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Hi all,

I was looking at replacing my browning radiator in my NB8A and heard some good things about the ASI radiators. I think a 52mm one might be too big however, but the issue is that the only 42mm ones I can find state they are for 89-97 models. I'm specifically looking at this one: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ASI-42mm-aluminum-race-radiator-mazda-miata-MX5-90-97-/300717545062?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4604299666

I've seen however that some guys here have used 42mm radiators in their NBs. Are my search skills just lacking, or was this specific model used and no porblems were found in installation?

yes i was going to get one myself though never got past this.........

i think i remember being told the 42mm ones will fit fine though im sure someone can verify?

My 42mm is in an NA but the only real issue I had was the mounting tabs for the stock fans were quite long so I ground them down a bit so the fans sit a bit more closer.

Well I have found out that the NA radiator isn't compatible with an NB (the mounting points are different). But I contacted the seller on eBay and even though they don't have the NB variant listed, they still sell them! I was quoted $180 for one. So there's barely any price difference, and all you have to do is ask them for one.

I put a 42 mm ASI in my NB with no problems at all. 42 mm will clear the swaybar just, unsure how the 52mm would fit.

whats wrong with a standard OEM quality radiator. It will fit properly and it will work as designed. It will probably last 10 years. You will almost surely get some usable warranty with an oe style radiator either from Mazda or from a local radiator supplier. The standard radiator has no problem in cooling the car even on hot days with AC running. If my radiator fails I would have no hesitation in replacing with the correct product.

Mr Morlock wrote:whats wrong with a standard OEM quality radiator. It will fit properly and it will work as designed. It will probably last 10 years. You will almost surely get some usable warranty with an oe style radiator either from Mazda or from a local radiator supplier. The standard radiator has no problem in cooling the car even on hot days with AC running. If my radiator fails I would have no hesitation in replacing with the correct product.

Do you mean oem or oem quality? The problem with oem is they are expensive and you know that top tank will fail again!

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Surely a chinese radiator is unlikely to match the 20 years most factory radiators have lasted?

Dann

Why not? I'll admit I thought factory radiator didn't last that long.

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Mr Morlock wrote:whats wrong with a standard OEM quality radiator. It will fit properly and it will work as designed. It will probably last 10 years. You will almost surely get some usable warranty with an oe style radiator either from Mazda or from a local radiator supplier. The standard radiator has no problem in cooling the car even on hot days with AC running. If my radiator fails I would have no hesitation in replacing with the correct product.

My NB had a browning radiator so like all the MX5's I have owned I chucked it in the bin and replaced it with an aftermarket aluminium radiator. I have used ASI and Cooling Pro...pretty much the same products for the same price (<$200 from eBay).

They went in to the car as easy as the OEM one came out and used the OEM hardware, they have never failed and are unlikely to fail and the cars have never overheated even with sustained and very hard track use with a turbo hanging from the side of the engine or in slow moving traffic with AC on full. If I remember correctly they both came with a 12 month warranty.

Incidentally when I removed my NB radiator it actually crumbled in my hands, lord knows how it was still holding together. The ally radiators will never do this.

I would trust an aftermarket aluminium radiator over an OE spec aftermarket radiator any day.

while on the subject of temps. where is the best spot to put an aftermarket water temp gauge. i have mine on the top radiator hose and in this cold weather the gauge will not rise at all. when i idle it will start rising to 50 before the fans kick in and drop it back down.

At the back of the head in the spare port that is there (if it fit) doesn't fit on mine but that's due to my reroute spacer.

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vrmmmpshhh wrote:while on the subject of temps. where is the best spot to put an aftermarket water temp gauge. i have mine on the top radiator hose and in this cold weather the gauge will not rise at all. when i idle it will start rising to 50 before the fans kick in and drop it back down.

Before my reroute i had mine in the same spot and never had any problems. it was usually in the 80-90 range.

They sent me a 42 instead of a 52. I organised a replacement and still have the 42. If you want one cheap and are in Melbourne PM me and I'll fill you in on the details.

NitroDann wrote:Surely a chinese radiator is unlikely to match the 20 years most factory radiators have lasted?

Dann

Mine in the NB8A only lasted ~10 years

I had an ASI in mine and it was awesome! unsure on size because it has been awhile and I no longer have that car