The radiator thread
#1
Supporting Vendor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (33)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: atlanta-ish
Posts: 12,659
Total Cats: 134
The radiator thread
Why do I have the original radiator still? Before the hot weather rolls in, I think it's time to replace my 10 year old plastic radiator with something better suited for 3-4 times stock power. I can cruise at 205° on a hot day or 190° at the same speed on a cool day, so I know the this is due.
Considering the BEGi crossflow radiator. There's things I like about it. It should be a superior design. It's made in Texas. It was blessed by the GodFather. It has a big drawback though; it costs nearly $600 after the radiator cap and shipping. That makes it 2-3 times the cost of some of the popular competitors. Ouch!
I'm not totally adverse to spending that kind of money--my car's nice, and I've not been cheap about any of the other mods. Also, I typically prefer paying a little more for an american made product instead of getting something from china. But $600 vs $250 is a pretty glaring difference. What say ye, oh grand repository of wisdom.
Considering the BEGi crossflow radiator. There's things I like about it. It should be a superior design. It's made in Texas. It was blessed by the GodFather. It has a big drawback though; it costs nearly $600 after the radiator cap and shipping. That makes it 2-3 times the cost of some of the popular competitors. Ouch!
I'm not totally adverse to spending that kind of money--my car's nice, and I've not been cheap about any of the other mods. Also, I typically prefer paying a little more for an american made product instead of getting something from china. But $600 vs $250 is a pretty glaring difference. What say ye, oh grand repository of wisdom.
#4
Cpt. Slow
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 14,204
Total Cats: 1,138
Although I'll never buy our cars, I'm growing more and more fond of the whole "made in America" thing. I'm a machinist and seeing some of the crap coming out of China and work we're loosing to them is depressing. However I had no choice because of my budget and bought my Mishimoto. It's great, as everyone else will say, but not perfect. Sav reached the limit of his fairly easily on the track. But you don't track yours, do you? I'd say the chineese ones are perfect for you, but if you must buy American, there's only a few options. Isn't that radiatorbarn.com nonexistant? Koyo is American.
#5
Supporting Vendor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (33)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: atlanta-ish
Posts: 12,659
Total Cats: 134
No doubt a godspeed (chinese et all) radiator is better than a stock radiator. I'm more interested in knowing if a BEGi crossflow is better than a chinese radiator, in a real world environment.
I am not terribly worried about $350 extra in the course of $10,000--if there is reason to spend it. I'm not rich, but I don't believe in cheaping out. If the BEGi item is notably better, I will buy it. I prefer American made stuff.
My last miata got a Griffin radiator. More expensive than one from china, but it was beautiful and made in America. Had some very minor fitment issues--wasn't a big deal, just worth mentioning. The BEGi crossflow isn't terribly more expensive than another Griffin.
I am not terribly worried about $350 extra in the course of $10,000--if there is reason to spend it. I'm not rich, but I don't believe in cheaping out. If the BEGi item is notably better, I will buy it. I prefer American made stuff.
My last miata got a Griffin radiator. More expensive than one from china, but it was beautiful and made in America. Had some very minor fitment issues--wasn't a big deal, just worth mentioning. The BEGi crossflow isn't terribly more expensive than another Griffin.
#6
The Godspeed and Mishimoto radiators work, on the street and in some track cars and work well. Really not much to improve on. Here in South Florida my Godspeed works perfectly and my temps are perfect. And as for duribility, I believe I was one of the first to try the Godspeed and that was 2+ years ago. It's still going strong.
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
#7
The Godspeed and Mishimoto radiators work, on the street and in some track cars and work well. Really not much to improve on. Here in South Florida my Godspeed works perfectly and my temps are perfect. And as for duribility, I believe I was one of the first to try the Godspeed and that was 2+ years ago. It's still going strong.
#8
I have wanted the Springfield Dyno , but I didn't want to spend that much at the time need other parts more that a radiator. So I put in a Mishimoto the fit was ok. But you get what you pay for. So far it is working fine , soon to be track tested. If I do up grade it will be the Springfield $599. I think it the best one out there.
#9
Former Vendor
iTrader: (31)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 15,442
Total Cats: 2,100
We've been fiddling with a couple of prototype radiators. One single-row triple-pass radiator, one dual-row triple-pass. Radiator caps on the low-pressure (driver's) side, like they should be. Made in the USA as well. PM me for specific price info ($500 range).
All of these photos are of the single-row, the dual-row is identical except for thickness.
Single row installed:
Dual row installed:
All of these photos are of the single-row, the dual-row is identical except for thickness.
Single row installed:
Dual row installed:
#14
Former Vendor
iTrader: (31)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 15,442
Total Cats: 2,100
We can do fan mounts for both OEM fans but it adds ~$65 to the price tag. They are designed as race radiators, so we suggest using high-flow fans and shrouds vs. the OEM pieces. We can place a set of 4 bungs for attaching a shroud or a single 12-14" high-flow fan for ~$35.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
stoves
Suspension, Brakes, Drivetrain
5
04-21-2016 03:00 PM