Alternate Radiator Options

[PSUalum1986]

My donor has a large number of miles and my radiator isn't in the best of shape. I am not thrilled with the center location of the top port on the radiator either. Does anyone have any suggestions on aftermarket aluminum radiators that will reasonably fit in place of the OEM unit?

My initial investigation has not found a similar size unit. Seems most of the aftermarket stuff is taller and narrower, meant for the typical muscle car. I am open to suggestions.

[DSR-3]

Many years ago I had a custom radiator built by Ron Davis Racing (http://www.rondavisradiators.com/Welcome.htm). It was a really nice part, made exactly to the drawing.

[bow2091]

have you looked at a 2001 Subaru Impreza radiator
eBay item number:
261421769013

[turbomacncheese]

I was also looking at the mid 90's (95 maybe?) impreza radiators. Same core area and thickness, but it was crossflow and seemed to have the lower mounting pins in the same position. I ultimately decided against it because I didn't want my budget to eat it if there was something I was just overlooking, but it looked promising.

[Sgt.Gator]

I've used (and sell) the Mishimoto X-Line for the Subaru STI in several cars and really like them. You can get them in two thicknesses. However they are a stock replacement so the inlet/outlet are in the same places. If you want to change the inlet outlet there's a bunch to choose from. Maybe a Chev Cobalt SS radiatior? I haven't checked the measurements yet. But all the dimensions are on the product page:
https://cdn.mishimoto.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/M/M/MMRAD-COB-05_2.png

https://www.mishimoto.com/chevrolet-cobalt-ss-performance-aluminum-radiator-05-10.html

[lemming104]

Another option to consider may be the 2004-2008 Forester 2.5 XT. The top port is located on the far top-right of the radiator, rather than in the middle as on the WRX design. Not sure if it is otherwise dimensionally compatible, and the bottom port is still going to be perilously close to the steering rack.

[SixStar]

Legacy SS radiator. Side tanks, works perfect with the silly coolant pipes.

[STiPWRD]

I've had good luck with these aluminum replacement radiators from CX Racing in my old wrx and 818, $116

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CXRACING-Aluminum-2-5-Core-Radiator-For-2002-Subaru-Impreza-WRX-2-0L-MT/180777722688?hash=item2a17312340%3Ag%3Ays4AAOSwY45 UOOR-&_sop=16&_sacat=0&_nkw=cxracing+wrx+radiator&_from=R40&rt=nc

[Sgt.Gator]

Legacy SS radiator. Side tanks, works perfect with the silly coolant pipes.

That's excellent! I wish I'd known about that before I put the Mishimoto STI radiator in my build.

88844

https://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-subaru-legacy-turbo.html

They also have a shrouded fan kit for it:

https://www.mishimoto.com/subaru-legacy-turbo-performance-aluminum-fan-shroud-kit-90-94.html

[SixStar]

That's excellent! I wish I'd known about that before I put the Mishimoto STI radiator in my build.

88844

https://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-subaru-legacy-turbo.html

They also have a shrouded fan kit for it:

https://www.mishimoto.com/subaru-legacy-turbo-performance-aluminum-fan-shroud-kit-90-94.html

It's just seemed like the best idea at the time to have the hot coolant enter on one side and cooler coolant exit on the other side. I should replace the 24 year old fans at some point but they're still working so...