so this morning, i saw some coolant between the radiator's plastic and aluminum interface. Oh well, it's been 2 months since she sucked $$ out of my wallet..
checking Mazdatrix, I noted the following replacement radiator for sell:

86-88
2-row Metal M/T & A/T 867-RAD $267
2-row Plastic/Alum. M/T 15-200D-N326 $400

89-92
2-row Metal M/T & A/T 2006-RAD $233
2-row Plastic/Alum. M/T 15-2000-N350 $306

* any performance difference between the plastic and metal version?
* is the metal version drop-in replacement (I am not interested in the Fluidyne because it is not a drop-in fit)?
* can anyone tell me why the 89-92 radiators are cheaper? can I use the newer radiator? (currently my radiator has the pressure cap and overflow on the top of the radiator).

thanks for your feedback.

dewey

 

http://www.absoluteradiator.com/
$430 for a Fluidyne UPGRADE radiator



-Ted

 

Ted beat me to it The Fluidyne is a nice unit. I have one in my 91 vert and it is really nice. I have pics and an install write-up on my site under How-To's then under engine if you are interested.

 

Before I posted the question, I did some searches. Saw several recommendations for the Fluidyne radiators (including ted's old posts).

But...

also noted several conflicting notes. Some stated that this is not a drop-in replacement. Could you or anyone address this issue?

In specific -

1) the Fluidyne use 14psi cap, stock is 12psi. any issues?
2) the Fluidyne does not have bleeder hole...so how would one purge the system of air?
3) do the Fluidine mounting holes line up with stock mounting locations?
4) what about upper/lower rad hoses? is it compatible with stock hoses? (different hoses for diff year - which new one should I be getting?)
4) does it have outlet for the overflow tank hose?
5) would I be able to reinstall stock fan shroud/air box/etc????

I do not mind spending the money for quality product. However, I do want the fit to be as close to stock as possible.

thanks for the input

dewey

ted: oh...what's your progress on the FMIC kit?

 

Non-existant at this time - everything is on hold until we secure a shop space.&nbsp Our realtor is dicking with us right now...



-Ted

 

nice write up...nice site!

could you expand on my ??? above?

thanks again!

dewey

 

Go to my site and read the write-up and all of your answers are there. It is a bolt in replacement.

 

what is a "barb fitting"???? and where do you get this? McMaster Carr??

thanks,

dewey

 

I got it at the local auto parts store. It is 3/8 NPT thread in 1/4" size (if my memory serves me correctly.

Also I would recommend using the stock pressure cap, as the 16lbs one that came with the radiator made my water pump leak through the weep hole, hence I got to do a water pump replacement write-up

Overall this radiator is one of the best out there for bolt in replacement, and it is priced well for the quality you get. www.mazdaformance.com carries them as well, and that is where I got mine since I have dealt with Brian from there alot and they are very good.

 

Fluidyne- $415 saved you $15, lol.

 

You mean Fluidyne is selling direct now?


-Ted

 

No my dumbass forgot the link, lol:

http:///fluidalradfo1.html

 

Try again...that URL doesn't work.



-Ted

 

summitracing.com

The universal Howe radiator, 19inX22inX3in. Only $200, but you will have to fabricate a mounting location and probably go with an electric fan. That is what I am using and it works great, plus it has metal endtanks not plastic.

Kris

 

Damnit!

http:///alrad.html

 

WTF!?! Thats not what I typed. Here:

www. /alrad.html

 

Ok this forum doesn't like what I want to type.

http:// www. /alrad.html

 

**** it. Go to .com and then go to cooling and then to fluidyne radiators. Don't know why but it won't post the link I keep putting in. Think it doesn't allow for the other sites link on here.

 

****!!

rotor motor sports . com


There are no spaces in there but it won't let me do it without them.