Radiator recommendations

[scorn001]

Looks like its time I get a new radiator for my '99. Still have the original in there and its starting to leak so bad around the top that its shooting antifreeze up around the right edge of the hood, I have to wipe it up every time I park it. Still keeping plenty cool, but have to add antifreeze once a month or so.

I've been told by a Mazda mechanic not to buy an OEM radiator because of the price, and the fact that they crimp on the top, the same reason mine is leaking right now.

So what is a good, reliable, WELDED aftermarket radiator? I'm not doing any racing, though I do drive pretty fast, I like to accelerate hard, and we take the car on extended road trips. The single core OEM one I have now seems to do a fine job for me, just leaking. Is there a standard one that most everyone uses?

Thanks,

-Tim

[HudsonHawk]

PWR. They are pricy but they are good.

[Titus]

Some good info from a local vendor on aftermarket radiators can be found here.

[Majik]

I went with a generic aftermarket and after just a few months it started to leak. The mounting tabs on the bottom were not designed well and the welds around them were leaky. I replaced that with another OEM from mazda-motorsports for around 100. It had the fancy foam and a new cap all ready to go. That is what I would recommend. True it is a crimped top, but yours has gone 7-8 years now and is finally leaking. Since you dont need the extra capacity of a racing radiator you could save some cash and replace another OEM 7 more years down the road if you still have the car and you will still be ahead.

[POS Racing]

This one looks nice but is more expensive than an OEM.

[Titus]

This one looks nice but is more expensive than an OEM.

Looks like Gary has a better price on the same one.

[POS Racing]

I went with a generic aftermarket and after just a few months it started to leak. The mounting tabs on the bottom were not designed well and the welds around them were leaky. I replaced that with another OEM from mazda-motorsports for around 100. It had the fancy foam and a new cap all ready to go. That is what I would recommend. True it is a crimped top, but yours has gone 7-8 years now and is finally leaking. Since you dont need the extra capacity of a racing radiator you could save some cash and replace another OEM 7 more years down the road if you still have the car and you will still be ahead.

I fully agree with Majik!

[Titus]

I full agree with Majik!

Yeah, I guess it is kinda hard to argue with his logic.

[Rogue]

Ive been using CSF radiators for years.
Ive gotten then from B&B Radiator in Farmers Branch and Discount in Garland.
All metal and lifetime warranty for under $100
Not pretty like the aluminum tanks though.

[channelmaniac]

I haven't looked at the NB radiators but the NA aftermarket ones have welded on side brackets. If you get one of those type KEEP THE BRACKETS OFF THE OLD ONE!

I had to find a set of brackets to put a PWR radiator in my Spec project since the old ones were long gone.

RJ

[scorn001]

The main reason I was against the OEM radiator is because I'd heard they cost $400+. If I can get the same one I have now for around $100 I'll do it. So I went to the mazdasport website, and it looks like you have to race in order to buy from them. Is this correct?

Thanks,

-Tim

[sammm]

. So I went to the mazdasport website, and it looks like you have to race in order to buy from them. Is this correct?

Yes. You have to send them results from 2 events yearly (Autcross counts)

[HudsonHawk]

I haven't looked at the NB radiators but the NA aftermarket ones have welded on side brackets. If you get one of those type KEEP THE BRACKETS OFF THE OLD ONE!

I had to find a set of brackets to put a PWR radiator in my Spec project since the old ones were long gone.

RJ

Raymond, I can tell/show you how to get those brackets off the aftermarket and reuse them for the PWR. I did it on my wife's 94.

[Billy Blaze]

PWR. They are pricy but they are good.

+1, you will never need another....i do still have my 99 OEM that i took out to put in my PWR double core should you be interested.