Hi all,

I have been researching safety mods and saw the one about replacing the stock AST because of the stock ones cracking at the seams. I see that my three options are an aftermarket AST tank, AST delete, or new OEM AST (and plan on replacing every 5 years or so).

I want to keep completely stock so called Ray at Malloy for pricing on a new OEM tank. Ray said that the new OEM AST tanks from Mazda were strengthened and are better than the ones that came with the car and it will not crack on me.

What I did not find in my search is if I need to replace mine even though I only have about 19,000 original miles? I was thinking maybe time was a factor as well with the tank plastic becoming brittle as the car is 20 years old?

Any help appreciated,
Drew

 

AST tanks were failure prone even when new. At least that's my recollection.

 

I understand what your saying with keeping it completely OEM but i'd still go with one of the better built aluminum AST Replacements. It gives you one last thing to worry about and for me at least i'd still consider it 100% stock.

19,000 original miles that's amazing! hard to find FD's That low on the odometer. Although your car has very low Miles on it that AST has been Siting in the car for 20+ years shrinking and expanding i strongly suggest you replace.

Cheers

 

I do understand the desire to keep the car in stock form, but if for no other reason than piece of mind grab an aluminum AST, if you're touchy about the OEM look powder coat it matte black and odds are nobody will ever know the difference unless they know what to look for. And lets face it, the price will be at worst the same, if not better after all of that.

In any case congrats on you're wonderful find, read the FAQ's and take good care of you're new baby, and welcome to the club

 

^Sounds like you already have your answer Drew....

*You want it completely stock.
*Ray says the new stock ones are better than original and won't break. And he's someone that should know.
*Your's is one of the old stock ones.
*Replace it with a new stock one.

 

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

The radiator is also known to rupture, the plastic end tanks that is. The Ron Davis/mazdaspeed radiator I believe is a direct drop in. If I had it to do over again I would use it over the koyo which I still thought was difficult. Do all the radiator lines while you are at it and most of your cooling reliability mods will be done. Good luck. The aluminum Pettit ast looks great even though its not stock. Very easy to overlook in the engine bay.

 

Why not just delete it? All you need is a FC filler neck attachment part and route directly to it.

 

I would just go with an aluminum AST and have it powdercoated matte black. You wouldnt want that plastic tank cracking while you are driving the car. Its not worth the hassle of a tow truck or blown coolant seal.