I also broke down and bought, you know, one of THOSE radiators. Knock off brand, Mishimoto, Aluminum Radiator.
Here is the post for the 2G radiator:
Mishimoto Radiator and Fans - 2G
I'll just focus on the 1g model since ndsti did a great job on the 2g post.
I did buy mine from EBAY
Price Paid: $175 + $20 Shipping = $195 Shipped
JNZtuning also sells the full Mishimoto line for DSMs.
Description from EBAY:
MISHIMOTO Lightweight All-Aluminum Racing Radiator
* Core Size: 335mm x 688mm x 40mm
* Rows: 2
* Inlet: 35mm
* Outlet: 35mm
* Tank wall thickness: 2mm
* Includes a 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects
* Radiator is fabricated from 100% aerospace grade aluminum.
* Features brazed aluminum cores with no epoxy joints
* High efficiency tube and fin design increases surface area to dissipate heat effectively.
* High quality heli-arc welds and sturdy construction, perfect for performance vehicles.
* Direct bolt-on replacement for stock radiator
* Must have for any vehicle to keep your vehicle running cool
* No instructions included. Professional installation is highly recommended.
First off, the packaging that it comes in was great. I assume that whether you buy it from Ebay or any other vendor that it will come packaged like this.
The radiator fits perfectly!! The stock fans line up to the posts they welded on. Just remember when installing the fans to get all the bolts started then once they are started tighten them down. If you tighten one down then you can't move the fan around enough to get the other bolts in.
The only problem I had, which wasn't really a problem is when you put the brackets that hold the radiator to the core support you have to stretch the rubber a little. It's probably just due to the thicker core. Doesn't take much just pull on the brackets a little.
You can see here how the rubber inside the brackets needs to be stretched.
It really holds the radiator snugly to the core support with those brackets pulling it forward. I can tell you that it doesn't rattle!
I have been using this radiator since June '07 now. In the dead middle of summer it keeps my temp gauge below straight up on the stock gauge. On my logger it shows the coolant temp at 195. Rock steady.
I have nothing but good things to say about this radiator. After a almost a year of use there are no leaks and the finish still looks like day 1. I recommend this radiator to you if you are on a budget and cannot afford their competition.
~Andrew~
1G Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator (EBAY)
