Radiator go boom? **w/ Pics

[onekrissy1]

I just looked that up right now. I'm pretty new to the site. Sorry... anyways I am going to install a radiator on my 2005 WRX.

[STI_KLR]

[onekrissy1]

What a mess!

[SD_GR]

I wonder if that is your second radiator. The hose clamps are not Subaru parts.

[SeattleJeremy]

Please tell me you are not going to install another stock/plastic top/bottom cap radiator.

For about the same amount as a stock one you can purchase an aftermarket all aluminum one.

Gimmik Motorsports, Koyo and Mishimoto make good, all aluminum radiators.

[FyrHazard]

Old thread bumps are good. Means people are searching

What are you guys using for a lower radiator cap if you still have one? My car has an Aluminum radiator, but it has the radiator cap as well as the one on the reservoir. Is this supposed to be a different pressure setting than the reservoir? (yes, probably should have searched for this, but it seems like a good place to have the answer posted.)

[SD_GR]

The pressure of the system is dictated by the failure pressure or opening pressure of the component that fails or opens first. This means the system pressure is dictated by the pressure at which the weakest hose, clamp or radiator seam, or the lowest-pressure-rated cap, opens. Localized pressures can be higher depending on the state of the system (ex: when the thermostat is closed) but overall, the lowest-rated cap will dictate the general pressure.

[onekrissy1]

Unfortunately I am installing one that is stock that has the stupid plastic tank on it. I could not afford the aluminum one. Plus all I found was one on summit racing for $440. I picked this one up for $140. Believe me if I have more trouble or can afford an aluminum one I will put that in. The hose clap is new. It was leaking there before and when I tightened it then the actual radiator started to leak like I showed in the pic...

[STI_KLR]

The one I replaced mine with was the CXRacing brand off of ebay for $160 shipped to my door. Still keeping her cool very nicely


And it's hard to believe my engine bay used to look like that! It looks nooo where near that anymore

[STI_KLR]

It doesn't even look like THIS anymore! But this gives you a good angle of the radiator!