Radiators : PWR vs Koyo

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:26 pm

My radiator top tank is cracked, so I'm searching for a replacement.

Most people seem to recommend the PWR radiator, but say it can be a bit fiddly to fit. (doesn't concern me much as I have plenty of tools and access to machining equipment)

Most people on miata.net seem to recommend the Koyo 37mm radiator, which is significantly cheaper in the US.

Seeing as the PWR ones are made here in aus they both work out very similar in price landed at my door.

Which would people recommend, and why?

CT · Postby CT » Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:53 pm

Caff - radiator places can replace just the top tank - had it done a few times over the years. Probably less than $200 with a full clean and new seals.

kula · Postby **kula** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 10:57 pm

i was thinking of doing a group buy on koyos.

i reckon 450-500 would be the go.

PWRs are 700+?

koyo fit and finish seems better

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:17 pm

CT wrote:Caff - radiator places can replace just the top tank - had it done a few times over the years. Probably less than $200 with a full clean and new seals.

yeah but that's no fun!

The car overheats occasionally so a bit of extra cooling would be handy...

I've been given a lead on possibly getting PWR radiators for ~$500, so they make more of a financial match for the koyo ($550 landed)

RG.net · Postby **RG.net** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:15 am

i had a vrackes top tank too and decided to replace the whole thing, what about a cooling pro radiator? $400 from mx-5 mania AND just jap and its just (if not) better then the others.

blackster · Postby **blackster** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:52 am

kula wrote:koyo fit and finish seems better

Helped a mate fit a koyo on his R32, top mounts did not line up, the fan was awfully close to the motor and appeared raised, the shroud couldnt be re-fitted. Hopefully the fitting of the koyo for the MX5 is alot better.

sliq · Postby **sliq** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:59 am

hrmm.. the top of the radiator tank seems to crack fairly easily because of the heating.. is it something that's just a thing for mx5's? could you possibly replace your radiator cowl with a stainless steel one to prolong the life of your radiator?

sliq · Postby **sliq** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:02 am

btw, i'd go for PWR... make sure the money that we pay stays in oz and goes to workers in oz

pepejesus · Postby **pepejesus** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:11 pm

...make sure the money that we pay stays in oz and goes to workers in oz

sliq · Postby **sliq** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:41 pm

mania are having a sale now for pwr radiators.............

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:03 pm

sliq wrote:mania are having a sale now for pwr radiators.............

Really? Their website doesn't seem to say so... $770!

Juffa · Postby **Juffa** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:18 pm

Someone (forum member?) bought a PWR radiator from the USA (FM?). It was landed here cheaper than buying it from PWR in QLD.

J

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:44 pm

Yeah it's about US$490, with shipping & conversion it comes in around $650

The Koyo lands at about $550

Postby **Okibi** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:52 pm

Juffa wrote:Someone (forum member?) bought a PWR radiator from the USA (FM?). It was landed here cheaper than buying it from PWR in QLD.

J

That's me, I love to support Aussie businesses but why the hell does PWR charge us aussies more?

The price from PWR was twice the cost of the same PWR radiator in the U.S. (before shipping).

If they're the same price i'd say buy the PWR if you don't mind trying to making your fans fit their misaligned mounting points.

I haven't had a good look at a Koyo so I don't know if their cores are as good.

Last time I checked the Koyos were heaps cheaper than PWR.

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:58 am

PWR quote $770 direct from them. It's pretty stupid that they can export it 1/2 way round the world, and i can buy it, and ship it back 1/2 way round the world again, for cheaper than they'll sell it to me directly :roll: