Page 3 - Engineering

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

Cooling Cayenne – Performance Radiator for the 2003-2010 Porsche Cayenne

March 28, 2025

Josh Wayman

The Porsche Cayenne has always been a unique entry in the performance SUV world. Whether tearing up the pavement, tackling dirt trails, or hauling the kids to soccer, its blend of power and versatility makes it a favorite among enthusiasts. But as any Cayenne owner knows, keeping the engine cool is critical—especially for those who push their vehicles beyond the daily commute. That’s why we developed the Mishimoto Performance Aluminum Radiator for the 2003-2010 Porsche Cayenne, designed to deliver enhanced cooling performance with durability that stands up to the rigors of both the street and the trail.

From the factory, the Porsche Cayenne is equipped with a cooling system that’s well-suited for the average driver. However, for those who demand more—whether it’s spirited driving, towing, or off-road adventures—the stock radiator can quickly become a bottleneck. Heat soak, reduced cooling efficiency, and long-term wear can all lead to performance issues and potential overheating, particularly

LZ World Tour 3.0 – E-Town Road Course

March 27, 2025

Josh Wayman

This past weekend, thousands of excited drift enthusiasts poured into Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey for the kick-off of the third year of the LZ World Tour. Returning to its roots in Englishtown, where the first round of the LZ World Tour was initially held in 2023, this year fans saw drivers take on E-Town’s Road Course over two days of high-speed tandem battles.

With a sunny but cool start to the weekend, the raceway roared to life as attendees poured into the venue. As the smell of gasoline and exhaust fumes permeated the air, enthusiasts made their way through the car show as proud owners discussed their builds and hurriedly polished their vehicles with microfiber cloths.

Before the competition began, driver’s cars were showcased behind the grandstands for the crowd to get close and see. We were quick to notice Hert Eugene Jr.’s built Mazda RX-7 track weapon, also known as "Twerkstallion", sporting a Mishimoto intercooler and radiator. Hert was in

Mishimoto performance air intake installed on a 2022+ Honda Civic Si.

Direct Draw – Performance Air Intake for the 2022+ Honda Civic Si

March 19, 2025

Josh Wayman

As the 2022+ Honda Civic Si continues the legacy of Honda’s sport compact heritage, we've been hard at work developing performance upgrades to enhance its already impressive capabilities. Under the hood, the turbocharged 1.5L engine produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, sending power through a six-speed manual transmission for a dynamic driving experience. Honda designed a well-balanced intake system to support this engine, but for those looking to unlock even more potential, there’s always room for improvement.

The stock air intake does a decent job, but for those looking to extract every bit of performance, decent isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve been developing our air intake for the 2022+ Honda Civic Si—a design focused on maximizing airflow and efficiency without compromising drivability. By improving airflow and reducing restrictions, this intake helps unlock the true potential of Honda’s turbocharged 1.5L engine.

The stock air intake on the 2022+ Honda Civic Si.

The

Close-up of a cut-out radiator to reveal strutted tubes.

Core Strength – What Are Strutted Tubes?

March 06, 2025

Josh Wayman

Your vehicle’s radiator does more than just keep the engine cool. It’s a crucial part of ensuring performance and reliability, no matter how you drive. Whether you’re tearing up the track, conquering off-road trails, or hauling heavy loads, your cooling system needs to be up to the challenge. To make sure our radiators are up to the task, there's something special inside our radiator cores—strutted tubes.

Strutted tubes are an evolution of the standard radiator tube, incorporating internal vertical supports to reinforce the structure. These supports prevent the tubes from expanding under high pressure and resist deformation from external forces, such as chassis flex. Traditional hollow tubes are susceptible to bending and cracking, especially when a vehicle encounters rough terrain or sudden jolts. By adding internal struts, we ensure that stress is distributed throughout the core rather than concentrated in weak points, much like how load-bearing walls in a house support its structure.

A split image comparing the stock skid plate of a BMW G8X and the Mishimoto version.

Skid Plates Redefined – The Mishimoto Advantage

January 30, 2025

Josh Wayman

The road is unpredictable, filled with hazards that can threaten the integrity of a vehicle’s undercarriage. From deep potholes to unexpected debris, even the most capable performance vehicles are vulnerable to damage where it matters most. Stock skid plates, if they exist at all, often fall short in providing the level of protection needed to safeguard critical components. That’s where our aftermarket skid plates come in, offering superior protection, durability, and functionality over their OEM counterparts.

Many manufacturers prioritize cost and ease of mass production when designing their vehicles, often leading to compromises in materials and design choices. A common example is the use of plastic splash shields instead of true skid plates. While these factory components may provide minimal protection against dirt and water, they are insufficient for guarding against more serious impacts. A direct hit from a rock, an unexpected speed bump, or a rough landing on a track day can crack

A Toyota GR Corolla in Supersonic Red driving quickly down a dirt road.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla – R&D Vehicle Profile

January 27, 2025

SVP Vehicles, 2023+ Toyota GR Corolla

Josh Wayman

When Toyota announced that the GR Corolla was coming for the 2023 model year, we were quick to take note. After a few years of seeing countless videos and reviews of the venerable yet unobtainable GR Yaris—a model not available to the American market—we’d developed a bit of an itch. Once we heard that Toyota was finally bringing a rally-inspired turbocharged hot hatch with all-wheel drive and three pedals to the US, we set out to secure our latest R&D vehicle.

After hundreds of hours of research and development to design new performance applications, we want to share some of the products we’ve made for the GR Corolla. But first, let’s take a look at the car itself.

Vehicle Review

An image of a 2023 Toyota GR Corolla in front of a covered bridge.

The wait for the GR Corolla was a long one, but it was made even longer by then CEO, Akio Toyoda. After personally testing the vehicle prototype, Toyoda, who also goes by the racing moniker Morizo, didn’t feel the vehicle was up to par. He urged Toyota engineers to take it up a notch, telling them to make it “wider

An image of a Mishimoto performance intercooler on a workbench while an engineer works on a vehicle in the background.

How Does an Intercooler Work?

January 23, 2025

Josh Wayman

Have you ever wondered what that metal component in front of your radiator is, or maybe that thing sitting on top of your engine? If you drive a turbocharged car, chances are you’re looking at your vehicle’s intercooler. So, what does an intercooler do?

Intercoolers play a crucial role in ensuring the performance, efficiency, and longevity of turbocharged engines. As air is compressed in forced induction systems, it heats up, reducing its density and oxygen content. By cooling the air before it reaches the engine, intercoolers improve combustion efficiency, resulting in increased power and better fuel economy. This cooling process is essential in combating the heat generated by turbochargers, which can reach extreme temperatures during operation. Without an intercooler, an engine risks losing power potential and may be prone to detonation and premature wear.