Recommendations for a Radiator
11-16-2009, 11:43 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Union City, CA
Posts: 203
Car Info: 2015 FR-S
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?
The car is mostly stock. Thus I don't need anything fancy since I don't have advanced cooling requirements.
Suggestions?
11-16-2009, 03:00 PM
#7
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
11-16-2009, 03:04 PM
#8
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.
11-16-2009, 04:35 PM
#11
250,000-mile Club President
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Bizerkeley
Posts: 4,770
Car Info: MBP 02 WRX wagon
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.
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.
11-17-2009, 07:40 AM
#12
iClub Silver Vendor
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Participating in some Anarchy!
Posts: 15,494
Car Info: 2005 LGT wagon
Look at your core thickness; it's probably less than 1/2" thick, which is wrong.
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.
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.
11-17-2009, 03:55 PM
#14
i-Club Sympathizer
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mazda NAO
Posts: 3,165
Car Info: 1969 BMW R75/5 & Work Whip
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.
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.
11-17-2009, 04:51 PM
#15
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?
