Radiator Replacement
 

Good afternoon!

I'm in quite the predicament and was hoping to draw on everyone else's experience here to see if there are any options that I've missed.

From a previous thread, I've got a crack in the top of my radiator that just won't stay patched. I've tried a couple different epoxy methods and, while they held up for a few days, ultimately, coolant still seems to find its way out!

Its no secret that Subaru doesn't make replacements anymore. I've been made aware that AMR Engineering has a solution but they don't respond to any methods of contact and it seems like they're only interested in bulk orders.

Other than AMR, the few other aftermarket vendors I found all indicated that they no longer produce their replacement models. So, beyond sourcing another used one from someone here and hoping it survives, are there any other options that I'm not aware of?

Has anyone successfully installed one from a different model Subaru? or perhaps a non-vehicle specific one? It is killing me that something so, relatively, simple is keeping my otherwise drivable SVX off the road!

Thank you all for your input!

-Dan

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

How soon are you looking to replace your radiator? I will be replacing the stock one in my car with an all aluminum one as soon as the weather gets nice. I'm not that far from PA.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I guess the easiest answer would be as soon as possible. Luckily, the car is not my daily driver. So, I'm not stranded because of this problem. However, I'd prefer to not have the car sit any longer than it has to.

Where are you located? I'm assuming the aluminum one you are installing is an AMR?

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I've also seen mention of using an Impreza radiator on a couple of parts websites. I realize there's a good chance this information isn't true, but says...
SKU: 218021
Brand: Radiator Express
Condition: New
This item has been discontinued. However, you can opt to use a Subaru Impreza radiator in it's place...

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

The Impreza rad won't have enough capacity. My Claret 92 had an Outback rad in it when I bought it and it overheated because it didn't have enough rows. Unfortunately like many other parts for these cars, the choices are limited or non-existent.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

That makes sense... I didn't see how an Impreza rad would be big enough. Do you know if the Outback one was from a 4 or 6 cylinder? I would have thought that maybe one from a 6 would have the capacity... but maybe not!

I did come across this post on Facebook. I sent an email to the shop asking if they recall what parts they used and the overall complexity of the installation.

It seems like there are some alternatives out there, but they just might not be documented very well anywhere.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I think mine was from a 4 cylinder. You could check the layout of a 3.6 rad and see. It should have the capacity.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Went looking around and found the one below.

https://genesisautoparts.ecrater.com...tor-33l-l6-203

Also, a place called Radiator Express says on their website regarding SVX radiators "this item has been discontinued. However, you can opt to use a Subaru Impreza radiator in it's place. It will require modification to the top hose, pin mount and oil cooler. We handle stock and all aluminum upgrades for the impreza. See part numbers like 221061, 222043, 217785, 221955". So maybe they can make the alterations for you.

Larry

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I've got a good used one in Florida, if interested.
Dave

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

That one says "on hold" *The store has not been updated recently. You may want to contact the merchant to confirm the availability of the product.

That's exactly the price I paid for my Silla radiator 10 years ago. Silla is out of business. It may be worth a call to the vendor to see if they are actually available though.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

I have my OEM available after installing my AMR.

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

The closest I have come so far was I found a shop in WA who posted on FB custom work they did on an SVX. I emailed the shop asking about details to the best of their recollection. They said they did the following:

Aluminum Koyo Radiator - VH091672 (Appears to be fit for an STI?)

Had to install an transmission cooler since the radiator did not have one (since it was meant for a manual)

This model was able to use the mounting points/components of the original radiator to get it fit in place.

Since separate transmission coolers are recommended anyway, that part doesn't seem like a big deal. It seems to be good news that it will mount without crazy cutting / drilling to mount it. I guess the big question is whether it is adequate to keep the engine cool.

I'm assuming it is if they are saying it worked for this customer?

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

If it works that looks like a nice rad. All aluminum for a very low price. $277.73 with free shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/KOYO-VH0916...AAAOSwzwxdmMf9

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

Once concern I have is that looking at the supplemental tranny coolers folks here have installed, they still ran the cooling lines through the main radiator, as well.

The Hayden seemed to be a favorite in other threads. I'm hoping that the single, separate trans cooler would be enough to do the job solo without the extra assistance of the rad?

Re: Radiator Replacement
 

The problem seems to be too much cooling with a stand alone transmission cooler. By running the tranny fluid through the rad and then to the cooler the coolant in the rad actually warms the tranny fluid more quickly.