What's a good OEM equivalent radiator? Worth going all aluminum (stage 1 max)?

carcar123454321 · 08-10-2023, 03:13 PM

I seem to read bad reviews about almost every OEM replacement radiator (plastic ends/fittings). Anyone suggest a brand (CSF, Nissen, Mahle)? Is it worth going all aluminum for peace of mind? They're quite expensive as you know...$500 is about the lowest decent quality (CSF).

Thanks!

amg6975 · 08-14-2023, 03:28 PM

Nissen probably makes the OEM rad. Get a CSF for the aluminum end tanks.

carcar123454321 · 08-16-2023, 12:15 PM

My leak was a small seep at a seam about 1 inches long. Humorously, I decided to temporarily try to patch it by roughing up and JB Welding it (just the Quick Set JB Weld)---did one thick layer and one more on top. I've driven it now about 50 miles with no issues whatsoever. I don't think this would work for a big leak, but for a seep on a plastic part you can get to, I'm pretty impressed.

I'm still replacing it of course, but I half want to drive for another 100 miles just to see ;-)

08-10-2023, 03:13 PM	#1
carcar123454321 Private 15 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 135i, Solstice GXP, Subaru Leg Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	What's a good OEM equivalent radiator? Worth going all aluminum (stage 1 max)? I seem to read bad reviews about almost every OEM replacement radiator (plastic ends/fittings). Anyone suggest a brand (CSF, Nissen, Mahle)? Is it worth going all aluminum for peace of mind? They're quite expensive as you know...$500 is about the lowest decent quality (CSF). Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-14-2023, 03:28 PM	#2
amg6975 Captain 496 Rep 642 Posts Drives: '12 M1.5, '05 ZHP, '98 M3/4/5 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	Nissen probably makes the OEM rad. Get a CSF for the aluminum end tanks.
	Appreciate 1 carcar12345432115.00 Quote

08-16-2023, 12:15 PM	#3
carcar123454321 Private 15 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 135i, Solstice GXP, Subaru Leg Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	My leak was a small seep at a seam about 1 inches long. Humorously, I decided to temporarily try to patch it by roughing up and JB Welding it (just the Quick Set JB Weld)---did one thick layer and one more on top. I've driven it now about 50 miles with no issues whatsoever. I don't think this would work for a big leak, but for a seep on a plastic part you can get to, I'm pretty impressed. I'm still replacing it of course, but I half want to drive for another 100 miles just to see ;-)
	Appreciate 0 Quote