Page 2 - Engineering

Engineered Endurance - Cooling the Fifth-Generation Toyota 4Runner

October 10, 2025

Josh Wayman

The Toyota 4Runner has earned its reputation as a dependable and capable SUV, a vehicle that can tackle rugged trails, carry heavy gear, and handle towing demands with confidence. Fifth-generation 4Runners, in particular, have a loyal following among overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts who value durability and versatility. While the stock cooling systems on these vehicles are sufficient for everyday driving, anyone who pushes their 4Runner to its limits, whether off-road or towing, quickly discovers that stock components have their limits. Heat is one of the biggest threats to both engine and transmission performance, and maintaining optimal temperatures is key to preserving the longevity of the vehicle. That’s why we set out to develop cooling solutions for both systems.

The performance aluminum radiator was designed with those exact challenges in mind. Constructed from TIG-welded aluminum, it eliminates the brittle plastic components used in the stock radiator, replacing them with robust

The Mishimoto Aluminum Expansion Tank installed in a Jeep JL Wrangler.

Rugged Reservoir – Aluminum Expansion Tank for the 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020+ Gladiator JT

September 30, 2025

Josh Wayman

Your Jeep’s cooling system is designed to handle extreme conditions, but like any system, it is only as strong as its weakest component. On the Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT, that weak link is the stock expansion tank. Molded from thin plastic, the factory tank is prone to cracking at the seams and leaking after repeated heat cycles. What begins as a small coolant drip can quickly escalate into overheating and costly repairs. Our aluminum expansion tank eliminates this issue by replacing the fragile factory reservoir with a stronger and more efficient design that is built to last as long as your Jeep.

The expansion tank plays a critical role in managing coolant volume changes as the system heats up and cools down. When coolant expands under high temperature and pressure, the tank absorbs the excess fluid and then returns it to the system as temperatures drop. If the tank cannot withstand constant fluctuations, the result is leaks and air pockets. With our tank, TIG-welded aluminum construction

An image of a decrepit, rusted, old radiator that needs replacement.

When to Replace Your Radiator – The Mishimoto Guide

September 19, 2025

Josh Wayman

Every engine generates intense heat as it runs, and managing that heat is crucial to keeping the vehicle running smoothly. The radiator sits at the center of this process, drawing heat from the coolant and releasing it into the air. When the radiator starts to fail, the strain spreads through the entire drivetrain, putting the engine and every connected component at risk.

Radiators usually don't quit all at once. They show warning signs, some easy to miss and others impossible to ignore. Recognizing those signs early can save you from breakdowns and costly repairs.

Signs Your Radiator is Failing

Your Car is Overheating

If your temperature gauge climbs higher than normal or you see steam under the hood, the radiator may not be pulling its weight. A clogged core, blocked airflow, or weakened structure prevents heat from leaving the system. Overheating is not just inconvenient. It can warp cylinder heads, blow head gaskets, or even crack an engine block. What starts as a weak radiator can

A cutaway image showing a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with and without the bumper installed.

Wild Horses – Performance Intercooler Kit for the 2024+ Ford Mustang EcoBoost

September 15, 2025

SVP Vehicles, 2024+ Ford Mustang

Josh Wayman

When Ford introduced the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost, it represented the latest chapter in a decade-long experiment that proved a turbocharged four-cylinder belongs in America’s most iconic pony car. But like every turbocharged platform, the 2.3L EcoBoost is only as strong as its ability to manage heat. That limitation became our focus as we set out to engineer a performance intercooler and piping kit that would not only outperform stock, but also deliver the reliability and fitment Mustang owners expect.

Ford equips the S650 EcoBoost with a compact tube-and-fin intercooler mounted low in the front bumper. This design is effective for stock output and casual driving, but it reveals its shortcomings under extended load. Tube-and-fin construction is lightweight and inexpensive, but it sacrifices both durability and efficiency. The thin-walled tubes are vulnerable to road debris and long-term fatigue from repeated heat cycles. More critically, the small size of the stock core leads to heat soak

Subaru Dual Radiator Cap Design: What You Need to Know

August 19, 2025

Josh Wayman

For years, Subaru enthusiasts have chosen our performance aluminum radiators as a reliable way to increase cooling capacity and durability beyond what factory equipment can provide. Built from fully brazed aluminum and engineered for a direct fit, these radiators have proven themselves in both daily driving and high-performance conditions. While the radiator itself is the heart of the system, smaller components are just as critical to long-term reliability. One of the most important is the radiator cap, and our latest update ensures that Subarus from 2002 onward equipped with dual radiator caps now receive exactly the right components for their system.

These Subarus feature a unique cooling arrangement that uses two separate radiator caps. The radiator is fitted with a one-way cap, while the expansion tank requires a two-way cap. Each cap is designed for a specific function, and together they maintain consistent pressure and coolant flow as the engine heats up and cools down.

Previously,

Mishimoto Hits the Gauntlet – Formula Drift Englishtown Recap

July 03, 2025

Josh Wayman

Formula Drift returned to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey from June 19th to the 21st, bringing the smoke, spectacle, and sheer intensity that fans have come to expect from Round 4 of the Pro Championship, known fittingly as The Gauntlet. This year’s event didn’t just test the limits of drivers and machines; it also tested Mother Nature’s patience.

Thursday’s festivities were abruptly interrupted by a sudden storm system that swept across central New Jersey. A small tornado touched down near the raceway, causing widespread damage across the venue. Tents were blown across the venue, attendees fled for cover, a branch fell on Jeff Jones’ Nissan 370Z, and our tent took a direct hit when Toyota Gazoo Racing’s massive tent was blown into ours. Thankfully, no one was injured. With zip ties, determination, and a lot of teamwork, our team brought everything back online. The Mishimoto tent was repaired and standing again by the next morning. We’re particularly glad that

Image of the FL5 Type-R engine bay with Mishimoto cooling products.

Frosty FL5 – Performance Cooling Lineup for the 2023+ Honda Civic Type-R

June 13, 2025

2023+ Honda Civic Type-R

Josh Wayman

In a world of performance-oriented hatchbacks, few names carry the same reverence as the Honda Civic Type R. Whether it’s carving through backroads or setting lap times that embarrass cars twice its price, the CTR continues to punch above its weight. But with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, the FL5-generation Type R faces a common challenge shared by all high-performance machines—heat.

Honda’s engineering team gave the new CTR a capable cooling system from the factory, but like most OEM setups, it’s built with mass production and cost-efficiency in mind. For owners who demand more—whether that’s consistent lap times at the track or extra margin on a hot summer drive—our engineers set out to create a comprehensive cooling solution. The result is a trio of upgrades built to work in harmony: our Performance Aluminum Radiator, Silicone Radiator Hose Kit, and Aluminum Expansion Tank.

We started with the heart of the

Truck with bullbar and Mishimoto transmission cooler

When to Replace Your Transmission Cooler – The Mishimoto Guide

April 18, 2025

Josh Wayman

Whether you're hauling a heavy trailer through the mountains or crawling over rocks in 4WD low, your truck’s transmission is under constant stress—and that stress generates heat. Lots of it. Left unchecked, heat is one of the fastest ways to wear down a transmission. That’s where a transmission cooler steps in. So, what does a transmission cooler actually do, and why might it be time to consider replacing or upgrading one?

An automatic transmission operates by using hydraulic fluid to transfer power, control gear changes, and lubricate internal components. Every time your truck shifts, tows, climbs, or even just idles in traffic, that fluid heats up. Ideally, it stays within a temperature window around 175°F, but under heavy load, temps can climb fast—often past 225°F or even 250°F. That’s bad news for longevity.

A transmission cooler functions as a dedicated heat exchanger, just like your radiator or intercooler. It works by routing hot ATF (automatic transmission fluid) away from

Image of the Mishimoto Aluminum coolant expansion tank.

Taco Tank – Aluminum Expansion Tank for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma

April 04, 2025

SVP Vehicles, 2024+ Toyota Tacoma

Josh Wayman

With the arrival of the fourth-generation Tacoma and its all-new 2.4L turbocharged powerplant, our engineers jumped at the chance to dive under the hood and get to work. Every new generation brings fresh challenges and fresh opportunities, and for us, that means figuring out where we can improve on OEM design to better serve the drivers who take their trucks beyond the pavement. The expansion tank was one of the first components we had our eyes on.

Like most stock units, it’s made from plastic—a material that works well enough under normal conditions but can show its limits over long-term use. Off-roading, heat cycles, and time itself will eventually take their toll. That’s where our latest upgrade comes in.

The Mishimoto Aluminum Expansion tank for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma installed in the engine bay.

Crafted entirely from aluminum and TIG-welded for strength, the Mishimoto Aluminum Expansion Tank for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma ditches the fragile seams and aging plastic of the OEM unit. But this tank isn’t just about longevity—it’s about practicality, too. Our engineers included

Choose Your Fighter – Mishimoto Universal Oil Cooler Kits

April 03, 2025

Josh Wayman

When it comes to keeping engine oil temperatures in check, a high-quality oil cooler is essential for performance vehicles and trucks (even those of the electric variety). Excessive heat can break down oil, reducing its viscosity and leading to premature engine wear. To combat this, Mishimoto offers two universal solutions—the 23-Row and 25-Row Oil Cooler Kits—each designed to serve different needs while delivering outstanding cooling performance. Both kits include an 8-inch fan capable of moving 600 CFM of air at 3,000 RPM, ensuring consistent cooling even in low-airflow conditions. But what sets these two oil coolers apart?

The 23-row fan kit is built with a robust 68mm-thick tube-and-fin core design and features strutted tubes. This extra thickness increases fluid capacity, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize maximum heat dissipation. The strutted tubes provide additional strength, making this cooler a great fit for race applications or any setup where durability