So my stock '02 radiator developed a crack in the top. I have ordered a new 04+ style Mishimoto form Zen Motorsports and the associated new lines for the conversion of my capless radiator to the new one with a cap. I have a couple of questions for the group. 1. Coolant. I read the stickies on NASIOC and they generally recommend the subaru coolant but say any silicate free is OK. There was talk of phosphate either being required or phosphate free was OK. I saw conflicting info. What do y'all use. The popular non subaru coolant over there was Peak Global lifetime. Seen that around here? 2. The lower pressure cap goes on the resivoir above the turbo - right? 3. I know I will need to trim the upper hose to allow for the thicker radiator. Any other tricks I need to know?
Wow, 41 views and no replies. I got a gallon of Subaru coolant from Troncalli - $22. The Peak was $13/gallon of 50/50 - so more expensive. I just used the cap on the radiator. It says 19 lbs (not sure what MPA that is), but I think it should be OK. As far as trimming the hose, just used razor knife- easy. I am suprised how much thicker the Mishimoto radiator is from stock. It will have to come out for any repairs. Thanks to Trey at Zen. Radiator arrived the day he said and was happy for the price!
Sorry to be so late. The Subaru coolant is superior. Also grab a bottle of coolant additive next time you're out there. How's she running so far?
I did use the conditioner as well. Figured for $3.00 it was good insurance. I test drove it yesterday and seemed good to go! Too bad a new radiator doesn't give you any hp gains! It does look nice though.
How much was the new radiator. Im in the process of looking myself, also have a crack on the top at two spots now... Just getting worse and worse.
Give tray at zen motors a call. I got a pretty good price on my koyo and a good price quote on a mishimoto.
Second giving Tray at Zen a call for a quote. I got the mishimoto. I would also recommend getting the 04+ style with the cap for easier filling. You will need a T for your overflow. The subaru parts will run you $70 or so or you could rig some parts from autozone / home deopt. They are just the no pressure overflow lines, so it wouldn't be a big risk.
if i had to guess, i would say they are probably made in the same factory. but i think the koyo's i've seen are SLIGHTLY better quality
frankly, if you break an all aluminum rad, it's most likely not because of the welds, it's because you hit something. Both companies have a decent rep for quality. Though alum doesn't exchange heat as well as stock per sq inch, the dual/triple pass leads to superior performance and increased durablility over stock no matter which you choose.
the koyo is significantly more expensive than the mishimoto. The only reason I went with koyo is because the mishimoto was on 3 week backorder and I needed to fix my car