How to Install an Aluminum Radiator on a Mitsubishi Evo X
How to Install an Aluminum Radiator on an Evo X
Upgrading to an all-aluminum radiator ensures your 4B11T stays cool under heavy track abuse or sustained boost. This straightforward DIY requires basic hand tools and an afternoon in the garage.
The Short Answer (TL;DR)
To install an upgraded radiator in your Evo X, drain the coolant from the passenger-side petcock. Remove the upper intercooler pipe, hood latch, and upper radiator core support. Unclip the A/C condenser, disconnect the radiator hoses, and lift the factory radiator out with the fans attached. Swap the fans to the new unit and reverse the installation.
The DIY Process Overview
Safety dictates you must let the engine cool completely before opening the cooling system. Drain the coolant via the petcock located on the bottom passenger side of the factory radiator. Remove the plastic intake air duct, upper cowl, and the upper intercooler pipe to gain proper clearance.
Next, unbolt the upper radiator support by removing the bolts for the hood latch, headlights, and bumper tabs. Disconnect the horn wiring and carefully unclip the crash sensor harnesses. With the support out of the way, unclip the radiator fan wiring and the A/C condenser tabs.
Disconnect the upper hose and lower U-shaped hose from the block. Pull the factory radiator up and out with the fan assembly still attached. Swap the factory fan assembly and brackets over to the new aluminum radiator. Drop the new unit into the rubber mounting grommets, seat the A/C condenser into its clips, and reinstall all supports, hoses, and harnesses before refilling the coolant.
Why You Should Upgrade While You're In There
With the upper intercooler pipe and radiator core support removed, you have wide-open access to the front of the engine bay. Replacing the restrictive factory intercooler piping or adding a high-flow intake right now saves hours of redundant labor. Upgrading these components simultaneously maximizes cooling and airflow efficiency.
Recommended Upgrade: Upgraded Upper Intercooler Pipe (UICP) and Cold Air Intake
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the coolant drain valve on the Evo X?
The drain petcock is located on the front side of the radiator at the bottom passenger corner. It is a black plastic valve that resembles mouse ears. Opening it drains the coolant down through the lower locating peg.
Do I need to discharge the A/C system to remove the radiator?
No. The A/C condenser simply unclips from the front of the factory radiator. You can carefully lift it out of its tabs and leave the sealed A/C lines fully connected while you swap the radiator core.
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