Recommendations for a Radiator

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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 11:43 AM
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Recommendations for a Radiator

I need a new radiator for my 2002 WRX. It is one of the earlier production models so it doesn't have a radiator cap. I want something with a radiator cap.

The car is mostly stock. Thus I don't need anything fancy since I don't have advanced cooling requirements.

Suggestions?
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 11:58 AM
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i put a koyo in mine when my stock one cracked. wasn't hard at all to install it. doesn't have a cap on it though.
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 12:03 PM
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Mishimoto in mine. Its thick and durable.
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 12:23 PM
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1. OEM radiator with crossover tube & hoses = $400
2. Koyo Aluminum rad = ~$400.
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 02:08 PM
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Koyo or Mishimoto Radiator with silicone hoses. Should not cheap out on something as important as the cooling system of the car, especially our cars.
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 02:30 PM
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^^^ I don't plan on going cheap. I want something that meets or exceeds OEM specifications.
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 03:00 PM
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i just went with the newer style OEM radiator. i did multiple track days and it provided the cooling i needed. plus it was cheaper than buying the koyo and the silicone hoses
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by dogcatfud
^^^ I don't plan on going cheap. I want something that meets or exceeds OEM specifications.
I understand. My philosophy has always been why replace when you can upgrade to something even better that is not prone to break on you. So my recommendation would be if your on a budget a Mishimoto radiator with their silicone hoses. Rather than get another OEM one which might fail on you again and cost just about the same if not more than an aftermarket unit which is superior than the OEM one.
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 03:08 PM
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 03:39 PM
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Try 1-800-radiater...picked up one for a 2003 wrx for like 169.99...oem specs. and lifeitme warranty. I cracked the first one after 6 months and got a 2nd completely free...
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 04:35 PM
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A crack in the radiator happening at the wrong time and/or place can lead to a very expensive need for a new motor, a free replacement radiator is all fine and good, but...

When mine started leaking, I replaced my original with one ordered from a stealership and the new one came with a cap on the radiator, even though the original didn't have one.
Old Nov 17, 2009 | 07:40 AM
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Originally Posted by mc420
Try 1-800-radiater...picked up one for a 2003 wrx for like 169.99...oem specs. and lifeitme warranty. I cracked the first one after 6 months and got a 2nd completely free...
The radiators that I see discount supplers peddling are designed as "one size fits all".
Look at your core thickness; it's probably less than 1/2" thick, which is wrong.

Originally Posted by psoper
A crack in the radiator happening at the wrong time and/or place can lead to a very expensive need for a new motor, a free replacement radiator is all fine and good, but...

When mine started leaking, I replaced my original with one ordered from a stealership and the new one came with a cap on the radiator, even though the original didn't have one.

QFT!!

I can't tell you the number of head gasket/engine builds I've gotten from crappy "OE" radiators failing.
Old Nov 17, 2009 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by dogcatfud
^^^ I don't plan on going cheap. I want something that meets or exceeds OEM specifications.
In that case, ARC.
Old Nov 17, 2009 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by psoper
A crack in the radiator happening at the wrong time and/or place can lead to a very expensive need for a new motor, a free replacement radiator is all fine and good, but...

When mine started leaking, I replaced my original with one ordered from a stealership and the new one came with a cap on the radiator, even though the original didn't have one.
All the replacement ones will have caps if you buy 'em OEM. The radiator and crossover pipes are all new numbers.
Old Nov 17, 2009 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by mc420
Try 1-800-radiater...picked up one for a 2003 wrx for like 169.99...oem specs. and lifeitme warranty. I cracked the first one after 6 months and got a 2nd completely free...
thats a rip off man. You can get a 03 used radiator from a wrx for 50-100 bucks. For 169 you should have just saved for a good rad.....may think you got your moneys worth but i'd have to argue, was having your first one crack really worth it?



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