Radiator: Koyo vs PWR vs Mishimoto vs

oversteer · 11-04-2009, 10:54 PM

I would like to maximum cooling efficiency from the largest and best stock location replacement rad available. My FMIC blocks a lot of airflow and on the track the coolant temps start to climb after a few laps.

Is there a consensus as to which company makes the highest quality, best performing rads for our cars?

These are the brands I have found.
Koyo
PWR
Mishimoto
Fluidyne
Ron Davis - not sure

rexman2002 · 11-04-2009, 10:57 PM

Koyo, Fluidyne are good brands. Mishimoto is the cheaper one, but still a lot of folks run it without issues.

I've had a fluidyne radiator in my civic for over 9 years, still works great.

DN1911 · 11-04-2009, 11:48 PM

we had a car traded in at our dealership with the Mishimoto setup including hoses. the only thing i noticed was the upper hose was rubbing the PS Pulley. maybe could have been avoided by trimming the hose some more. looked nice though

jamal · 11-05-2009, 02:22 AM

can't go wrong with koyo or pwr. I don't know if there's a ron davis subaru fitment.

mishimoto is trash.

fastwrx25 · 11-05-2009, 05:04 AM

my fluidyne is very nice high quality piece. single row.

06mattsti · 11-05-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamal

can't go wrong with koyo or pwr. I don't know if there's a ron davis subaru fitment.

mishimoto is trash.

Please explain, I assume you have had experience?

I've never seen anyone disappointed with their Mishimoto Rad. in a Subaru. Best bang for the buck, thats for sure.

GT35RHybrid · 11-05-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamal

can't go wrong with koyo or pwr. I don't know if there's a ron davis subaru fitment.

mishimoto is trash.

Name brand fanboi.

It works great. I have the GMS which is very similar if not the same. Minimal hose trimming....fit like a glove.

scprs · 11-05-2009, 10:16 AM

^yea mine has worked great so far almost a thousand k with no trouble on a new build

06mattsti · 11-05-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT35RHybrid

Name brand fanboi.

It works great. I have the GMS which is very similar if not the same. Minimal hose trimming....fit like a glove.

I was contemplating the GMS but I was really iffy on it. I went ahead with the Mishimoto but I have heard more and more good things about the GMS.

GT35RHybrid · 11-05-2009, 10:43 AM

The GMS and the Mishimoto are virtually the same from what I can tell. But the GMS is cheaper

N8WRX · 11-05-2009, 10:51 AM

I have a Mishimoto on my ej207 swap and i couldnt be any happier with it, im going to also be getting there aluminum rad surround with fans, great product and the best bang for your buck.

gtasti · 11-05-2009, 11:27 AM

also have the mishimoto with hoses no rubbing at all

also did the grimmspeed 160 t-stat

kpluiten · 11-05-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oversteer

I would like to maximum cooling efficiency from the largest and best stock location replacement rad available. My FMIC blocks a lot of airflow and on the track the coolant temps start to climb after a few laps.

Is there a consensus as to which company makes the highest quality, best performing rads for our cars?

These are the brands I have found.
Koyo
PWR
Mishimoto
Fluidyne
Ron Davis - not sure

My uncle was the design engineer at Ron Davis. I can tell you without a doubt, they are the highest quality radiator your money can buy. I've been to the manufacturing facility and it is amazing. The attention to detail would blow you mind. Everything is precisely fitted and welded. Everyone is hand built.

Their cores are specially designed to tumble the coolant as it rounds the bends. This prevents a boundry layer of cool liquid from forming while the center liquid remains hotter.

While he worked there, I know they made radiators for a dozen or so nascar teams, the majority of the trophie trucks as well as specialized cars like Lambos and other custom one-offs. Chip Foose, Boyd Codinton (spelling) and Jesse James all buy these parts because they are both high performance as well as amazing aestetics. Once on his show Monster Garage, Jesse James said he would only use Ron Davis on his cars.

They are pricy, but they are great. Also can be hard to get sometimes as they are a smaller operation and get a lot of orders.

aaronmsadler · 11-05-2009, 11:49 AM

^^^^^

the suicidal eggroll · 11-05-2009, 12:04 PM

I've heard many claims that the GMS and Mishimoto radiators are actually less efficient than the stocker, and people saw a corresponding increase in coolant temps and/or occasional overheating that they never saw with the stocker. They have also had leaks, welds breaking, etc.

Just something to keep in mind.

gtasti · 11-05-2009, 12:05 PM

thats a nice rad for 550 hes asking now

dub c · 11-05-2009, 12:25 PM

I know the drain valve on my buddys Mishimoto always leaks...

I'm interested in hearing more about the GMS and Mishimoto rads though...efficiency wise compared to the Koyo's and Oem radiators...

N8WRX · 11-05-2009, 12:27 PM

with my mishimoto currently i have only 1 of the rad fans hooked up cause the other is making a hell of a noise (hence why im going to get there rad shroud) but ive never overheated and ive taken 200+ mile trips non stop and my temps are all lower than normal operating temps. I also have the stock ej207 thermostat in there and using GMS rad hoses.

PS: never had a leak

rexworx · 11-05-2009, 12:47 PM

Ive been running the GMS radiator and 160 degree thermostat for about 6000+ miles. I have no complaints. Works great. I put a peice of cardboard in front it on cold night, if Im going for a long cruise on the highway. "40s and below"

haberkorn · 11-05-2009, 01:12 PM

I've had the mishimoto in my car for 2k now and have absolutely no problems with it. The peice of **** stocker cracked at 55k so I replaced it with the mishimoto. It fit perfect and I've had absolutely no increase in running temp's, it actually runs cooler according to the gauge on the dash.

carl s. · 11-05-2009, 01:21 PM

we have a mishimoto on our stage rally car - took a hell of a beating all year long at events like Ojibwe and LSPR and functioned fine for us

BLACK-OUT · 11-05-2009, 01:28 PM

I had a mishimoto w/hose kit in my 95 Talon, dropped right it, fans bolted to it perfectly, one of the better investments I made

except 2 weeks later i sold the car to buy my sti do'h

oversteer · 11-05-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the suicidal eggroll

I've heard many claims that the GMS and Mishimoto radiators are actually less efficient than the stocker, and people saw a corresponding increase in coolant temps and/or occasional overheating that they never saw with the stocker. They have also had leaks, welds breaking, etc.

Exactly my concern

MY budget is $600 and I want the best rad possible. Looks like I should stick with a Koyo or PWR.

the suicidal eggroll · 11-05-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oversteer

Exactly my concern

MY budget is $600 and I want the best rad possible. Looks like I should stick with a Koyo or PWR.

Get the Ron Davis rad that guy is selling a few posts up! $550 incl fans

aaronmsadler · 11-05-2009, 01:43 PM

I'm guessing that is already gone at the price. Literally a "steal."

11-04-2009, 10:54 PM	#1
oversteer Scooby Newbie Member#: 14923 Join Date: Feb 2002 Vehicle: 2007 Subaru turbo	Radiator: Koyo vs PWR vs Mishimoto vs I would like to maximum cooling efficiency from the largest and best stock location replacement rad available. My FMIC blocks a lot of airflow and on the track the coolant temps start to climb after a few laps. Is there a consensus as to which company makes the highest quality, best performing rads for our cars? These are the brands I have found. Koyo PWR Mishimoto Fluidyne Ron Davis - not sure

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11-04-2009, 10:57 PM	#2
rexman2002 Scooby Specialist Member#: 140244 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago Vehicle: 97 civic JRSC'd/// ///02 WRX	Koyo, Fluidyne are good brands. Mishimoto is the cheaper one, but still a lot of folks run it without issues. I've had a fluidyne radiator in my civic for over 9 years, still works great.

11-04-2009, 11:48 PM	#3
DN1911 Scooby Newbie Member#: 184461 Join Date: Jul 2008 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: West Lafayette Vehicle: 2006 WRX Black	we had a car traded in at our dealership with the Mishimoto setup including hoses. the only thing i noticed was the upper hose was rubbing the PS Pulley. maybe could have been avoided by trimming the hose some more. looked nice though

11-05-2009, 02:22 AM	#4
jamal Scooby Specialist Member#: 71875 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Compton Vehicle: 98 2.5GT my wheels fit	can't go wrong with koyo or pwr. I don't know if there's a ron davis subaru fitment. mishimoto is trash.

11-05-2009, 05:04 AM	#5
fastwrx25 Scooby Specialist Member#: 126441 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: california Vehicle: 02 bugeye	my fluidyne is very nice high quality piece. single row.

11-05-2009, 10:16 AM	#8
scprs Scooby Specialist Member#: 172359 Join Date: Feb 2008 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: virginia Vehicle: 2003 hybrid 255/305 Aspen White	^yea mine has worked great so far almost a thousand k with no trouble on a new build

11-05-2009, 10:43 AM	#10
GT35RHybrid Scooby Newbie Member#: 223237 Join Date: Sep 2009 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Boonies	The GMS and the Mishimoto are virtually the same from what I can tell. But the GMS is cheaper

11-05-2009, 10:51 AM	#11
N8WRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 99395 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine Vehicle: 2003 WRX V7 JDM STI WRB	I have a Mishimoto on my ej207 swap and i couldnt be any happier with it, im going to also be getting there aluminum rad surround with fans, great product and the best bang for your buck.

11-05-2009, 11:27 AM	#12
gtasti Scooby Specialist Member#: 152036 Join Date: Jun 2007 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ontario Vehicle: 2004 Sti PSM	also have the mishimoto with hoses no rubbing at all also did the grimmspeed 160 t-stat

11-05-2009, 11:49 AM	#14
aaronmsadler Scooby Specialist Member#: 133597 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: On the links Vehicle: 2006 STiStageCatless Clubs baby seals too!	^^^^^

11-05-2009, 12:04 PM	#15
the suicidal eggroll NASIOC Supporter Member#: 51961 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: San Antonio, TX Vehicle: 2005 STi 2001 Nissan Sentra	I've heard many claims that the GMS and Mishimoto radiators are actually less efficient than the stocker, and people saw a corresponding increase in coolant temps and/or occasional overheating that they never saw with the stocker. They have also had leaks, welds breaking, etc. Just something to keep in mind.

11-05-2009, 12:05 PM	#16
gtasti Scooby Specialist Member#: 152036 Join Date: Jun 2007 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ontario Vehicle: 2004 Sti PSM	thats a nice rad for 550 hes asking now

11-05-2009, 12:25 PM	#17
dub c NASIOC Supporter Member#: 145069 Join Date: Apr 2007 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Calgary, Alberta, CANADA Vehicle: 2003 impreza wrx WRB	I know the drain valve on my buddys Mishimoto always leaks... I'm interested in hearing more about the GMS and Mishimoto rads though...efficiency wise compared to the Koyo's and Oem radiators...

11-05-2009, 12:27 PM	#18
N8WRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 99395 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine Vehicle: 2003 WRX V7 JDM STI WRB	with my mishimoto currently i have only 1 of the rad fans hooked up cause the other is making a hell of a noise (hence why im going to get there rad shroud) but ive never overheated and ive taken 200+ mile trips non stop and my temps are all lower than normal operating temps. I also have the stock ej207 thermostat in there and using GMS rad hoses. PS: never had a leak

11-05-2009, 12:47 PM	#19
rexworx Scooby Specialist Member#: 103232 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: StraitCuts go Wheeeeeeeee!!! Vehicle: GDA Built 2.5hybrid AKA SLEEPYBEAR soblowme	Ive been running the GMS radiator and 160 degree thermostat for about 6000+ miles. I have no complaints. Works great. I put a peice of cardboard in front it on cold night, if Im going for a long cruise on the highway. "40s and below"

11-05-2009, 01:12 PM	#20
haberkorn Scooby Specialist Member#: 97732 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Denver Colorado Vehicle: 2004 WRX STi PSM	I've had the mishimoto in my car for 2k now and have absolutely no problems with it. The peice of **** stocker cracked at 55k so I replaced it with the mishimoto. It fit perfect and I've had absolutely no increase in running temp's, it actually runs cooler according to the gauge on the dash.

11-05-2009, 01:21 PM	#21
carl s. Scooby Specialist Member#: 119034 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: MN Vehicle: 04 Open Light STI	we have a mishimoto on our stage rally car - took a hell of a beating all year long at events like Ojibwe and LSPR and functioned fine for us

11-05-2009, 01:28 PM	#22
BLACK-OUT Scooby Newbie Member#: 197256 Join Date: Dec 2008 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Manchester, NH Vehicle: 2006 Impreza WRX STi WR Blue	I had a mishimoto w/hose kit in my 95 Talon, dropped right it, fans bolted to it perfectly, one of the better investments I made except 2 weeks later i sold the car to buy my sti do'h

11-05-2009, 01:43 PM	#25
aaronmsadler Scooby Specialist Member#: 133597 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: On the links Vehicle: 2006 STiStageCatless Clubs baby seals too!	I'm guessing that is already gone at the price. Literally a "steal."