24V Radiator Options

[ian e30 318is]

I am looking at a radiator that cools better than stock, but not an $800 unit like the Zionsville radiator. The two I am looking at are:

1. Mishimoto e36 Radiator http://vr-speed.com/store/mishimoto-...99-p-2103.html

or

2. Champion e30/e36 Radiator http://www.andysautosport.com/bmw/19...d00000170.html

Anyone have any opinions or experience (good or bad) with either? I was expecting to go with a Mishimoto until I saw the recent thread about the cracks.

Thanks!

-Ian

[10Toes]

The mishimoto is a good radiator and they have a good warranty, if you are really worried about cooling they make a even bigger radiator, the X-line. I got my X line for under $300 shipped.

http://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-bmw-z3-aluminum-radiator-99-02.html#techspecs

I have never looked at the champion before but if the core is 2" like it says (the normal mishimoto is 1.57") and a 3 row then it should cool pretty good and the price is about the same as the standard mishimoto.

[ian e30 318is]

The mishimoto is a good radiator and they have a good warranty, if you are really worried about cooling they make a even bigger radiator, the X-line. I got my X line for under $300 shipped.

http://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-bmw-z3-aluminum-radiator-99-02.html#techspecs

I have never looked at the champion before but if the core is 2" like it says (the normal mishimoto is 1.57") and a 3 row then it should cool pretty good and the price is about the same as the standard mishimoto.

How are you liking the mishimoto z3 X-line so far? It fits pretty well?

[MR 325]

Curious why you need better cooling than stock?!

My S50 car stayed nice and cool with a little M42 radiator even on 100 degree days.

[ian e30 318is]

I have had two stock radiators leak on me. Its not that I necessarily need better cooling, its that I want better quality. I have had the temp creep a few times with the stock radiator and a fan though, so better cooling would be a good addition.

[Roysneon]

If you need to replace your rad, the warranty alone on the Mishi is worth it. Plus you can get up to 100 fuh raze points with it.

But seriously sounds like a good investment to me.

[blackhawkimpact]

Im using the stock m42 rad and it cools fine. No leaks

[Lof8]

My vote is Mishimoto. I've been running it for three years, two with heavy track use - no complaints at all. The only fan I have is the A/C fan.

[lbreevesii]

gotta say, my nissens m42 rad has been working fine in the S50. i'd recommend a hole in the top of the t-stat to help bleeding, but it seems to be a pretty solid setup. I'm using a spal pusher that replaced the aux fan on mine.

[ian e30 318is]

gotta say, my nissens m42 rad has been working fine in the S50. i'd recommend a hole in the top of the t-stat to help bleeding, but it seems to be a pretty solid setup. I'm using a spal pusher that replaced the aux fan on mine.

Did you drill the hole? How large?

[ian e30 318is]

My vote is Mishimoto. I've been running it for three years, two with heavy track use - no complaints at all. The only fan I have is the A/C fan.

Yeah I think Im going to go with a Mishimoto. Which one are you running?

[Lof8]

I'm pretty sure its the regular e36 version.

[luckysnafu]

Did you drill the hole? How large?

1/8 inch at 12-oclock on the t-stat

[butters]

While on the subject, can anyone explain the 2-row vs. 3-row aspect? Are "rows" flow paths across/through the radiator (driver to passenger side) stacked in front of / behind each other (in the thickness 'dimension')? I have trouble visualizing this. The champion 3-row is the same price as the mishi 2-row, but I'm not sure how the 2" thick core will work out with a slim puller fan.

Off topic of the thread but to add my 2 cents on the M42 aspect: some people have success with the M42 radiator, I chose to stick with mine to see how it goes and if I can avoid the external expansion tank. I do not recommend it if you want to use your car in summer months and see temps above 85F and/or potential traffic situations. My car's radiator was fairly new and not leaking, but even at red lights the temp would creep above the midway line and I had to pull over in heavy traffic in 90+ degree weather. Not fun. Scary, knowing how high the risk of a blown HG is on these motors.

Of course now it's very cold and the M42 radiator is more than enough, but I still think I would overheat if sitting long enough, there simply is not enough capacity to keep up with an idling 24v motor. I run the 16" spal fan in a puller orientation to boot, it helps but is not enough in hot weather. I plan to upgrade in the spring to an E36 sized mishi or otherwise.

[luckysnafu]

butters - How are you overheating with your m42 radiator with a 16" puller fan??? I have a 14" pusher fan in front of my m42 radiator and it will keep the temp just above half when sitting in traffic on a summer day. Granted, I have to run my fan on high to keep temps down but I don't know how you would have a problem with a bigger fan in a pulling position.

Do you have your fan hooked up to the thermal switch on the radiator?