I just pulled out my stock Radiator and replaced it with a China built 50mm aluminium one (all to help address the overheating at high ambient temp w/AC on and 70mph+).
I have heard that the plastic tank NB radiator is only good for 10 years and assume it's the plastic that goes. The one I took out from my 2000 looks mint. Is there much evidence out there that these things die?

 

Was it the CXracing rad?

 

Mine died at 60k miles. Cracked where the end tank bonds with the aluminum.
It still looks mint.
In my dumpster.

 

130k miles on my NB, stock rad still works. Though it doesn't get super hot often up here.

 

Actually no, I picked up this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-04...#ht_1912wt_939

It's the same one Godless Commie has been running for a year or more with no issues and after seeing some pictures of his other work I think he kinda knows what works. (At least that's what I'm hoping)

My 2000 has 235,000Km (about 146,000 miles).

 

I think my rad sprung a little leak (may be drain o-ring but I don't care) just before my china 50-55mm rad went in, so 13 years and 148000km it lasted.

BTW do you run a fmic? I've only had heat issues (pre china rad) with my setup when it was ~34C and I was on the 401, 2.5 hrs into a 4 hr drive. Staying under 120 with the heater on full solved it for that drive but the wife wasn't happy, needless to say she was ok with the new rad purchase.