subieman Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 I have a 1988 GL EA82 that runs hot. It has 223,000 miles on the original radiator. Its been flushed and cleaned out 2 times already. So yes it is time to replace the radiator. I'm on a strict budget and I know the 2 row radiators will help cool the engine better. But by how much? Will I even notice a difference? I just want to be able to run my AC with out the engine over heating. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 In the area you live in (since it can get pretty warm down there) and for the cheapness of a brand new 2 core radiator, I myself, would upgrade to one. I bought one a few months ago and it cost me roughly $120 shipped to my door from www.radiatorsexpress.com IIRC. If its running hot and you want to use the AC, spend the $120 now instead of however much another engine will run you plus the joy of swapping them when it is blazing hot outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 I only use 2 row (turbo) radiators. Compared to a MT radiator, the turbo radiator is rated to dissipate 26,000 BTU/Hr more. MT 136,499 BTU/Hr AT 156,339 BTU/Hr Turbo 162,688 BTU/Hr XT 170,227 BTU/Hr If an XT would fit I'd use them - but I think they are too wide. I have 1 decent condition 1 row as an emergency spare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subieman Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 It will get into the upper 90's in Reno, very rare it's in the 100's for very long. But in the winter we dip into the single digits. Would the 2 row radiator not let the engine warm up to operating temp when it's 2 degrees out? Guess thats what the thermostat is for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 thats what the thermostat is for. Correct. Normal weather range here is -10 to 100. Neither for very long. It doesn't take long to cause big problems on that 100 degrees day... I have no problem in winter, no overheating in summer. Including A/C on, 3AT, towing, heavy load in the car, drive almost like I stole it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rllywgn Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 a 2 row radiator will be perfect for any car.. turbo's especially when it comes to subaru's the thermostat is what regulates the running temp assuming that your radiator and cooling system is operating properly.. down here in las vegas i would be up s*** creek without it.. i run my a/c pretty much when ever im driving during the summer.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subieman Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Thanks for all the help. Guess it won't hurt to go bigger. I can get a Ready Rad 1 row for $99 and a 2 row for $126 shipped to my door. $25 difference seems to be worth it. Anyone had any spacing problems between the fan clutch and the 2 row? I read a few stories where people have had problems with dealer installed AC systems where the shaft on the water pump is longer. When I replaced my water pump my car took the one with the longer shaft. Jeremy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edrach Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 I only use 2 row (turbo) radiators. Compared to a MT radiator, the turbo radiator is rated to dissipate 26,000 BTU/Hr more. MT 136,499 BTU/Hr AT 156,339 BTU/Hr Turbo 162,688 BTU/Hr XT 170,227 BTU/Hr If an XT would fit I'd use them - but I think they are too wide. I have 1 decent condition 1 row as an emergency spare. Just a thought, the AT radiator is rated to dissipate more, but I suspect that difference is to cool the automatic transmission fluid and not the engine. I have had great success with the single row but for your area and conditions the extra cash for a two row is likely well worth the peace of mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nug Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 I've never had a problem with a single row radiator. I'm not sure why but even my 89 turbo GL/ 4EAT auto has a single row radiator in it. Someone must have swapped it before I got it. But it works fine, even overcools in the winter here in Wisconsin. Summer at 100 degrees with AC on temp stays right in the middle. Everyone always says these cars are so problematic with the cooling system, but I've never had problems in any of my EA82s. I always flush and change all hoses and t-stat upon acquiring a new one. Perhaps that why no problems? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daeron Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 I always flush and change all hoses and t-stat upon acquiring a new one. Perhaps that why no problems? I will go out on a limb and say probably? (hoping to draw out discussion on this one) How many people are truly that anal retentive about their new subaru purchases WITHOUT being pressed to do so, (ie, engine has problems, overheats because of a demonstrably bad radiator or something along those lines) yet STILL DO find that a 1 row rad is insufficient for a turbo car? Any stories of someone replacing the entire cooling system and discovering that their new 1 row rad didnt cut the mustard? We lack hard data, so the sum and total of our anecdotal experience is all that we can analyze to determine the truth of the matter. This thread seems as good a place as any to hash the debate out fully; lets bring it on! MY only experience is with my 87 NA 3AT, the original 1 row had bad fin rot and a few blocked spots; I replaced it with an apparently new all metal 1 row from the JY and havent had any problems with that. (of course, not once I also went through the whole gamut of problems caused by that weak radiator and an old water pump.. hoses, pump, and finally headgasket each went out in turn; and the entire affair was initially precipitated by a bad thermostat, surprise..) My personal experience isnt very applicable to the thread.. I am just saying that a smaller AT rad is enough for the NA AT car, no surprises there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 Anyone had any spacing problems between the fan clutch and the 2 row? I read a few stories where people have had problems with dealer installed AC systems where the shaft on the water pump is longer. I am not sure about the dealer AC. I have had to trim the 4 studs so the fan would go in. I have also found the radiator touching the front sheet metal and cut pieces out so the radiator doesn't rub through. This could depend on the brand of radiator or some other difference in the sheet metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazy D Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 yeah dude the duel core radiators work pretty good. im still only running one fan and my car rarely ever gets hot enough to shut her down. they are pretty effective Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeshoup Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 yeah dude the duel core radiators work pretty good. im still only running one fan and my car rarely ever gets hot enough to shut her down. they are pretty effective Yours is different. All EA81 radiators are dual core. At least, I've yet to see one that wasn't. My XT Turbo loved its dual core radiator. It stayed nice and cool with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RONAN Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 I am not sure about the dealer AC. I have had to trim the 4 studs so the fan would go in. I have also found the radiator touching the front sheet metal and cut pieces out so the radiator doesn't rub through. This could depend on the brand of radiator or some other difference in the sheet metal. I replaced mine with a 2core and also had to cut about a 1/4" off my 4 fan studs. For fitting purposes, I had to trim a small section of the radiator core on the passenger side because of the larger tank. The big swings in temperature in my woods had an effect at times with the stock 1core but no deviation in temp swings with the 2core since... Highly recommended swap!!! Just one mans opinion:headbang: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 Now that I finally found out that 2 core radiators are available for EA82s, I'm in. I'm definately buying one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 If you want to get rid of the crappy stock clutch fan, an EA81 secondary AC fan will work, and its electric. I had the stock electric fan and the EA81 AC fan on my 2 row and it was much better then the clutch fan. Usually if the car has been serviced by a dealer or other mechanic, for ease of removal and installation of the clutch fan, they will cut the fan shroud until its just the top section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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