alluminum radiators, what's your take?

[Pantless Spency]

so as you all know i am rebuilding my ETA, and it's taking quite a while. i ran into issues with tons of corrosion in the water system of my ETA, the previous owner was running tap water in it (thanks dumbass).
anyways i already have a water pump and thermostat, and im about to order all the tubing and the thermo housing. then i was on to a radiator, i know i can just have it chemically cleaned, but it also has some fan damage and dents here and there, i'd just like to make sure its absolutely bullet proof.

so it came down to just the radiator. i'm not sure what would be my best option in terms of integrity, price, and whatnot.
i really would like something that is polished aluminum, i just like the look of it in the engine bay.
does anyone have any suggestions?
thank you r3v,

pantless.

[StereoInstaller1]

no radiator can take a bullet.

[slaterd]

if a radiator could take a bullet then it's probably not a radiator. I wouldn't bother dropping the kind of money you will be for the radiator you're looking for ($350-500). Just go to a junkyard first and see if you can find a useable one. If not, then buy an oem one. Only thing that should go in the car cooling system wise should be oem spec not some aftermarket 50+hp gaining/polished/bomb proof hunk of crap. A stock radiator will do just fine.

[dannyyisntt]

Google becool radiators if you want a polished radiator. A custom radiator will set you back about $700-$1100 from them, but it WILL perform.

[nando]

if it's just a stock eta - a new behr or nissens is like $125-150. spending double or triple that for a stock motor is a waste of money.

[MR E30 325is]

I rock a Mishimoto all aluminum radiator in my E30.

looks much better, was shipped to me for 200 dollars, and performs very very well.

I bled the system like a champ, and on most drives I didnt have to use the fan.

I bought it for a SC'ed S52 though, a stock unit will be fine for your ETA. I just posted this to show you that not all 'high performance' radiators are in the hundreds of dollars range.

[der affe]

You can get a misumoto from mitch on here or tech for right around $200 shipped. My fan almost never comes on now (electric conversion) & it rarely reaches the half way mark unless i am doing a bunch of stops and it heat soaks when it is 110°+ out.

If you don't have an e30 tech account, pm me and i can put you in touch with mitch as he is local to me.

[Pantless Spency]

thanks der affe, that sounds pretty legit, i'll check out this upcoming pay check and then let you know if i'm interested :up:

[Wh33lhop]

I got a Mishimoto. Dont waste your money if you are an eta. You will notice no difference, you will have to convert to a late model setup, and it will require modification to get the hose clamps on.

[Pantless Spency]

iyiyiy, yeah i don't wanna go out of the way and mod a shitload of stuff. i'll just get an OE style one for like 99 bones -____- so much fail in having an eta.

[Keith M]

so much fail in having an eta.

My new sig!

[StereoInstaller1]

iyiyiy, yeah i don't wanna go out of the way and mod a shitload of stuff. i'll just get an OE style one for like 99 bones -____- so much fail in having an eta.

It is a shame you aren't closer. I have one I would sell for $50 anyday, in nice condition...but shipping would suck.

[Axxe]

I have a mishimoto in my e36 with s52, with an electric puller fan on an 80/88 degree switch that kicks both fans on properly (low/high). I've never had it kick into high.

[Pantless Spency]

damn that is a shame luke!
it's also ironic because i want to move somewhere in Oregon or Washington.... damn haha.