Off-Roading and Overlanding has become immensely popular over the past decade and it’s not just big SUVs and trucks partaking in the fun. Compact SUVs have quickly become a popular platform for enthusiasts seeking fun away from the concrete jungle. Of these CUVs, the Subaru Forester is one of the most popular platforms. With standard AWD, decent ground clearance, and reasonably good gas mileage, it’s not surprising to see more and more of them on the trails.

Whether you are running the stout 2.5L naturally aspirated motor or the hot 2.0L turbo engine, off-roading and overlanding can be a lot harder on it than you might expect. Between dealing with traction loss, steep inclines, and additional weight of gear, there is almost always more strain on the engine. The result is above average operating temperatures that the factory radiator can struggle to keep up with. Especially on the turbo models.

Design & Engineering

CSF has a long and successful track record with high-performance/heavy-duty, off-road grade radiators. With most off-road vehicles, the factory cooling components can easily become over stressed. This may be due to the demanding stress on the engine while climbing or dirt clogging up some of the cooling fins. The last thing you want is a radiator to fail while you’re far from civilization.

OEM vs CSF

The 2-Row 42mm aluminum core not only increases the fluid capacity of the radiator, but also improves the cores ability to dissipate heat. CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology increases the heat transfer by approximately 15% over regular oval welded tubes. In addition, the super-efficient multi-louvered fins maximize airflow through the core for the best possible performance.

Efficiency is key in off-roading as speeds tend to be lower overall so you end up relying on the fans to move most of the air over the radiator. While the factory fans do a decent job pulling air through the radiator core, it is still less airflow than you’d typically see in city driving. A larger and more efficient core will keep your engine temps in check and keep your engine running strong.

Additionally, the end tanks are made from high grade aluminum and TIG welded to the core for extra strength. In contrast, the OEM crimped onto plastic end tank design is much weaker and creates a weak point where failure is more likely. Because the CSF radiator is designed as a true plug-and-play drop-in fit application, installation requires absolutely no modifications, trimming, or cutting.

Features

• 2-Row, 42mm Heavy-Duty Ultra-High-Performance Dual Pass Core
• Cooling Tubes with CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology
• 6.5mm Tall Ultra Efficient Fins with a Multi-Louvered Design for Maximum Surface Area Contact
• CNC Machined Mounting Brackets and OEM Style Inlet/Outlet
• 100% All Aluminum TIG-Welded Construction
• 1-Hour “Mirror Finish” Hand Polish
• True Plug-and-Play “Drop-in Fit” Installation Requires Absolutely No Modifications
• Individually Leak and Pressure Tested
• 2-Year Limited Warranty