I'm inclined to follow Matts advice on installing the rad. After reading Clarks garage its sounds straightforward enough and for sure the hoses are going to be changed too, because you got to know if I don't its gonna blow as per Murphys law

 

I changed my radiator last summer because it was leaking. This was the first time I changed a radiator, and it took me a couple of hours (including the time to put the car on jackstands, etc.). The Haynes manual was my guide, but I probably could have done it with no guide. The only thing that caused any significant problem was locating the drain plug for the block. It probably took me half an hour to find the plug and then get the damn thing out. It's in a bloody inconvenient position, and the Haynes manual doesn't do much to help one figure out where it is. Anyway, it's certainly a DIY job. Just allow yourself time and be patient.

By the way, I highly recommend Vertex Auto. The price in their catalog is $219, but (as noted above), they advertise an even lower price in magazines such as Excellence and Porsche Panorama. They list it for $169 in Panorama. That's where I got mine, and it is working just fine.

Cheers,

Mark

 

Also, I don't know much about this because I haven't done it...

But I have heard of going with the 944 Turbo even in a NA radiator because it's stronger/better and will help cool more efficiently. Check into that though, or someone who knows post here, because that was just a rumor I heard.

-Matt

 

The radiator swap is easy and very worthwhile in any car thats over ten years old, in my opinion. In both my 84 and 86, I did it not too long after I got them along with a waterpump, and I haven't had any problems with cooling on them since.

As for the pressure tester, for what its worth, its one of the best tools I have bought for my Porsches. It makes it super simple and quick to get all the air out of the system, and while I agree, its not a big deal to do it without, it makes more than a $100 (the cost at any NAPA store) difference to me.

Regards,