Radiator Upgrade

[islandborn]

after 200K miles my radiator was on borrowed time. So, upgrade time.

 

Plan A: replace radiator and thermostat with OEM parts. (smart)

Plan B: upgrade radiator to aftermarket (same specs as OE) and replace thermostat (smarter)

Plan C: Go fat radiator and replace thermostat. (rabbit hole)

 

I went with Plan C.

Radiator: https://www.rallysportdirect.com/part/radiators/vh091662-koyo-aluminum-racing-radiator-manual-transmission

Thermostat: 2015+ STI OEM (lower temp)

 

Well... then I ran into problems. With the bigger core radiator, my stock fans wont fit. I have piping for a FMIC and it limits space. SO! ordered the Mishimoto Fan Shroud with fans. https://www.iagperformance.com/mishimoto-aluminum-fan-shroud-kit-with-plug-n-play-harness-for-2008-14-subaru-wrx-08-18-sti/

 

I'm good right? NOPE! The fans are horrid. They don't pull what they claim, and with that thick core - even worse. And I'm burning up sitting in traffic - like getting to 234 degrees! Not good. So, fan swap. Best fans on market? Spal. I get a "medium" low profile that fits in front of my pipes (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spu-ix-30101522) and the larger "medium" (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spu-ix-30102029) on the other side. I remove the Mishimoto fans from their shroud and put the Spals on.

 

Now I'm happy. Sitting in traffic... maybe gets to 196? After some hard running then stop I get to 206 but then it cools it to 200 quick.

 

SO! Should everybody do it?

 

No.

 

OEM fans are awesome. Don't ever change them. A normal koyorad at OE specs is fine, and if you want the thick one, again, KEEP the OE fans.

 

Note: Mishimoto fans are not good. But their shroud is wonderful.

[ssulb]

Nice! Sounds like a solid upgrade. Wish us 3.6R owners had options for aftermarket radiators

 

I'm at 200k with my original one and luckily it's been holding up well. No leaks or diminishing amount of coolant.