Sounds like you're doing the right things to add to the life span. You should also consider if you don't already do it but a good cleaning of the outside of the radiator will add some life to it. I don't believe a system with no pressure would outlast or be better in any way than a pressurized system. A few reasons are a pressurized system keeps air out which is known to cause corrosion as well as cavitation plus the benefit of raising the boiling point significantly. You may be surprised at how many people never consider flushing and replacing with fresh coolant.

 

Mine just let go with 70K miles. I guess I should have flushed it more.

 

Just curious - have you done turbo or manifold upgrades where the radiator might have taken some hits? Or, did you ever have an engine issue like say a blown head gasket? Did the radiator just live peacefully and then die? And, where did it leak?

The tap water where I live is good to drink. It is all well water and I live in a town that is surrounded by irrigated farming also well water. But, put our tap water into a copper radiator and it leaks after a couple of years - the tap water here eats solder. I am leery of ever putting tap water into a aluminum radiator because of this past experience. So, were you using tap or distilled?

 

No turbo or manifold upgrades. No HG issues. Lived peacfully then died. Leaked at the top near the cap.

 

same here, i did a pull yesterday and at the top of the pull some sprayed on my wind shield, hoping it was just my dip stick popping out, i look and a small portion near the cap on the top is split and bubbling where its crimped... time for a new one i guess... im at 95k right now.

i know all the common names that everyone goes with, like koyo, mishimoto, and cbrd, but anyone have any input on the ones they sell on ebay? ive heard some good reviews about them, im just kind of skeptical of getting one because well...... ebay lol. but i just dont have the cash flow for a top end one at the moment

 

Mine just went at about 120k. I have another ride so am debating between mishimoto, koyo or cbrd. I don't do anything special with the evo to justify a cbrd but cant deny its craftsmanship and longevity.

 

I don't remember the exact mileage my stoker let go but it was Jan 2011 when I replaced it. So doing the math...it was about 50/60K miles ago, +/- 10K....meaning it was probably around 110K, +/- 10K, miles it lasted.

It let go rather gracefully....nothing dramatic. Top seal failed where plastic meets with aluminum.

I probably replaced the coolant (no flushing) about 4 or so times during its' life. The inside always looked shiny and clean. Even when it failed, I took it apart for ****s and giggles, top and bottom...and the inside was pretty much spotless.

 

Then just buy a stock replacement from rock auto, parts geek, etc..

 

EBAY SON! I would replace it as others have said. I hit 380/360 and it blew all over the car literally in the parking lot of my tuners.

If your driving long distance I wouldnt keep the stock one. Its just a matter of time. I got one on ebay after it blew for like 120-140 shipped. And direct replacement and currently supporting 550/530

 

nice! im looking at some ebay ones as well, i havent heard many bad things about them

 

Quoted for posterity.

 

mine died at 60k this year replaced it with mishimoto. it started leaking around the seal where the metal meets the plastic.

 

I can ship an OEM style replacement for around 200$ or so-

let me know if you need something-

not everyone needs our crazy aluminum race radiators lol

cb