Z3M radiator in an E30 with M20

[digger]

The Zionsville was an E36 unit that had the fan shroud that covered both radiator and oil cooler. I think the Oil cooler didn't fit right, and the other unit the offset of the mounting tabs were off. This was about 5 years ago. I know they are done in small batches/ one offs.

I just thought it was cool because the fan shroud pulled air through the oil cooler...

that might not be so bad, i was planning on using the stock shroud and fan with Zionsville. OEM is like 1/4 to 1/3 price so 30 year break even with the Zionsville

anyone know the difference between the tropical and regular manual trans rad's?

[moatilliatta]

What fitment issues did you have?

The Zionsville was an E36 unit that had the fan shroud that covered both radiator and oil cooler. I think the Oil cooler didn't fit right, and the other unit the offset of the mounting tabs were off. This was about 5 years ago. I know they are done in small batches/ one offs.

I just thought it was cool because the fan shroud pulled air through the oil cooler...

I tried to put a mishimoto in there but the customer didn't want it so... we went with fluidyne, Started leaking about a year ago... Where the end plate was welded to the end tanks. Pretty common issue among aluminum radiators because the core expands differently than the top and bottom end plates...

Headaches.. with an OEM one you just know to replace it every 10 years, and should be fine.

I've had good luck with mishimoto's E36 units in E30 and E36's...

My next M20 car I'll just probably use the M42 unit with built in expansion tank, a lot of people have luck with that unit, but not as common if needed a quick replacement..

[digger]

C&R - https://www.bimmerworld.com/Cooling/...-Radiator.html

Many E36 S54 320-350 WHP track cars have used this unit with no problem.

Not a fan of the zionsville unit due to last 2 had fitment issues.

I have a like new Z3M Mishimoto I'd let go, maybe.

I think for what where doing even the E36 radiator is plenty and just replace the OEM unit as needed, They fit every time unless damaged in shipping.. and make sure the front end is duct'd into the radiator.

What fitment issues did you have?

[moatilliatta]

C&R - https://www.bimmerworld.com/Cooling/...-Radiator.html

Many E36 S54 320-350 WHP track cars have used this unit with no problem.

Not a fan of the zionsville unit due to last 2 had fitment issues.

I have a like new Z3M Mishimoto I'd let go, maybe.

I think for what where doing even the E36 radiator is plenty and just replace the OEM unit as needed, They fit every time unless damaged in shipping.. and make sure the front end is duct'd into the radiator.

[digger]

from the dead..........Any good new options for the radiator? I'm thinking the Zionsville or the Z3M unit.

Anyone got first hand experience with Zionsville as i'd like to get something non plastic if the fitment, quality and performance is at least as good OE? i dont need a huge improvement in cooling as only NA and no track days but like most street cars the hardest aspect is getting airflow and hence cooling when stationary/slow moving traffic on a 45C+ day with aircon. Intending to retain the clutch fan and stock Aux fan.

[Bimmer_man]

I do like the stock(ish) look of oem. A radiator every 3 decades is pretty good. I'll buy oem.

Thank you all for the help and opinions.

[nando]

Just get the Z3M, cheap and effective with no fit-up issues and they will rarely leak. Especially on the M20, they don't run hot enough that the plastic tanks will have problems.

[nrubenstein]

Z3M radiators are cheap and durable. do you really care about repalcing a radiator every 100k or so?

Mishimoto reliability is crap, and they aren't particularly good or cheap.

Zionsville et. al. are 3-5X the cost, and it's not actually clear that you get more real durability from them. At some point, you still have to replace a radiator due to damage, mineral buildup, etc., no matter how nice it is.

[dude8383]

So weird. I have had zero issues with Mishimoto's including the one installed in my personal car. Have had it for at least 4 years now. Not a single leak.

[FAM3OUS]

Zionsville> Z3M > Mishimoto

E36 M3 guys have nothing good to say about the Mishimoto quality, I have a z3m in mine and it is great. If you want to spend the money go with Zionsville they are works of art.

[Bimmer_man]

That's pretty cheap they are allore than likely made in China anyways

[Kershaw]

I bought an eBay aluminum radiator. 4 years now. No problems. $120.

[Bimmer_man]

Ive her a lot of good from Mishimoto, But ive also herd about the leaks. I may look into fluidyne as well.

Holy crap fuidyne is over twice the price.

[nando]

it will work with no modification. if i were you, i would spend a little more money and get the mishimoto all aluminum.

are those really worth it? half of them seem to leak every 6 months. others don't fit correctly out of the box. I've never been impressed with Mishimoto. What good does a lifetime warranty do you when you have to swap radiators all the time due to leaks?

[Bimmer_man]

thats what my thinking was cause i know all of BMWs newer radiators are plastic sided. thats great to hear.