defective mishimoto radiator

[A. Jay]

I bought a mishimoto radiator (Mishimoto (86-92) Supra MK3 Aluminum Radiators - Manual) from horsepowerfreaks.com on 8/15/09 and didn't try to install it until two days ago and ran into multiple problems:

This is as close as I can get the stock shroud to the threads, and that's after taking the two ruber things off the bottom:

Also notice that the shroud is over half an inch longer than the radiator (on the left in the first pic).

I tried to see how the rad would fit in the engine bay, just to see if maybe it's worth modding:

It doesn't go all the way down...

... because when you get one side to match the rad support...

... the other side doesn't line up. I compared it to the stock rad:

Another thing, the shroud sits like 1/4" off the rad in some places when placed on top of the rad like in the first pic, I don't have a pic of this though.

From Mishimoto's site; the mkiii supra page (http://www.mishimoto.com/toyota-supra-performance-aluminum-radiator-86-92.html): "(...)Every Mishimoto aluminum radiator is a direct OEM fit, making installation effortless with no cutting or modification required(...)"

So when I make my warranty claim, should I ask for a replacement because this is a 1:1000 manufacturing defect, or should I ask for my money back because mishimoto rads suck? I'm leaning towards the latter since it says made in china on the box, and because I'm thinking that maybe I don't need an upgrade since it's going to be a daily driver in the bay area, going WOT to ~10 psi to impress a passenger every once in a while.

 

[mkIIIman089]

I would say that's what you get for not buying the much nicer and far superior PWR.

 

[GrimJack]

I've seen Mishi's that fit much better than that. And a replacement is going to be *much* easier to get.

I'd go for the replacement, and if you have problems with the next one, fall back to the refund.

 

[tissimo]

Its made by a 3 year old in china, what do you expect?

 

[Enraged]

make sure the vendor covers shipping.

 

[TurboStreetCar]

When did the mishimoto become garbage?

 

[Zumtizzle]

CONTACT Mishimoto.

They'll fix this.

Seems like a defect.

But you have to cut about 1/4" off of the lower supports. and a little off of the upper mounts.

 

[sethron71]

I run the mishi no issue here, I did receive the first one damaged but that was taken care of by the vendor. Both did not have the bottom fitment issue but I did not ever try the stock shroud but rather built a custom aluminum one. I would go for replacement as well if I were you they seem to be fairly good with this. O you will also find that the rad cap will touch the stock hood mat and wear it shiny over time.

HTH,
Seth

 

[Fletch124]

My mishimoto fits and works great!

 

[Zumtizzle]

Do not use the cap that came with it!

 

[becauseican]

I had fitment problems with CSF race rads too....again you get what you pay for. But yes you should return that as a defect, and see if they can upgrade to a Koyo as they fit perfect.

 

[A. Jay]

Its made by a 3 year old in china, what do you expect?

lol my thought exactly

make sure the vendor covers shipping.

"All products returned for warranty consideration must be returned to MP with all transportation expenses prepaid." That's what it says on the warranty paper that came with the radiator. Unless you mean HPF, but they have a 30-day policy and a 25% restocking fee. But yea, I'm definitely demanding that all my expenses be taken care of, it's their fault for outsourcing

CONTACT Mishimoto.

They'll fix this.

Seems like a defect.

But you have to cut about 1/4" off of the lower supports. and a little off of the upper mounts.

Doesn't sound very "OEM fit" to me, but for the price I'm willing to do that.

I run the mishi no issue here, I did receive the first one damaged but that was taken care of by the vendor. Both did not have the bottom fitment issue but I did not ever try the stock shroud but rather built a custom aluminum one. I would go for replacement as well if I were you they seem to be fairly good with this. O you will also find that the rad cap will touch the stock hood mat and wear it shiny over time.

HTH,
Seth

When you say "taken care of", do you mean that you didn't pay anymore than what you paid to get the first one?

Do not use the cap that came with it!

How come? And which should I use?

 

[sethron71]

Yes that is correct the vendor took care of the shipping for me and actually I did not send it back to Mishi but rather the vendor and they send me a new one and then were taking care of everything for me.

HTH,
Seth

 

[IJ.]

My PWR as received was about the same.... missing mounts misaligned mounts and just wrong, instead of pissing and moaning on a forum I contacted them took pics did a couple of tech drawings and sent it and a stock rad back so they could correct it at their end.

Might be worth a try in this case?

 

[Zumtizzle]

Doesn't sound very "OEM fit" to me, but for the price I'm willing to do that.

Okay Mister OEM Fit. You have to do that with the Koyo as well. Which this rad is a copy of.

How come? And which should I use?

If you want to replace your weakest hose, or Heater core keep that high pressure cap. Use a stock 87 or 89 Rad Cap. Go to Kragen and ask for both and figure out which one it is and return it. I forget the exact one.

Any other common sense questions?

 

[Zumtizzle]

My PWR as received was about the same.... missing mounts misaligned mounts and just wrong, instead of pissing and moaning on a forum I contacted them took pics did a couple of tech drawings and sent it and a stock rad back so they could correct it at their end.

Might be worth a try in this case?

Been said and done. This rad is just a mistake, probably just a problem with quality control.

I spoke with mishimoto and they got a hold of an Employees MA70 Supra and made changes to the Rad, and heater hoses.

 

[IJ.]

Maybe old stock from before the corrections were made?

 

[Zumtizzle]

Maybe old stock from before the corrections were made?

Nah.

The old one used to line up at the bottom pretty well.

Check out my super trick Zangoku Performance Radiator mounts!

 

[IJ.]

Nah.




The old one used to line up at the bottom pretty well.

Check out my super CRAP Zangoku Performance Radiator mounts!

fify

 

[Zumtizzle]

lol iwantmk3 used them on his new mishimoto when he blew that one.