2003 Evo - Radiator sprung a leak, its pretty beat up from previous owner so its time to replace. I have returned the car back to almost stock minus an Evo 9 turbo, pretty close to stock tune. With that being said I do not plan on making this car a monster (although it will be used for winter track events and autox in summer) so can I get away with a RockAuto radiator? Looking at the Denso or Spectra one for $130 vs OEM for $700. I will pay the extra amount if it is not safe to run my car on "cheap parts" but if I can save myself the few extra bucks that would be great.

 

Order the CSF OEM replacement from STM. It's about $150 I think.

 

OSF ordered, $100 on AutoParts Warehouse.

 

RockAuto one will work with a bit of fitment. I have had one on for about 3 years. NO cooling issues. IIRc $120 back then

So word of warning the lower mounting pins on the radiator wont fit properly into the holes on the mounting frame on the car. It will stand off at an angle.

Not good considering the lower and upper tanks are plastic and will crack with stress on them.

You will have to clearance the holes on the frame with a step drill. i opened mine out about 1/2" more into towards the engine bay. no issues in 3 years.

Milburn

 

OSF was direct fit, perfect install. Thanks for the help!