarket fan controller provided by a few vendors (some of which may be banned from the forums).


Now if you want better (better being relative to what you use the car for) choices than Koyo, search

 

You can set the fans to kick on lower with a Cobb accessport. I have no knowledge of mishimotos quality.

 

If you think the Mishimoto radiator is pricey wait until you research upgraded radiators that actually perform better than OE, IMO Mishimoto is an OE replacement, not an upgrade. I have their hose kit, they are nice although its only 2 pieces and you really actually need 3 so you use an OE one anyways thus eliminating the benefit of them.

 

Mazmart sells the OEM radiator, brand new, for less than $200 if price is a consideration.

 

Price is definitely a consideration. But, more importantly, I want to make sure I'm taking good care of my baby.

 

Start with easy things first. You live in a hot climate, so you don't need to run a 50/50 coolant water ratio if the car is going to stay in the south--try a coolant flush with 60/40. Like everyone else said, get an aftermarket tuning device and lower the fan temp. The other thing you can do is perform the oil cooler airflow mod, should net you a little better cooling performance (remember, a rotary sheds roughly 30% of it's heat through OIL). And finally, gently straighten the fins on your radiator and oil cooler(s).

Swapping the hoses won't net you a cooling performance increase, it's a longevity mod. Silicon, in theory, should last longer than rubber hoses and be less prone to fatigue from constant heating and cooling. Like Carbon8 said, a LOT of kits only offer 2 hoses, when in reality, there are three (the lower hose has a pipe that bolts into the frame).

If your cooling system is still not up to snuff, then look at either the BHR radiator or the Ron Davis radiator from mazmart--hey run around the $500-600 mark for just the rad.

 

When I installed my Mishimoto, I fabricate the upper bracket which was easy.
The fan shroud hole where u put the bolt is a little bit off to the radiator which is not a big deal.
U need to drill a new hole or make it a little bit wider.
And the rest of the install is common sense..

The mishimoto is thicker compared to the oem..i think its almost double and its aluminum so for me its an upgrade.

If money is the problem, just get the radiator. The old hoses and fan works fine with me.
You need to get a new hose clamp though.

After I've seen the oem radiator, I would say stay away from oem unless u gonna sell the car.
But if u think u gonna remove the radiator or replace the hoses in the future, get the aluminum one.

I payed my mishimoto for around $300 same price if i get an oem from the DEALER.

 

You guys are awesome! I'm definitely going to do the oil cooler airflow mod. I think even I can pull that off! As for radiators, I'm still not sure if I want aluminum or OEM, I can't decide. I do appreciate the tip about the hose kit, I will be on the lookout for a 3 piece silicone set now, for longevity (I have an 04). And I don't think I can afford the Cobb right now, nor do I think I know enough yet to use it. But I would like one of the fan controllers. Is any one better than another? They all seem pretty similar to me. Do any of you guys have one (or have used one)?

Thank you all again!