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YOUR RESEARCHPlanning for Center Radiator upgrade
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Use radiator hoses
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Leading evidence: 'Use radiator hoses' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Use radiator hoses' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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I bought a complete used setup from a 2002 Boxster S .
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I purchased the radiator used with bracket for $190 and the 2 new hoses for $54.
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Over the last 2 years I've put in a pretty good dent in my To Do list for the 996 so it's about time I add to it. Wrenching is fun! Would like some thoughts on the center radiator set up and wondering if anyone has been able to accomplish this upgrade for not ~$900. This seems to be a similar pricing situation as we have seen with the expansion tank pricing, where the .2 cars have a cost of about $170 vs $600 for .1 cars. Doesn't make sense but it is what it is.
Similarly in this situation, the 996 center radiator kit is priced anywhere between
$852.57 (w/ CSF radiator) and $987.57 (w/ Porsche OEM radiator). By comparison, the kit for a 997 w/ a Porsche OEM radiator is priced at a measly $
220.25. Pricing taken from Pelican Parts.
Looking closely at the 2 kits there seems to be very little difference and for whatever reason, but same as with the expansion tank, the huge price discrepancy seems to be with the radiator itself. The primary difference between the kits is the hoses and how they connect to the radiator. Besides the shape of the hoses, the 996 ones seem to be attached with worm clamps vs 997 ones being held in place with a retention clip that maintains a seal. The 996 hoses themselves can be purchased for as little as $80 for both. This had me thinking if it would be possible to adapt the 996 hoses to fit the 997 center radiator... I have some ideas brewing and I may try to tackle this come spring. Curious if anyone has been able to accomplish something like this for about $300ish? I don't believe there are any major body differences between the 996 and 997 that would pose a big issue with mounting the radiator. Some potential issues might arise depending on the bumper you have. Would like to hear some thoughts on why this would or would not work or what should be considered before I start collecting parts. If I do go through with it, I'll be sure to document the process with parts used and photos.
Pete, somewhere on RL is a parts list that TexSquirrel put together to buy the used parts with the exception of the radiator itself. I took his list and did exactly what he suggested. I picked up all the parts for under 200 bucks not counting the center radiator. Now I have to figure out if I want an oem or csf center radiator. Figured I will take advantage of the LN black Friday sale that's coming up to buy a CSF if they go on sale.
I'll try to find the info and post it. Maybe Tex will see this as well.
Awesome - would you be referring to the list in this?
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...IaAp1HEALw_wcB
If you scroll down all parts are listed individually.
If the CSF stuff goes on sale then that might be worth considering. I looked at the 997 kit as you get the Porsche OEM radiator but that will require a bit work to make fittings work. There are 2 other options available for a 996 but I'm unsure of quality.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...NT&SVSVSI=996J
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...79&SVSVSI=996J
I added the center radiator to my 99 C4 996 this year . I bought a complete used setup from a 2002 Boxster S . I paid $250.00 delivered to my door and the seller included everything . I literally removed my bumper and installed. I even used his radiator hoses .
The Boxster S center radiator from 2002-2004 will fit a 996 from 1998-2002 . May fit other years . I took my time and had a friend assist and we were done in about 3 1/2 hours . That included cutting out the filler panel on the bumper . We all drive on used parts 😋
If CSF doesn't do anything for Black Friday (they didn't last year, and the most vendors stick to MAP), reach out to Dusty at MVP Motorsports. Hooked me up last year. Also see if DC Auto has the brackets and ducting. My total cost including the new CSF radiator was under $500.
Thanks for lead on MVP. I did the same as you and went with DC auto per Tex's recomendation. Mine was also under 150 not counting center radiator. Still looking for all the receipts.
