Radiator comparison: Mishimoto v Fluidune

[BurninRubb3r]

A customer at my uncles shop I work at was torn between the Mishimoto and Fluidyne radiators, so we ordered both and decided to write up a comparison for everyone.

These are for the 94-95 and 97 stangs, although I'm sure the rest are the same. We looked at 3 areas - the support plate, the shock resistance, and the radiator core. This was meant to be non-objective side-by-side comparison.


The Fluidyne:

The Mishimoto:

1: Support plate

The Fluidyne's support plate was 0.2mm in thickness, and the Mishimotos was 2.0mm (measured with a micrometer)

The Fluidyne also had no welding in the support plate, while the Mishimoto's was strongly welded.

The Mishimoto radiator plate has two layers, one is the support plate and the other is the side plate. The Mishimoto unit is much stronger.

2: Shock resistance

The Fluidyne has a hollow tube design, and the Mishimoto is a solid tube

3: The core

Mishimoto has a three row core as opposed to the Fluidyne's two row, enforcing the shock resistance of the Mishi even more.

Our conclusion:

Based on these factors in the visual side-by-side comparison, the Mishimoto appears to be the stronger unit and the better choice. From what I understand, Mishimoto used to have a two-row design, but changed it to the three row because the two-rows kept breaking. Fluidyne's were having the same problem, but clearly they have not yet switched designs to the more resistant three row.

 

[jromeo]

I have the fluidyne, 4 years and going. whats the cost between the too?

 

[yukisho]

Mishimoto - $300-$310
Fluidyne - $389-$$419

 

[jromeo]

Mishimoto - $300-$310
Fluidyne - $389-$$419

I guess I'll have a mishimoto if the fluidyne ever fails!

 

[Black Stampede]

My Griffin was around $160. I could buy 2 for the price of those things.

 

[Chythar]

My Griffin was around $160. I could buy 2 for the price of those things.

Is that an exact fit for the 94-95, or a universal? I haven't seen exact fit Griffin's go for that cheap.

 

[jromeo]

Is that an exact fit for the 94-95, or a universal? I haven't seen exact fit Griffin's go for that cheap.

back when I was pricing, they all were about the same price.
Now the mishimoto,didn't know about it untill today.

 

[Black Stampede]

Is that an exact fit for the 94-95, or a universal? I haven't seen exact fit Griffin's go for that cheap.

It's universal, but it fits perfect so idk why it would matter. Put it this way, if you can install a radiator in the first place you can handle getting a universal one.

 

[yukisho]

The prices I listed were for exact fit. The universal ones were significantly cheaper. Probably since the universal ones are more mass produced than the exact fit ones. It's just cost effective.

 

[ProKiller]

i can tell you though that mishimoto has some quality control issues they are still working out.

 

[BlueSaph95GT]

I am also torn between the two - mainly due to the "issues" with the mishimoto. Are there any confirmed cases of Mishi issues on Stangnet? Would like to see what the problems are before I lay down any money.

Also, anyone running a Canton expansion tank? Probably gonna upgrade that at the same time and add some shine to the engine bay

 

[Black Stampede]

Those are not the only two radiators that are made. And certainly not the only two decent ones.

 

[stprorolla49]

I am also torn between the two - mainly due to the "issues" with the mishimoto. Are there any confirmed cases of Mishi issues on Stangnet? Would like to see what the problems are before I lay down any money.

Also, anyone running a Canton expansion tank? Probably gonna upgrade that at the same time and add some shine to the engine bay

I had a problem with my Mishimoto last year and I called them up and the sent me a warrantee form for a brand new one, all I have to pay is $10 for shipping. I was leaving for school the next day and needed a rad, so I just got a stock replacement at the local auto parts store. During the time I had the Mishimoto, it worked great. It had the same peak coolness as a stock rad, but got there much slower, and cooled down much faster when the car was off. It ended up getting a small crack somewhere along one of the sides, and it leaked like a siv. I don't have my '95 anymore so this is water under the bridge, but I did really like the rad when I had it. Maybe they have gotten their issues under control since mine broke. Who knows, but it's definitely a quality built piece.

 

[BlueSaph95GT]

Those are not the only two radiators that are made. And certainly not the only two decent ones.

Feel free to share some names! I'm open to suggestions. I am, however, looking for something direct fit for an automatic transmission '95...which I think is limiting my options to these two primarily...

 

[95Vert383AOD]

Does this mean i can send my leaky Mishimoto back? I use a Visteon now....1 year and no leaks!!! I also noticed that my Mishimoto is alot heavier than my Visteon or the Granatelli ive used before.

 

[Venom351R]

Ive had my Mishimoto for one year now with no issues

 

[revhead347]

I got my radiator through Steeda. It's a C&R which is the company that makes all the NASCAR radiators. 6 years, no issues. I got it on sale for $369.

Kurt

 

[Black Stampede]

Feel free to share some names! I'm open to suggestions. I am, however, looking for something direct fit for an automatic transmission '95...which I think is limiting my options to these two primarily...

Griffin and Be Cool are the two myself and many I know have used and liked.