| I posted this awhile back. The prices might be a little different, but except for the long-awaited AshSpec dual pass, I believe the list is complete: Hardcore Track
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SPL Parts McCulloch Custom Radiator - $500-$600
This unit is considered by a significant number of TT.Net members to be the best overall radiator for the most severe track duty. IMO it is overkill for most street applications.\ Sard - $490 I don’t know much about this one, it is a brass core radiator and like SPL, I think it is way too big and costly for most normal street duty applications.
Performance Street/Track
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Howe $325-$345 from IPP, Z-1, and others. All of these higher capacity units sit about one inch higher in the stock mounting locations thereby requiring the use of a taller radiator bracket ($15/pair @Z-1); or use the MegaZ air guide ($50 and up) to secure radiator top; however, the nylon hood prop clips function is lost. AMS $295-$325
Like the other high capacity radiators, this unit also sits higher than OEM and requires the use of taller mounting brackets and/or a home fabricated piece to secure top of the radiator. Koyo $315 CZP
Drop in fitment, replacement except for top mounting brackets. There are two sets available: The first are simple brackets at $45/pair (@CZP); the second, also from CZP consists of a full top enclosure of polished stainless costing around $100. Mishimoto $225 CZP
This radiator is well known in Japan, but newer here in the US. By all reports it is very similar to Koyo and Howe, however at a significant cost savings. Given a lower price, I could not find any negative reports to indicate the discount came with any performance or fitment downside. Note on the long standing debate on Howe vs. Koyo, et al. - Howe has a half liter capacity advantage, however, many members counter by claiming the Koyo design is more efficient. Suffice it to say both are very good pieces and exceed most reasonable street applications. Any functional differences between any of these types of radiators are most likely only germane only to hardcore tracking applications; and at that level, owners have probably already formed an opinion the best radiator for their requirements. Top Brackets and Air Guides All of the larger capacity radiators are going to require the use of taller top brackets to secure the unit in place. Brackets range from polished and chromed designer items costing in the neighborhood of $50-$100, down to homemade aluminum sheet and extruded stock fabricated to secure the radiator to the upper body cross member. Prop Rod Clips - The use of non-OEM brackets requires that you find a way to secure the hood prop rod. Some 300ZX specific brackets and air guides have made allowances for this and are plug-and-play. However, many other types do not have retaining clips, and you will want to be aware of this when selecting a method of securing the radiator in the car. Problems with Fan Shroud Fitment - Because the high capacity units are physically larger [and thicker] they sometimes require trimming of shrouds and hose ends to compensate for their increased size. None of these issues were presented as anything more than an inconvenience. However, if you are replacing your stocker in the apartment building parking lot, and its twenty degrees outside, even a minor inconvenience can sometimes present itself to be a major PITA.
Street Replacements
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Calsonic $218 -$235
This radiator is made by the OEM Nissan vendor who provides the standard issue Z32 TT Euro-spec radiator (16% cap increase). It uses all stock brackets and shrouds. I believe it is sometimes referred to as the ‘NISMO’ radiator. A few members living in the desert Southwest report the unit performs very well even in extreme temperatures of 110’F. plus. Given it uses all the stock hardware; this would be my choice for a quick and easy drop-in replacement when mechanical abilities are limited. OEM Replacement: $200 - $400 at the dealer.
What’s to say here? For most people, this radiator is all they are ever going to need. Chinese Off-Brands – Well you probably already know what I think about them, so lets just say, “Buyer beware.”
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08:33:18 05/21/13
