1st Gen Radiator Question

So, the part of my radiator where the upper hose clamps to has about gone to crap (probably due to the radiator hose exploding off of it after I did my bodylift and did not know I needed a longer radiator hose), so I am looking at replacing the radiator. While I am in that frame of mind, I decided I would go ahead and upgrade to the supercharged radiator since I hear it is better (thicker = better...?). My question is, is there really any discernable reason why the OEM one from the supercharged X (that runs a whopping $466!!!!!!!) is better than an aftermarket one I can get from Parts Geek or Radiator Barn for $113-$120?

From what I have read, when people do the swap, they get the replacement one from Rockauto, or wherever you want to order from, and not the OEM one.

Just get an aftermarket. I'm in Texas and my X dropped 10* with the swap; NMXterra has done the same with similar results. Also, check out RockAuto.com. Last time I checked, it was about $90 for the radiator.

I agree just get the rockauto one. Thats what i did and i havent had a single issue. easy take out and drop the new sc one in.

I did the swap many yrs ago. I think I got it from either Advanced Auto or Auto Zone.

I'm a big fan of Calsonic Kansei radiators (they make the OE ones for Nissan) so I coughed up the extra coin for one. There is a clear difference in construction quality but one could probably buy three lesser radiators for the price of a single OE one.

I think mine was radiator barn or some such. Bout a hunnert bux. Thicker IS better. Best mod ever.

Whats with all the people talking about upper rad hoses? Mine is still plenty loose and has movement.

Old thread revived! So I did end up buying the S/C radiator from Rock Auto, $80, YES!!!!, but I think I am going to hold off on the install for the moment... I need to do my timing belt change sometime in the near future, so I will do it then. Until then, where did you guys get your Timing Belt Kit from? I am thinking this one is what I need, but just wanted to check real quick:

GATES Part # TCKWP249 #WPK43255 PowerGrip Premium OE Timing Belt Component Kit W/Water Pump Interference engine application


Or do I need this one??



Is there anything else I need to get? I figured I would replace the lower radiator hose at the same time (already did the upper). Is there anything else that I maybe should do at that time as well?

I went with OEM Nissan parts (many highly recommend this). Many buy them from Courtesy Parts.
[LINK to 2002-2004 Timing Belt Kit]

I bought all mine from the dealership. Timing belt, water pump, tensioner, gaskets, drive belts, pretty much everything they said should be replaced w/ a timing belt service. In your neck of the woods, run over to POMOCO over on Mercury Blvd and see what they can do for you...and then PM me. I may be able to help w/ some of it.

Gotcha, will do! I gotta call them anyways to see if anything on my X has been recalled... so far as I know, it has never been to the dealer for service. I bought it from a mechanic and I do all of my own maintenance.

EDIT: Holy crap... $408.30 in just parts!! There goes my bumper I was about to pull the trigger on