LSx swapped e46 radiator/expansion tank questions

[greenmonster138]

I want to first say I have not started to do this swap. I am just trying to gather as much info as I can before I start.
I know a few people with e36 swaps have used the Mishimoto radiator with good success. As of now I believe that Mishimoto only makes an e46 M3 radiator. How hard would it be to fit one into my Non-M car? I know the expansion tanks are different. Have any of you eliminated the stock style plastic expansion tank and run a universal aluminum tank?
Are people running the stock heater hoses through the expansion tank?

I am thinking that with an aftermarket aluminum radiator and a universal aluminum expansion tank. You can run the heater core hoses directly from the stock LS water pump. Eliminating all the plastic issues with the cooling system. What do you all think?

[rao]

Since you asked, I think you should use a stock radiator.

[tonytone4143]

I want to first say I have not started to do this swap. I am just trying to gather as much info as I can before I start.
I know a few people with e36 swaps have used the Mishimoto radiator with good success. As of now I believe that Mishimoto only makes an e46 M3 radiator. How hard would it be to fit one into my Non-M car? I know the expansion tanks are different. Have any of you eliminated the stock style plastic expansion tank and run a universal aluminum tank?
Are people running the stock heater hoses through the expansion tank?

I am thinking that with an aftermarket aluminum radiator and a universal aluminum expansion tank. You can run the heater core hoses directly from the stock LS water pump. Eliminating all the plastic issues with the cooling system. What do you all think?

They make the radiator for the non m cars as well

[mateo m3]

you should be able to find mishimoto rad for you application, there are a bunch on ebay. and they are only diff on the e36 318 the inline six used the same rad

[greenmonster138]

The Mishimoto site says E46 M3 Manual radiator 2001-2007. Nothing about a Non-M. On E46fanatics and some other sites it says it isn't a direct bolt in. I am pretty sure you would have to run the plastic M3 expansion tank with the Mishimoto as well.

[Pzary3233]

Rao is right stock if you have it.

I like my aluminum but it is not needed.