s50 swap radiator question: e36 m3, z3 s54, or z4 s54?

[m3j0n]

which one is the recommendation for the most badass cooling setup that fits in the e30 m3? Trying to get my fan setup figured out too (not running A/C at the moment).

I think s54 radiator is dual core, so a bit better cooling than the e36 and only about $20 more. For some reason the z4 s54 is cheaper than the z3 s54 but looks the same (slightly diff p/n), so I wonder if that will fit in the car.

Any thoughts before I place my order?

95 E36 m3 radiator - $115ish
01 mZ3 roadster - $130ish
06 mZ4 Roadster - $120ish

[nrubenstein]

If you are trying to use a mechanical fan, stick to the regular radiator. It's adequate and the extra third of an inch is huge. For a really slim electric fan, I think you can fit it with the S54 radiator.

[m3j0n]

If you are trying to use a mechanical fan, stick to the regular radiator. It's adequate and the extra third of an inch is huge. For a really slim electric fan, I think you can fit it with the S54 radiator.

regardless of what radiator I use, there is no way I can fit one and a mechanical fan, so that option is out. Im going to be using one of the 3 radiators mentioned above and a pusher or (possibly) a very slim puller fan behind it.

[nrubenstein]

regardless of what radiator I use, there is no way I can fit one and a mechanical fan, so that option is out. Im going to be using one of the 3 radiators mentioned above and a pusher or (possibly) a very slim puller fan behind it.

That is absolutely not true, sorry. You can choose not to use a mechanical fan, but you absolutely can fit one. The diesel 325tds fan is excellent and has a ring around the blades so that in case of any contact they don't dig in or disintegrate.

[Varinn]

For what's it's worth, I have been running an s52 swap using a stock e30 late style b25 radiator for a year now. It has been through a good few days of midsummer autocross and idled for long times in traffic without ever being more than the e-fan could cool. I am using a stock e30 aux fan with a repinned temp switch to turn the fan on high at 91*c, no low speed used. I'm also using a stock 88* thermostat.

I'd recommend just upgrading to a slightly thicker stock or mishimoto rad with a pusher fan, it should not have any troubles. I will be swapping to a SPAL 16" pusher this summer, and maybe removing my A/C condenser but this is only because my aux fan is quite loud and may be close to dead.

[Mistawall]

im going to use my M42 radiator with a spal fan. i have read of many others using this set up with no issues.

[ArtClassShank]

I run an E36 Mishimoto radiator and an electric pusher fan up front, works fine. Only thing I don't like about it is the lack of redundancy in case of failure. I've blown a few fuses on rainy days, and the car quickly overheats without that one fan.

[justin_l_]

I ran a mishimoto radiator with no electric or mechanical fan and never had an issue... Joys of living in Maine.

[m3j0n]

ok, so I guess I'm going with the s54 radiator. Z3 or Z4 ? is there a difference? Should I just stick with the z3 s54 and use E36 m3 upper and lower coolant hoses?

[Varinn]

Well this thread got me looking, Mishimoto e30/e36 rads are going for ~$250-$280 on ebay. Awesome price and not likely to let you down. I ordered mine this morning.

[Jack89i]

Yea where are you finding mz3 s54 radiators for $130? I know a mishi is around 300


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[m3j0n]

Yea where are you finding mz3 s54 radiators for $130? I know a mishi is around 300


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I am buying OEM behr units.