Page 2 - Monthly Archives: August 2014

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Mishimoto Subaru WRX Performance Aluminum Radiator

Now that we had our first prototype unit in, it was time to evaluate fitment and determine if any changes were necessary when compared to the stock unit. First, we swapped the shrouds to see if any fitment issues existed because of the added size of the Mishimoto unit.

Mishimoto prototype 1 (right) fan shroud fitment

Mishimoto prototype 1 (top) fan shroud fitment

Both the stock and Mishimoto plug-n-play aluminum fan shrouds fit perfectly with the mounting points on our prototype radiator. After verifying this fitment, we installed the prototype in the vehicle to ensure that all other fitment points were spec'd correctly.

Mishimoto prototype 1 installed

Mishimoto prototype 1 installed

Mishimoto prototype 1 installed

Mishimoto prototype 1 installed

The prototype unit fit quite nicely! We had some minor adjustments to make with a few end-tank

Interested in purchasing our WRX transmission cooler? Check out our product page for more information!

Mishimoto Subaru WRX CVT Transmission Cooler

For our third prototype unit for the CVT cooler, we decided to take a more traditional approach. We would place the cooler in a location that would guarantee airflow. The main concern was fitting our large 19-row cooler in a position that would not leave any space for other aftermarket components. First, we mocked-up the cooler and developed some basic brackets that would place the cooler in an angled position behind the upper grille area. Check out a few shots of the mounted cooler!

Prototype 3 cooler mounted

Prototype 3 cooler mounted

Prototype 3 cooler mounted

As you can see above,the cooler is mounted at a slight angle, with two brackets supporting the cooler from the upper mounting points. We added an additional bracket to one of the lower mounting points, which you will see in the renderings later in this blog.

During this product design

Interested in purchasing our 2015 WRX aluminum radiator? Check out our product page for more information!

Mishimoto Subaru WRX Performance Aluminum Radiator

The new 2015 WRX is a great toy for both daily use and as a weekend track warrior. The introduction of the FA20DIT into the WRX chassis has been well received, and from the reviews thus far, Subaru has done a great job with the new model. Although some might disagree with the styling, overall the car handles and performs very well. As for value, the 2015 model is a pretty decent bang for your buck. For those looking to track their brand new vehicle, a few bolt-on modifications will raise power levels significantly. A simple intake and tune will raise power to 275+ whp, which is a huge increase over the 210 whp we saw from a completely stock vehicle. Reaching 300 whp is potentially obtainable with a few additional exhaust modifications. We are currently in the process of testing our prototype J-pipe to confirm this!

With improved power

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Mishimoto Subaru WRX CVT Transmission Cooler

After we witnessed reasonable performance gains with our first prototype, we decided to evaluate what we liked and didn't like with the design.

Pros

• Short line lengths
• Efficient cooling
• Compact design and packaging

Cons

• Did not achieve the temperature decreases we wanted to see
• Requires wiring of the electric fan
• Airflow was not as sufficient as it could be

This first design was efficient but not ideal for what we wanted out of the project. To obtain the desired cooling benefits, the addition of an electric fan was necessary. However, the fan would add complexity and wiring to the product, which we would like to avoid. So we hit the drawing board to work on a second design. We would attempt to keep the cooler in the same location; however, we would work to improve airflow through the cooler. Dan set about to fabricate a new scoop that would

Interested in purchasing our WRX transmission cooler? Check out our product page for more information!

Mishimoto Subaru WRX CVT Transmission Cooler

Welcome back! The quest for low transmission fluid temperatures continues. Once we developed our goals and plan of action for this project, our engineering team went to work, grinding, welding, bending, and cutting. Our first prototype design was quite unique. We mounted one of our 19-row, stacked-plate fluid coolers next to the liquid-to-liquid transfer unit. This is the same location as the turbocharger on the previous generation of EJ engines. Check out the beginning of the mock-up below!

Prototype 1 mock-up

The primary concern with this location is airflow. This cooler utilizes external fins to promote the exchange of heat with the liquid running through the cooler. Without airflow, the effectiveness of this cooler is significantly diminished. The primary benefit of this location is packaging. Our lines will be short, which will alleviate

Interested in purchasing this catch can? Check out our product page for more information!

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Oil Catch Can

The project is complete! We are very pleased with the outcome, and we expect a ton of positive feedback on this product. In fact, three or four of our employees have already reserved units for their personal vehicles. Speaking of " I should pick up one for my NB Miata!

The production quality catch can is now prepared for your viewing pleasure. Check it out below, starting with the base of the can.

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Catch Can base

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Catch Can base

Here's a look at our final catch can top by itself and next to our raw prototype unit. The black anodized finish is durable and looks fantastic.

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Catch Can top

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Catch Can top

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Catch Can top

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Catch Can top (left) and raw prototype top

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Catch Can top disassembled

The

Interested in purchasing this catch can? Check out our product page for more information!

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Oil Catch Can

The CNC-machined components keep rolling in! Our last prototype has been constructed and is now ready for our final evaluation before beginning mass production of these units. This prototype is a raw aluminum version; our final version will feature a black anodized finish.

The first completed component is the base/can portion of the product. This is a CNC-machined piece with internal threading on the upper portion, a port on the bottom for a drain or valve, and knurling at the bottom for ease of removal.

Mishimoto catch can final prototype, base

Mishimoto catch can final prototype, base

In the image above, you can see that we did some road testing with this catch can, using one of our employee's vehicles, to ensure that it was operating as we designed it. Everything checked out, and we caught quite a bit of oil even during short periods of driving!

Mishimoto

Interested in purchasing this catch can? Check out our product page for more information!

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Oil Catch Can

Time to fabricate/prototype our awesome catch can design! We would be using our in-house fabrication equipment and our 3D printer to develop a plastic and metal prototype.

Prototype Fabrication

We began by fabricating the base of the can from aluminum. Dan set to work cutting, welding, and polishing the base you see below.

Fabricated base for new oil catch can

Notice that the base of this can does not feature a drain. We did not incorporate one into our initial fabricated component, but we do plan to add a drain port on the base for those who wish to install a valve or drain line to the oil pan. No details were left untouched during development.

Next, we printed a unit and coated the inside for testing. The 3D printed material is somewhat porous. We use an internal coating that properly seals the components and provides a surface with properties similar to our

Interested in purchasing this catch can? Check out our product page for more information!

Mishimoto Compact Baffled Oil Catch Can

Initial 3D rendering of Mishimoto Compact Baffled Oil Catch Can

So we asked ourselves, what makes a catch can appealing to the masses? In a market swamped with extremely low-priced options, a new product could easily get lost in the mix of products already available. Our team began sifting through forums and asking our contacts at local shops to see exactly what they wanted from a catch can. We also reviewed our current line of products, to see if we could develop a new design that would fit within our current offerings.

An efficient catch-can setup is not generally perceived as a product that will impact engine performance or power. This is not true at all! A catch can will make a significant impact on the cleanliness of the intake components, including the charge air cooler (CAC) system, as well as reduce detonation within the combustion chamber. Oil coating