PWR Radiator question/alternatives.

bear2230 · Postby **bear2230** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 11:34 pm

Hi All,

It turns out the radiator in Snowie is cactus fuctus and not up to the task
PWR is $860 Is this worth the money?
Cooling Pro $250

Car will see light track work but won't be doing anything serious for a while.
I generally go with the the best I can afford but this thing is a giant money pit and was seeking other opinions on radiators.
I do have a separate oil cooler. any help would be appreciated.

Richard.

chrons_rotary · Postby **chrons_rotary** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:04 am

Installed a ebay special 40mm alloy radiator for my NA8, which has been NitroDann turboed, with a coolant re-route.
Havent had any issues with it 6 months later, done 2 supersprints and about 5-6 hillclimb events, plus driving it everyday to work.
Cost me about $150 posted.

Dehamsta · Postby **Dehamsta** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:55 am

Same here, I bought an ASI alloy radiator on ebay about a year ago and it's working fine since with no apparent leaks. No fitment issues either. Only paid the princely sum of $140 at the time.

Dehamsta · Postby **Dehamsta** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:58 am

Forgot add if you want something better a good alternative would be Mishimoto. Not sure if they make one for NB but i've seen NA ones in US.

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 7:36 am

I have a PWR radiator, fitment wasn't spectacular (had to modify the fan mounts a bit) but it was rock solid for many years (until a few weeks ago when I punctured it and lost all my coolant, and blew a head gasket, but that's not the radiator's fault)

I paid $550 shipped from the US (which is stupid, made in QLD, shipped to the US, shipped back again, and still $400 cheaper than buying direct from the manufacturer)

ausbuoy · Postby **ausbuoy** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 7:58 am

One+1 for the Ebay/ASI. NA6(T) gave me all sorts of on track o/heating grief when I got it initially. Replaced it with the 42mm $140 special, and fitment was fine except for the AC fan which requires 'slimline' replacement, although I didn't, and just carry the AC as ballast to be fair to the Commonhores and Fulckens that just HAVE to push:) Some 'Nitromagic' boost, 3" system, and E85 as well as considerable sealing of the engine bay, and it will run a full (double entry) track day with the only heat problem being insufficient thermal rating brake pads.
Save the $$$ Bear:)

Greg S.

green_comet · Postby **green_comet** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:54 am

Get a Koyo, much better quality than a cheap eBay cooler and not overly expensive like a PWR.

Postby **Boyracer** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 2:56 pm

Cross flow flyin miata

Tony · Postby **Tony** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 6:10 pm

^^^ Absolutely agree.

I recently replaced a Chinese ASI with a FM cross flow unit in my SE. With the two units side by side they are a galaxy apart in terms of quality; and on the track the FM unit is more efficient by at least one order of magnitude! FM were great to deal with too.

Ultimately you get what you pay for, however a Chinese alloy radiator would probably be OK for a naturally aspirated, street motor.

Don't forget that MX5 plus sell genuine SE radiators (27mm) which would be a good alternative to cheap Chinese unit.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mazda-MX5-Miata-NB-97-05-Radiator-SE-Spec-27mm-Core-Genuine-Mazda-/271647935723?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f3f7a8ceb

kenson · Postby **kenson** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 8:32 pm

I bought this for the SE http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/IN-STOCK-KOYO-V-CORE-ALUMINUM-RACING-RADIATOR-CAP-99-05-MAZDA-MX-5-MIATA-M-T-/291282043308?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43d1c341ac

Got it in ~10 days and was under $400 shipped when the AUD was still OK.

I can't tell you how good it is as I haven't fitted it yet.

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:50 pm

My (stock) SE is getting to 3/4 hot with a new 37mm koyo.
Just ordered the cross flow rad + stage 2 spal fans from FM, hope that fixes it

bear2230 · Postby **bear2230** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:07 pm

emily_mx5 wrote:My (stock) SE is getting to 3/4 hot with a new 37mm koyo.
Just ordered the cross flow rad + stage 2 spal fans from FM, hope that fixes it

I was just looking at that Emily. How much was shipping?

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:43 pm

Sent you a pm.
Shipping was heaps

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 9:46 am

emily_mx5 wrote:My (stock) SE is getting to 3/4 hot with a new 37mm koyo.
Just ordered the cross flow rad + stage 2 spal fans from FM, hope that fixes it

Really?

If anything my Koyo runs a bit too cool, ie. sits around the thermostat opening temperature, or just above (separate temp gauge, factory gauge stays rock steady), unless working on uphill grades or stuck in traffic......
Are you using your aftermarket slimline fans?
Did you put foam edging around the radiator to stop airflow bypassing the radiator core?

There's no doubt the FM cross flow is a top bit of kit, I just think it's a bit of overkill unless you've got a heavily worked engine and/or you do a fair bit of track work.
So probably perfect for you Bear! :mrgreen:

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 9:51 am

Yeah aftermarket slim fans with shroud ducted with foam.
Fans both work, no air in coolant system.

It only happens under high load on a hot day, was fine for the last month just general city driving.

FM is pretty overkill but I don't know what else to do, blown head gaskets aren't fun.

Sorry for hijacking this thread haha.