Plastic and Alloy radiator or all Alloy Radiator

MX593 · Postby **MX593** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 8:45 pm

Hi All, I bought a 11/93 NA8 a couple of months ago so I'm new to the MX5 scene. I've read that when the plastic tanks of the radiator turn brown it's time to replace the radiator. Mine's brown and I believe that it's the original radiator. It doesn't leak and the engine runs just below the middle of the temp range but it's getting cold here in Canberra and I haven't had a chance for a run in hot weather yet. There's a wide range of prices for radiators and I'm hoping you may have some advice on good radiators. The original plastic and alloy seems to have gone well for 20 years, but is it worth paying another $125-$150 more and getting an all alloy one?
Cheers

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:29 pm

MX5 Mania have OEM replacement ones meant for the auto version, and they have a thicker core from what I understand. Very reasonably priced too.

Alloy ones...quite a few guys have tried the China ones which appear to be OK...c'mon Morlock, don't let us down here!

MX593 · Postby **MX593** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:49 pm

Thanks Mate, My MX5's a manual version.
I've see a Koyorad in plastic/alloy and a Cooling-Pro and Fenix in all alloy on E-bay. The MX5Mania looks like it's plastic/alloy.

Postby **NitroDann** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:56 pm

Mania sell the ebay alloy radiators and they seem to do the job ok for most people with some slight niggles getting the parts lined up when fitting them.

The auto one available if its oem quality (or even oem) will last another 20 years, the auto radiator is thicker by about 50% so is good enough for most street cars with even a few mods, and bolts in where the manual one went.

Dann

MX593 · Postby **MX593** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:34 am

Thanks All, the advice is appreciated.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:48 am

MX593 wrote:Thanks Mate, My MX5's a manual version.
I've see a Koyorad in plastic/alloy and a Cooling-Pro and Fenix in all alloy on E-bay. The MX5Mania looks like it's plastic/alloy.

My MX5 is a manual as well, but you can use the auto version radiator. It should last you 10 years...which will probably outlast the car / ownership!

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 1:14 pm

often asked. So 20 years is not too bad I would have thought. I would say the original radiator is up to the task - for many a 10-15 year life is just fine. Will you have the car in 10-20 years. Alloy does not make it a better radiator. The originals are as far as I know are Calsonic- a well known OEM supplier of quality radiators ie they use a proper system. I certainly would not hesitate to replace with an original provided the pricing is not insane. Suggest a visit to the local radiator places and get some quotes. I am very far from a fan of knock off makers and - there is some rubbish out there. Making reliable parts is not an accident and it requires a professional approach.