96-97 2.5 Legacy Radiator in a 90-94 non-turbo Legacy

[Legacy777]

Hi,

Based on the info in this thread, http://ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=127008 on the USMB, I've determined that the 96-97 Legacy GT AT radiator will work in a 90-94 non-turbo Legacy and provide additional cooling capacity due to its thicker radiator core. What I'm trying to determine is whether the manual transmission equipped 96-97 Legacy GT radiators are also the same thickness as the automatic transmssion equipped radiators.

Is anyone able to confirm whether the MT radiators are the same thickness? There are some pictures of the 96-97 Legacy GT AT radiator in the USMB thread, but here is a direct link to those pictures.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... comparison (http://main.experiencetherave.com/subaru/images/radiatorcomparison)

Thanks
Josh

[Reason]

Hmm interesting, Im still trying to figure out if the 1st gen turbo radiator will fit 2nd gens

[Legacy777]

Hmm interesting, Im still trying to figure out if the 1st gen turbo radiator will fit 2nd gens

It won't. That is the reason I have been looking for alternatives. The first gen turbo legacy radiator is a couple inches taller than the non-turbo radiator. It has a different lower radiator core support to accomodate the additional height.

Plus, the turbo legacy radiator does not have a radiator cap, so you would really only be able to use it with a turbo motor setup, or at the very least by installing a turbo engine coolant tank. You'd have to plug some of the ports up on the tank because you wouldn't have a place to put them.

When I turbo'd my Legacy, I have been using the stock non-turbo radiator without any issues. I am using Redline water wetter, which improves the heat transfer from the engine and radiator to the fluid. I live in Houston and it is HOT, and I've never had any cooling issues....so the non-turbo radiators can work and provide adequate cooling. However, if there is an option for a larger radiator core....why not get one :grin: My old radiator developed a small leak between the time I took it out to rebuild the motor a second time, and when I got everything finished.

Josh

[Reason]

From what I can tell the 90-94 rad looks like the 96-97smell rad, that's why I wondered about the turbo radiator. If you can post pics maybe we can get someone else to post pics of their 95-97kid and maybe we can figure this out.

[Bookem]

Hmm interesting, Im still trying to figure out if the 1st gen turbo radiator will fit 2nd gens

It does fit, just need slim fans and make your own top brackets, if non-turbo add in an extra reservoir since there isn't a cap on the 1st gen turbo radiators. I have a Koyo 1st gen in my 98 BD.



It won't. That is the reason I have been looking for alternatives. The first gen turbo legacy radiator is a couple inches taller than the non-turbo radiator. It has a different lower radiator core support to accomodate the additional height.

Plus, the turbo legacy radiator does not have a radiator cap, so you would really only be able to use it with a turbo motor setup, or at the very least by installing a turbo engine coolant tank. You'd have to plug some of the ports up on the tank because you wouldn't have a place to put them.

When I turbo'd my Legacy, I have been using the stock non-turbo radiator without any issues. I am using Redline water wetter, which improves the heat transfer from the engine and radiator to the fluid. I live in Houston and it is HOT, and I've never had any cooling issues....so the non-turbo radiators can work and provide adequate cooling. However, if there is an option for a larger radiator core....why not get one :grin: My old radiator developed a small leak between the time I took it out to rebuild the motor a second time, and when I got everything finished.

Josh

See above!


From what I can tell the 90-94 rad looks like the 96-97smell rad, that's why I wondered about the turbo radiator. If you can post pics maybe we can get someone else to post pics of their 95-97kid and maybe we can figure this out.

Here's a thread on previous discussion and some pics!

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=22066 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=22066)

[Legacy777]

From your post/pictures, it does fit, but I would be hesitant to put it in due to it hitting the hood. The height issue is the reason I indicated it would not fit. But to each is their own...

[r3v_v3ng3]

From your post/pictures, it does fit, but I would be hesitant to put it in due to it hitting the hood. The height issue is the reason I indicated it would not fit. But to each is their own...


thats an easy fix, just grab a hammer and dent the lower part of your hood. I slapped on the wrx radiator on my bd but it requires hacking and welding. The radiator cap was hitting the lower part of the hood and i had to slightly dent it.

[Legacy777]

Any comments/feedback on whether the 96-97 MT & AT Legacy GT radiators are the same thickness?

Thanks