MrNoisy

iTrader: (28)

Hi all,

Had my cambelt replaced today and the car's radiator is virtually perished, so it needs replacing.
I'm looking at various items, including:

OEM Item - £66 inc P&P

Import Car Parts - £130
http://www.importcarparts.co.uk/part...en=&searchKey=

Tegiwa - £150
http://www.tegiwaimports.com/eshop/s...idProduct=1465

Japspeed - £159
http://www.japspeed.co.uk/Subaru-Imp...or/p-24-1-425/

Unfortunately many aftermarket sellers only do classic fitment.
Anyone know of cheaper?
Most of the above are aluminium ones but the car's really not heavily modified engine-wise, so I'm tempted to go with the OEM unless someone says different.

Cheers

JeffT

iTrader: (1)

I would go with OE unless your car is heavilly modified. There is plenty of spare cooling built in to the design of the standard unit - don't forget the majority of cooling systems are designed for 55 deg ambient so they can operate in many countries.
I work in the Technical and Development Dept of a UK heat exchange manufacturer (have worked with radiators for over 30 years) and run a standard rad on my own bug eye WRX wagon. The rad has plastic end tanks and an aluminium core so is not exactly heavy.
I read a lot of claims from manufacturers of all aluminium units. Yes, they should be stronger in theory but your cooling system should not operate beyond 15 psi and the standard rad can cope with 20-30 psi before it distorts or leaks. Granted the all welded aluminium units do look cool and shiny in the engine bay but your standard rad is well up to the job.
My two cents worth..........

Fat Boy

RCM's 850bhp Gobstopper runs an oem radiator...

topshot

iTrader: (4)

I got an Alloy 42mm rad from ebay, same as japspeed one for £120. Its very well made, fully polished and fits nicely.

MrNoisy

iTrader: (28)

Well if it's good enough for them...
Nice one cheers - bought the £66 one yesterday.