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View Full Version : Aluminum radiator options for a swap



Magoozle
09-04-2009, 11:28 AM
So after a bit of research I've come to the conclusion that there ain't jack for these cars in terms of aftermarket radiators! The car is a 98 GT sedan with an STi swap. I want to go with a good radiator and the only one I've found is Koyo but they are not very easy to find either. Does anyone have an aluminum radiator that fits or know of one? The ones for the WRX and GC don't work because they are too tall, however, I do not know about the 1st gen turbo Legacy, fitment-wise. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bookem
09-04-2009, 11:30 PM
I spent a lot of time researching as well I ended just buying a first gen manual legacy turbo Koyo radiator (I can get the part# tomorrow for you). I had it in the car to see what all was needed and it just barely fits. The stock radiator has rubber bushings on the bottom reuse those but there will be an extra set of holes for the bushings move them to the outer holes. Will need slim fans thinner than 3 1/2" dont't cheap out on a fan ( I bought a cheapo atr autozone and dind't last, and guess what they won't warranty it, I ended up buying from a Thermo King dealer here in town that carries spal fans, just need the mounting kit. Will need a different coolant overflow or custom mount on the stock one. The bleeder screw on the top right of the koyo will have to be removed and use the stock one as Koyo bleeder is too tall. Top of the rad will touch the hood next to a die cut hole, you will have to adjust (bend or dent slightly like 1/8") The only part I haven't made yet is the top brackets, the stock ones won't fit. I should be reinstalling fairly soon and can do a full write up with pics, I have been running around with a gutted cap that will leak a drop here and there which is extremely annoying. Hope this helps some.

Huffer
09-04-2009, 11:34 PM
Reason has access to Koyo radiators

Magoozle
09-05-2009, 08:09 PM
That helps a lot thanks, especially since I was unsure of fitment issues trying a turbo Legacy radiator. It's good to have a few options. I'll have to pm Reason as well.

Bookem
09-06-2009, 05:48 PM
The Koyo part# if have is R1819, like I said hopefully it works out to install this in the next week oe two, pics and full write up to follow.

Magoozle
09-06-2009, 07:34 PM
Right on, definitely let me know when you get it all done!