Nissen Radiators don't fit like OEM

[Mech Addict]

Ordered the priciest one Rockauto had in stock, thinking (hoping, wishing ) that would be higher quality. As I look now at all the competing brands, only the Nissens has square shroud mounting pedestal bolt bosses. The OEM ones are round (last few photos). In the factory parts catalog, there was only one model of radiator for all years of the 2.0 turbo, and only one engine fan shroud and AC fan shroud for all those years, and not dependent on transmission. The support legs for the engine fan shroud is specifically molded to fit with a round pedestal (ribs cast on the underside), and this one would have taken some hacking on the shroud arms and the pedestals to see if I could get them to fin, and not break the fan shroud in the process. The AC shroud had a different problem. That one sits flush (made of steel stamping), but the holes simply did not align well. I could have (probably would have) simply elongated those shroud holes with file or dremel, and used a washer.

I just ordered a competitor's product that showed round pedestals in the photo. Rockauto is not refunding my original shipping, claiming that because the MFR says it should work, it's not their fault. They are honoring the return, though, which is worth something ($137 bucks in this case).

Lesson: don't buy a Nissens radiator to replace your oem one.
BTW, Amayama has the OEM ones for around $1k.

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[Diamond Star Werks]

FYI the UAC condenser fits like garbage as well. Don't be surprised if it comes out of the box bent as well.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

These are what I run - https://www.championradiators.com/Mitsubishi-Eclipse-radiator-1990-1994-radiator

 

[Mech Addict]

The one I am ordering now is from a brand called "Agility". I have to imagine several brands roll of the same assembly line somewhere (southeast Asia is my guess). This one comes out of Rockauto's closest warehouse (to where I live, obviously) because shipping time was fastest. My stock car has never had any issues with running hot, although come to think of it, we hardly get over 80F even in the summer. Hopefully the new one has equivalent capacity to dissipate heat.

I would go with an all metal unit if I didn't mind getting away from the OEM look. I'm sure they won't suffer the same fate as my original 35 years old "3-piece" unit that has just started to fail at the upper crimped seam.

 

[Drewpy Dawg]

I’m going to buy the Champion all metal unit and paint the tanks and my Mishimoto fan shroud similar to the OEM black. Those who know these cars will know it’s not stock but it won’t jump out and scream “aftermarket” like seeing a bunch of polished aluminum would.

 

[TerminalTalon]

I’m surprised the Nissen one doesn’t fit well but I can understand the fitment quality of 30 year old platforms aftermarket parts.

 

[chrisman287]

Why not get one from the auto parts store?

 

[Mech Addict]

Why not get one from the auto parts store?

I checked several in my area, and they charge more to take longer. The last real part I purchased locally was a brake master cylinder, and that took longer to arrive than shipping from east coast suppliers.
Interesting note is that Advance online showed a separate part for 5-sp vs. Auto, with the 5-sp cosing $60 more. Had to ship direct from mfr, or something to that effect. That was the only instance I found that wasn’t for auto-compatible units.
I’m sure in the 90’s you could snag an actual oem rad at the local Plymouth dealer for $35.
I Like the idea about painting the aluminum on top. Suprised they aren’t offered with black anodized.

 

[Diamond Star Werks]

I checked several in my area, and they charge more to take longer. The last real part I purchased locally was a brake master cylinder, and that took longer to arrive than shipping from east coast suppliers.
Interesting note is that Advance online showed a separate part for 5-sp vs. Auto, with the 5-sp cosing $60 more. Had to ship direct from mfr, or something to that effect. That was the only instance I found that wasn’t for auto-compatible units.
I’m sure in the 90’s you could snag an actual oem rad at the local Plymouth dealer for $35.
I Like the idea about painting the aluminum on top. Suprised they aren’t offered with black anodized.

Koyo rad from worldpac is like $117 or $127. If you can't order from worldpac (wholesale only) you can order from them through advance since advance currently owns them.
Edit: advance price will likely be higher.