Anyone tested Mishimoto, CSF and Zionsville radiators?

[kokgo20]

Anyone tested all 3 radiators in a bout the same conditions and how was the performance?
let me add, I’m mostly interested in track only high heat operations

[r4dr]

Interested too. Here's a related topic: https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...recommendation

[R60BBA]

CSF is the best.

Mishimoto is cheap, never heard of Zionsville.

Note a fully functioning OE radiator is just as good as a CSF for road driving. Only on track are the benefits of the CSF reaped.

[Obioban]

I'd also point out that all of them all downgrades from stock if you're not having overheating issues, as all of them are heavier... on the nose of the car (worst possible place).

I never have coolant temps go past noon 12:00 with a reasonably fresh OE rad, on track with 352rwhp.

All rads get worse with time, as the fins bend and dirt gets in there. I suspect a lot of people end up comparing new aftermarket to 15-20 year old stock and conclude that the aftermarket rad cools better than the stock one.

Related: I'm selling a CSF oil cooler for $400, if anyone is interested. This car has more trouble with oil temps that coolant temps, so, if you're going to aftermarket cooling anywhere, that seems like the place to me

[pawa_k2001]

I have been running a Mishimoto radiator for a few years now, love it. I deleted the mechanical fan and didn't replace it with a electric fan, zero issues. The new Mishimoto radiator is really good, they got a bad name with their crap previous version radiator.

Tested the Mishimoto at Road Atlanta, VIR and CMP. Even on very warm and humid days, no issue.

[midnighted]

I've had temp issues with a CSF radiator. Now I was SC'd at the time, but no matter how many times I bled it (using a vacuum tool), on a hot summer day with the ac on it would always go to red before I'd have to run the heat to get it back down again.

[r4dr]

I've had temp issues with a CSF radiator. Now I was SC'd at the time, but no matter how many times I bled it (using a vacuum tool), on a hot summer day with the ac on it would always go to red before I'd have to run the heat to get it back down again.

Strange. And swapping the radiator out fixed this?

[WOLFN8TR]

I've had temp issues with a CSF radiator.

Not the first time I've heard that about CSF, seems it's hit or miss with them. Unfortunately the M3Forum is no longer to provide links as to such.

[DI46LO]

FWIW I remember seeing posts on M3F complaining about the CSF. If I'm remembering there was a lot of praise for the Zionsville but it's also pretty expensive. I'd just stick with OE like Obi said

[kokgo20]

Thanks guys for the info
actually I could have mentioned that I’m Supercharged and just added an intercooler recently, I have Mishimoto radiator with stock AUX fan and the highest CFM Spal fan, temps are pretty good on the street in hot summer with AC on.
I want to go back and hit the track and don’t want any hiccups, so I was just checking all options and possibilities first.

[Obioban]

Thanks guys for the info
actually I could have mentioned that I’m Supercharged and just added an intercooler recently, I have Mishimoto radiator with stock AUX fan and the highest CFM Spal fan, temps are pretty good on the street in hot summer with AC on.
I want to go back and hit the track and don’t want any hiccups, so I was just checking all options and possibilities first.

Zionville is your best option... which may or not be enough.

[pawa_k2001]

Thanks guys for the info
actually I could have mentioned that I’m Supercharged and just added an intercooler recently, I have Mishimoto radiator with stock AUX fan and the highest CFM Spal fan, temps are pretty good on the street in hot summer with AC on.
I want to go back and hit the track and don’t want any hiccups, so I was just checking all options and possibilities first.

If you have a quality radiator(not pre-revised Mishimoto) and you are still having cooling issues, I don't think another radiator will help. Look into heat extraction.

[midnighted]

Strange. And swapping the radiator out fixed this?

I ended up selling the SC (ESS VT-525 kit) and then eventually sold the CSF and went back to an OE radiator, going to go CSL airbox eventually instead now heh

[Hyperboost]

Zionsville is the best option! They will have a sale during Black Friday if you are patient.
The core is the best quality and American made.
It is expensive but it's nice for a peace of mind and the added bling! I run this on my car now.

my old E46 M3 was supercharged with an old OEM radiator and electric fan ran just fine. I was doing track days with it and the temp was cool. Like Obi said, the issue is the oil temp, it goes up very HIGH!
Our coolant temp gauge is not the most accurate since they have a buffer.

[kokgo20]

Zionsville is the best option! They will have a sale during Black Friday if you are patient.
The core is the best quality and American made.
It is expensive but it's nice for a peace of mind and the added bling! I run this on my car now.

my old E46 M3 was supercharged with an old OEM radiator and electric fan ran just fine. I was doing track days with it and the temp was cool. Like Obi said, the issue is the oil temp, it goes up very HIGH!
Our coolant temp gauge is not the most accurate since they have a buffer.

I have the coolant gauge buffering fixed and as well as a digital gauge to be precise on readings

I might actually remove the oil thermostat