Mishimoto universal oil cooler kit questions
 

I was gifted a 10 row mishimoto universal oil kit. I was banking on ordering one from Z1 but i figured give this one a try. I am very grateful for the gift but after stalking the forum and searching through threads it seems like there are a lot of mixed reviews in terms of oil cooling. I am all over texas and my temps usually stay around 210-220 which is annoying in the 100 degree heat when you really want to have some spirited driving because the temps just shoot up.

I am almost for sure the 10 row wont cut at this point. I have seen people raving about the 34 row kits but I see complaints with people saying they have to block it off to allow temps to get warm enough and also the nightmare with the thermostatic plates failing. I found the mishimoto thread with the failed gaskets. My kit came with the non-thermo plate, so i a bit better in regards to that.

My plan is to just order in a 25 row radiator only, (sweet spot between 19-34 row, I guess) and get an aftermarket bracket to keep it nice and clean. I would assume universal radiators are interchangeable so i can still use the kit for all the plumbing. So I'm looking at probably $250 out or pocket for radiator and bracket hardware to make this work. I would hate to invest all this and find out i went down the wrong rabbit hole.


TLDR: Gifted an oil cooler - wasnt the one i planned on buying but should I try to make it work?

Anything sold by mishitmoto is not worth putting in your car. I'd bite the bullet and get a Z1 kit. With your current plan, you'd save 300 bucks if nothing goes wrong. It's a mishitmoto, so something will go wrong, you'll likely dump all your oil all over the road and be out 9k for a new motor and install.

10-row will do nothing for you. Did the cooler come with the AN fittings for the cooler itself?

People blocking off their coolers do so bc they live in colder climates. I don't think you'd have an issue with that in Texas.

The kit did come with the AN fittings for the cooler. I didn't realize the mishimoto parts had that bad of a reputation. I guess I could just return the kit and explain to them it wouldn't work with my setup or just quietly sell it on ebay.

I know a lot of people don't believe this but the temps actually do drop pretty good during texas winters. It is funny driving the z in fort worth with icy warning on the temperature screen. I guess guess waiting a little longer for temps to heat up is few and far between than keeping it cooler.

Thanks for the advice.

There is a reason why it's called Mishishitymoto. They have some spotty quality. Get a 34 row and call it a day. FI or Z1 are you best choices.

I built my own 34 row kit using quality AN fittings and lines and whatnot. Ended up costing more than if I bought the kit.

I've had a mishimoto oil cooler on my car for several years and have never had an issue (knock on wood). I got the cooler brand new for $200.00. It was an open box sale. I was sceptical about it, but its held up well. Keep in mind though my Z is a 2009 with only 25,000 miles. I drive it infrequently and have only tracked it twice at Road Atlanta during the Z Nationals. With that being said, if you decide to use it, I would highly recommend installing an oil pressure gauge and not utilizing the mishimoto thermostatic oil sandwhich plate.

Overall it works well. During the summer heat it keeps the temp between 180 and 200.

What is the problem with the sandwich plate? I know one guy on here had an issue with an o ring which was unfortunate but I'm sure they've probably sold thousands of them without any issues. I was wondering if there are other issues with it that I haven't heard about.

That's the only issue that I've seen as well. I know it's only one person, but it was a serious problem. If you choose to use the thermostatic plate, I would strongly suggest you install an oil pressure gauge. I'm still using the basic plate, which can be a pain in cooler weather. I usually block a portion of the cooler during the spring and fall. The car really doesn't leave the garage in the winter at all.

I do run an oil pressure gauge. I need a plate with 2- 1/8" npt ports and mishimoto is the only manufacturer that I could find that makes one. I'm in So. Cal. so I really don't need a thermostatic plate but it will bring the oil up to temp quicker.

If you get the plate. I would inspect the o-rings in it.

Mishishitymoto has spoty quality on their products over the years. The sandwich plates and radiators being the most common.