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Mishimoto Radiator Upgrade. Opinions?

70K views 68 replies 32 participants last post by  Karlot  
#1 ·
So, next week I plan on replacing my radiator due to a crack and slow leak. As of now, I'm planning on getting the Mishimoto X-Line radiator, Mishimoto Silicone hoses, and T-Bolt clamps. Anyone one have any opinions on this, or have had this installed on their STI? If so, have you noticed any difference in improved engine functioning? Thanks guys.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Koyorad Aluminum Radiator
Blitz Radiator Caps
Subaru Blue Long Life Coolant
Subaru Conditioner
New OEM Thermostat
Silicone Radiator Hoses.


^ Thats my setup, and it's wonderful.

I had a few minor issues at first (Air working itself out) but now it's perfect.

IMHO, if you are spending money on the Xline, it is comparable in price to the Koyorad, just go for the better product with the better track record.

Install was CAKE. Probably one of the easier things to do. Time consuming, but super easy.

Image
 
#3 ·
Koyorad Aluminum Radiator
Blitz Radiator Caps
Subaru Blue Long Life Coolant
Subaru Conditioner
New OEM Thermostat
Silicone Radiator Hoses.


^ Thats my setup, and it's wonderful.

I had a few minor issues at first (Air working itself out) but now it's perfect.

IMHO, if you are spending money on the Xline, it is comparable in price to the Koyorad, just go for the better product with the better track record.
That's what I'm trying to find out. Mishimoto or Koyorad. Right now, I'm leaning towards Mishimoto because of other's opinions.
 
#8 ·
I have the 3 core mishimoto w/ the hoses, I live in the Middle East and its HOTTT the car runs cool dispite the extreme temps. Direct fit, fans bolt right up. I painted the top of mine just cause shinny radiators dont appeal to me but i did sand the name plate to stick out..... looks pretty good in my eyes. Pictures kinda dark but this is how it looks.

IMG_1916.jpg picture by austinbbmopar - Photobucket
 
#12 ·
Koyo is $50 more than the X-Line. I have no problem paying that if it is really better. Someone with an X-Line that does more than DD the car or that has had an X-Line and Koyo would be helpful here.

I have no dount the Koyo is better than the standard Mishimoto ... I do have doubts that its better than the X-line.
 
#15 ·
No legit Tracking. Some pretty hard driving on some desert middle of nowhere roads for extended periods probally around 20mins of hard abuse (LIWA, UAE) As well as 2 hard runs up Jabel Hafeet Al Ain, UAE its 12kms up a mountain w/ switch back turns and extreme altitude change, google that one and youll get the idea. I did drive the car to work at 100+mph for 89miles one way, everyday back and forth to work in the Middle East heat 120+ Sorry for no Dyno numbers yet but im sure my cars is a 400whp + car ill back that up soon runs 23lbs of boost and is water/meth t60r turboed the works. The radiator is up to the job
 
#17 ·
If I see more reviews like this I would give it a shot. Mountan runs in 100+ deg heat with no issues then it seems to be working.

I want these experiances and track experiances, some dude putting to work isnt really who anyone should be listening to on if a radiator works or not. The stock one works for that.

So anyone else actually USE an X-Line or have had both?
 
#16 ·
^^^ my point exactly...........I bought the two row mishimoto one cause the 3 row had not come out and even though it was good for DD, I would say better than stock, when it came down to the track it just did not cut it

for $50 extra I would rather get something thats proven.......especially when your heavy on boost for 25 mins at a time, 120F is not much compared to heat you will see at the track
 
#19 ·
Im sure if i had any issues past this i would probally start pointing the finger at the fans. I also didnt realize sustained 100+ mph drives were considered putting! lol Guess i should lean even more on that right foot! My stock one didnt work for putting to work in this heat.... it cracked!
Reading failure ..
 
#22 ·
^^^ unfortunately the xline wasnt out when I tested the 2-row "regular" mishimoto one.......everyone that I know owns the xline doesnt push the car in the way you or me would be interested in.................and as I said before, i believe the "regular" one outperforms the oem in DD conditions but doesnt hold up to track..............maybe I should just borrow a car with an xline and take it to the track ;) hahaha
 
#24 ·
I didn't mention. This car is strictly DD. I'm just looking to equip it with the best possible parts and an upgrade from the OEM radiator which cracked. My mechanic suggested upgrading to the Mishimoto X Line. The guy from the middle east has a good testimonial. He drives hard in very hot weather often. Seems like the product held the test under his severe sounding conditions.
 
#25 ·
thats why i posted.......even the "regular" mishimoto would be a good upgrade to the stock for DD so the xline would be even better.........for the track, not so much

I say for DD go with mishimoto (2 or 3 row, whatever floats your boat) as koyo would be overkill.......for track go with koyo as mishimoto would not hold up
 
#33 ·
Where I got my Koyo, the Xline was more expensive.

Xline= 352

OAKOS Automotive - STi & WRX Performance Parts: Mishimoto "X-Line" Radiator, 2002-2007 WRX & STi

Koyo= 325

OAKOS Automotive - STi & WRX Performance Parts: Koyo Polished Aluminum Racing Radiator, '03-'07 WRX & STi


This of course for the GD.

They list the Xline for the 08+ but don't have the Koyo.

OAKOS Automotive - STi & WRX Performance Parts: Mishimoto "X-Line" Radiator, 2008+ WRX & STi



Dont you just live price wars through different vendors?:lol::lol::lol:
 
#34 ·
Where I got my Koyo, the Xline was more expensive.

Xline= 352

OAKOS Automotive - STi & WRX Performance Parts: Mishimoto "X-Line" Radiator, 2002-2007 WRX & STi

Koyo= 325

OAKOS Automotive - STi & WRX Performance Parts: Koyo Polished Aluminum Racing Radiator, '03-'07 WRX & STi


This of course for the GD.

They list the Xline for the 08+ but don't have the Koyo.

OAKOS Automotive - STi & WRX Performance Parts: Mishimoto "X-Line" Radiator, 2008+ WRX & STi



Dont you just live price wars through different vendors?:lol::lol::lol:
lol what a joke ... I may call them about the GR/GV one. They aren't that different and if they can sell it for the GD for that price they can sell the newer one unless that is some close out pricing or something.

And then their Mishimoto price is higher than Cygnus. This is why I dont deal with this **** and get stuff from a few select people.
 
#40 ·
So... Mishimoto X-Line or Koyorad top model.

Ok, just about to pull the trigger on the order. Seems like popular opinion is Koyo. I'm going to get black Samco hoses and new T-Bolt clamps and I think the Greddy coolant cap.

Anyone wanna talk me out of Koyo. It seems like a flip of the coin. For DDing, the price is cheaper for the X-Line and I think it looks better under the hood, but the Koyo seems to be the Subaru choice. Any last ditch opinions welcome.
 
#42 ·
I have a GMS radiator, which is the exact same one as the Mishimoto. It's just a generic piece rebadged to suite the vendor. It's had 3 separate failures. Including tows it's cost me about ~$700-800 to run. It's one of my biggest part regrets on my car. That and the radiator hoses are the only knock off parts I have. Never again.