Radiators Difference???

[Rappy04]

I need to replace my radiator in my 03. The top seal is leaking. My 03 was build in november of 02. Is there a difference in the radiators of an 02 and an 03? I searched "radiator" and looked through most of those articles but didn't see what I am looking for. The reason is I have a chance to buy an aluminum radiator but it sys its only for and 02 and the seller is not sure if it will fit an 03.

[Rappy04]

Can't anyone help me? I need to know before I order this radiator.

[DrD]

Only change which happened sometime around the 02/03 model year changeover was the addition of a second radiator cap on the radiator itself - other than that, they are the same. (this is for the WRX)

[06wrx4me]

Yes newer wrxs have second radiator cap. Id recommend it.

[Rappy04]

Thanks guys. My radiator has a cap on it so I must have the update. Too bad its faulty. I ordered the one that said it was for an 02 but it has rad. cap on so I just went ahead a got it. Couldn't pass it up for under 200 bucks.

[Rappy04]

Is it a big deal that I don't have the second radiator cap on the rad. itself? The radiator looks great but it does not have the secod cap

[SD_GR]

No big deal. 02s came with no rad cap on the rad.

[Rappy04]

Someone above said that it would be a good idea to get the one with the second cap. I was just wondering if without it would it cause any problems

[SD_GR]

The cap is good for filling and generating leaks only. You can fill the system from the turbo reservoir anyway so I don't see an advantage.

[Rappy04]

Thanks for the quick reply's

[Rappy04]

How would I go about hooking this up since I have an 03 with the second cap? I would guess that I need to block off the second overflow tube somehow. Any ideas?

[SD_GR]

On single-cap systems overflow is routed from the cap on the turbo reservoir to the white plastic overflow bottle near the battery.