mishimoto radiator install

[gundy318]

My original m42 radiator cracked so I decided to upgrade to an e36 mishimoto radiator.

before and after:

[surebimmer]

So you added a late model expansion tank. How are the temps? I always felt the M42 radiator was too small. But a lot of people run the M42 radiator with no issues.

[gundy318]

I haven't driven it enough yet to say. I think I still need to work some air out of the system and get a bit more coolant in. The needle was just a sliver past dead center.

[Delraco]

The M42 radiator even seems a bit small for an M42..

Mishimoto is lookin sexayyy
Please update with running temps after all the kinks are sorted.

[Jand3rson]

I really want a Mishimoto when the time comes for a new radiator, but I hate to add an external expansion tank, it's the whole reason I used the M42. I wish they made one with an on-board.

[pandaboo911]

Let us know if it cracks in 4 weeks. I've had 2 warrantied, both cracked at the end tanks after less than a month of use

[gundy318]

Uh oh. I hadn't heard of that being a problem. Hopefully those were the only two! Are you running a 3rd now?

[Bimmer805]

I really want a Mishimoto when the time comes for a new radiator, but I hate to add an external expansion tank, it's the whole reason I used the M42. I wish they made one with an on-board.

they do zionsville makes it but if you got a grand to crap out then go for it lol my m42 rad crack and now im going with a mishimoto set up

[lbreevesii]

I really want a Mishimoto when the time comes for a new radiator, but I hate to add an external expansion tank, it's the whole reason I used the M42. I wish they made one with an on-board.

I'm in the same boat. I bought a new M42 one for that reason. I haven't run mine too hard yet, but a good fresh m42 one seems to run ok.

I'm thinking that when I have the time to mess wtih it, i'm going to get a mushi and take some measurements and find a can that will fit and have it welded on.

[cormier]

[gundy318]

"Update"
Long story short, if you don't want to read below: 3.2L 24v e30 + mishimoto radiator + stewart water pump + turner 70deg tstat + 16" fan = No overheating in the summer in Phoenix.

Long story:

Things were good with the mishi radiator, stewart water pump and small aux fan, temp needle pretty much stayed just a smidge past even. Found out in stop and go traffic in the summer (in Seattle), the small fan didn't cut it.

Put in a larger 16" fan and was able to drive from Seattle to Arizona without overheating. Hit stop and go traffic along the way on I-5, it was about 105 degrees outside and the temp needle never went into the red but stayed around 3/4 to the right.

While in school in Arizona the radiator started leaking from the drain plug. The magnetic piece at the end had cracked off and took a few threads with it. Instead of sending me a new drain plug they sent me a new radiator.

Had this summer off from school and came back to Seattle. Over the course of a few weeks the temp gauge started sporadically jumping around. Touching the engine to radiator hose and having it not be hot suggested sticky thermostat.

Put in a Turner 70deg thermostat and replaced the temp sensor while I was at it. Temp needle now stays a bit left of center. Even in 110 deg in Phoenix the temp needle has barely gone right of center. Sorry I don't have a gauge to give actual temp numbers.