New radiator....

I will use this as my first "new thread." I'm a bit of a n00b so be ummmmm, not too brutal? :bowdown:

Ok. I'm on my first WRX. It's a 2004 Wagon with just a hair over 90,000 on her. I have every service record from when she was brand new. The car has been well taken care of. I drive pretty conservatively. (I do play from time to time but no long WOT runs or anything.)

I took the car to Subaru of Gwinnett on Saturday for an Oil Change special and they checked everything out. (and I needed to get my fog light bulbs changed) They found that my radiator is "weeping" at the seam, close to the lower hose. Apparently, this is common.

Instead of buying another Subaru plastic radiator, I've been looking into the aluminum ones. (Megan Racing, Koyo, GReddy, Mishimoto, etc) I was wondering what others takes were on these? So far, I'm leaning towards a Mishimoto as it seems to be at a pretty good price point. (I've found them for about $255 shipped.)

Knowing that I don't rail on the car and she's stock AND that even if I DO mod her, it would probably be mild at best, do you think the Mishimoto would be a wise purchase or is the extra $150(or more) really worth it or going to make a difference for my car/driving habits. Also, should I buy the pretty silicone hoses? (I would like to spruce up the engine bay some but are those hoses REALLY worth the 80-100?)

Thanks in advance for any advice! :bowdown:

 

Talk to Josh at importimage about one of the GMS radiators. I believe they all come out of the same factories in China. He also has the silicone hoses for cheap as well. Me personally have never had great luck with the silicone hoses. I just stuck with the pretty blue gates racing hoses.

 

Excellent! Thanks for the tip. I'll check into that!

 

Thanks. I was looking at the GMS and the Megan Racing one. They're about the same price. I never thought there'd be so many options. Heh. I just definitely don't want another stock plastic one. *nod nod*

Thanks for the input! :bowdown:

 

Thanks again for all the info. Josh at Import Image Racing is hooking me up with a Megan Racing Radiator for $195 delivered to me. :eek3:

Guess who's going to get my business when I finally decide to buy coilovers, etc. They've got a new customer! :bowdown:

So...........anyone wanna help a really nice disabled vet put in a new radiator? I'm proficient in "beer buying" and "lunch providing." I don't have a driveway and am not SUPPOSED to work on my vehicle in the parking lot. (Stupid association rules.) :wavey: LOL!

Thanks again everyone!

 

Yeah, Josh is a good guy.

Might help if you post up what part of town you live in. It honestly will only take about 30 minutes to swap out radiators.

If you are swapping out the radiator, might as well get a new thermostat too if you havent replaced it yet. Plus make sure to get a gallon of Subaru coolant.

 

Ok. Good point. I'll grab a thermostat and some coolant. Is there any specific reason for Subaru coolant? Just better than the normal stuff?

I'm in Norcross, pretty close to I-85 and Jimmy Carter. Will gladly drive for assitance. I'm sure I'm blowing it out of proportion but I get sort of panicky at mechanical stuff. hnoes:

 

coolant choice isn't that big a deal as long as you go with a name brand (premix preferred), I would get a bottle of Subaru coolant conditioner though and a sacrificial anode. If you buy straight coolant then mix it with distilled water only.

 

Good to know! Thanks!

 

If you plan on keeping it a while might as well do it right the first time.

 

Most good mechanics I know swear by using the coolant from the manufacturer. I figure if you are going to the dealer to get a thermostat and conditioner, the extra $5 for Subaru coolant won't break the bank

 

I live pretty close to you but dont have anytime until thanksgiving to help out. If something frees up one weekend I will send you a PM.

 

I was saying it would be $5 more than off the shelf coolant. Read it again without your beer goggles

 

Thanks a lot guys. I take good care of my vehicles and I plan on owning this one a looong time. (My little Imprezza L had 189,000 on it and running strong.) I'll swing by the Subaru dealership and pick up a thermostat and some coolant, etc. I'm hoping I should have everything by this weekend so maybe I'll take a stab at it. I've looked up a few threads and seen some "walk thrus" that don't look TOO bad.

 

I'm going to kick you in the ankle... maybe both

 

just make sure you plug your fans back in, I'll say it before someone else does.

 

You would have to catch me first

 

I'll just throw a Sidi at you while on a training ride as I pass by

 

Mmmmmmmmm. Sidi........

I wanted a set of Sidi boots but wound up getting some TXC touring boots. Nice boots.

 

I think he was talking about Sidi Cycling shoes...either way, they make nice stuff. I can't wear anything they make because my feet are too wide

 

I have 3 pair, 2 cycling and 1 for the scooter. You're right about being narrow, the toe box on the Dominators is just right but the boots are tight as hell.

 

Little OT here. I notice people have location and things like favorite mod under their name. I can't find settings for that in my control panel. Is that something you get after you donate or something? (I'm still learning my way around this board.)

Thanks for all the help and stuff.

 

THAT explains it! :bowdown:

The "classic" was a bit "bright."

 

The install is really easy. A couple of hose clamps and a few bolts. I did the install earlier this year and it took a little under an hour. My koyo was alot thicker than the OEM so I had to shave the upper radiator hose to get clearance from the fans. Dont know if it applies to the one you have but definitely something to check.

 

I appreciate it. I decided I'll let the pros at Killshot handle it. I was trying to replace the amber running light in the headlight and I can't figure THAT out. At that point, I decided I'll let someone who knows what they're doing handle the radiator. I love my car too much to screw it up myself. (At least I fixed the tag lights!)

I appreciate your input! I'm just waiting to hear back from Killshot and pray they can fit me in. hnoes:

 

Killshot has me set up for Saturday. I thought they were a supporting vendor? I'm all about supporting those that support us. Of course, I don't know where Killshot is and they don't list an address but I'm sure we'll get that sorted out.

 

Gotcha! I appreciate the offer to help. I set my appointment so I'll be there Saturday morning. They aren't TOO far away in Marietta.