Radiator replacement

Engines, Transmissions & Final Drive questions and answers

Moderators: timk, Stu, zombie, Andrew, The American, Lokiel, -alex, miata, StanTheMan, greenMachine, ManiacLachy, Daffy

User avatar
narcoticx2
Fast Driver
Posts: 137
Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:26 pm

Radiator replacement

Postby narcoticx2 » Wed Oct 23, 2013 2:18 pm

So I'm just after a little confidence in this
I've done lots of searching and people are happy with ASI radiators from ebay

I'm getting mixed feelings regarding whether or not a 52mm will fit in my car. The general consensus is it's a very tight fit.

I understand that 52 and even 42mm is overkill, but they're well priced on ebay.

Now, I can't find an ASI for sale in 42mm. The best I can see is this
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251066461703 ... 26_rdc%3D1

This is what the seller linked when I asked about a 42mm ASI. Does anyone have experience with these brandless radiators? The seller does have a 52mm in stock, however I will be using stock fans and so I just don't know whether that's the best way to go, or if I should go the 40mm.

From everything I've read, the radiator replacement is rather straightforward so I want to give this one a go myself.

edit: just noticed the seller linked me to a radiator for an NA, but the question still applies!
2001 NB8B - Supreme Blue - Hardtop - Unmodified

22Silver
Fast Driver
Posts: 481
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 1:47 pm
Vehicle: NB8A
Location: Melbourne

Re: Radiator replacement

Postby 22Silver » Wed Oct 23, 2013 2:39 pm

Buying ASI to save or for more cooling?
If to save, I had great struggle getting info from ASI, to the point where I was not confident their product would fit.
If for more cooling, look at the automatic version of the radiator. OEM radiator, slightly larger capacity for some reason.
"Don't go crashing into Vulvas. *Volvos"

User avatar
Evil Panda
Fast Driver
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 5:55 pm
Vehicle: NA6
Location: Melbourne

Re: Radiator replacement

Postby Evil Panda » Wed Oct 23, 2013 4:30 pm

I have a 52mm in my NA6 and the only issue I had was the fan.
I had to drimmel out a little section of the plastic frame that sits near the sway bar. Other than that, no problems.

User avatar
narcoticx2
Fast Driver
Posts: 137
Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:26 pm

Re: Radiator replacement

Postby narcoticx2 » Wed Oct 23, 2013 4:44 pm

22Silver wrote:Buying ASI to save or for more cooling?

To save... I am guessing the 40mm is a decent enough radiator - if it doesn't leak, it'll be fine, I just liked the confidence I got from other's positive experience with ASI. Might just bite the bullet and try the unbranded one.

Are the NA6's comparable to the NB8B in terms of space for radiator and fan design?
2001 NB8B - Supreme Blue - Hardtop - Unmodified

Mr Morlock
Speed Racer
Posts: 6444
Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:40 am
Vehicle: NB8B
Location: Melbourne

Re: Radiator replacement

Postby Mr Morlock » Sat Nov 02, 2013 11:11 am

standard car - std radiator lasts min 10 years and fits without hassle. A bigger radiator is not going to cool a std car any better than a bigger rad. Will you have the car in 10 yrs. If it comes down to price thats your call.

User avatar
de Bounce
Racing Driver
Posts: 1091
Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:19 pm
Vehicle: NC
Location: Northern Burbs - Melbourne

Re: Radiator replacement

Postby de Bounce » Sat Nov 02, 2013 6:43 pm

Putting a 52mm ASI in a NB8B is achievable
Stock they are a little tight near the air intake tube and the back of the OEM fans.
Larger sway bars are sometimes an issue.
2011 NC2 PRHT SE in Dolphin Grey
2001 NB8B in Crystal Blue - Sold :(
Motorkhana Video

User avatar
de Bounce
Racing Driver
Posts: 1091
Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:19 pm
Vehicle: NC
Location: Northern Burbs - Melbourne

Re: Radiator replacement

Postby de Bounce » Sat Nov 02, 2013 6:49 pm

Putting a 52mm ASI in a NB8B is easily achievable
Stock they are a little tight near the air intake tube and the back of the OEM fans.
Need to pull the tube towards the motor a little (away from the radiator/fans'

Larger sway bars are sometimes an issue.
2011 NC2 PRHT SE in Dolphin Grey
2001 NB8B in Crystal Blue - Sold :(
Motorkhana Video


Return to “MX5 Engines, Transmission & Final Drive”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 89 guests