- 08/09/2015
- 1 Min Read
- By: Alex Fiehl
Volvo S70/V70 Aftermarket Radiator Options - Are They Better?
When a radiator fails, often the first thing that comes to mind is, "How much is this going to cost me to fix?" Radiators are not cheap components, and often the labor to replace one exceeds the cost of the part, even if you're doing it yourself. (Time is worth money, even if you're a DIY'er!)
There are 3 big names in the Volvo radiator replacement realm, all of which are viable options, and all of which land at varying price points. Is the Genuine radiator the best option? I think so, but let's discuss.
Behr
Behr is a popular Original Equipment Manufacturer for many European vehicles, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz. You'll find the Behr name on every P80 Volvo's original heater core, as well.
Behr radiators are the lowest cost option for the Volvo P80 platform. With that said, they are a fantastic alternative to the Genuine price for a vehicle that may not be in the best condition, or one you don't plan on keeping for very long. In general, any brand with an OEM partnership is a great starting point, especially if it saves over 50% off the cost of original.
Nissens
You won't find the Nissens name anywhere on a Volvo, but its popularity in the aftermarket and online forum community is changing that in recent years. While it is not an OEM for the radiator on Volvo vehicles, it has built a reputation for being a very affordable, long lasting radiator when Genuine is just too expensive.
Volvo Radiator (C70 V70 S70) - Nissens 36000001
Genuine Volvo (Valeo)
Radiators can and do fail from ice, road debris, and brittleness in extreme cold. When money is no object, I've found that the original Genuine radiators last so long that there is no reason to compromise when replacing it. I have replaced a few radiators with different brands, but the Genuine part is always 100% perfect in fitment, whether it be the alignment of the hardware, or the quality of the transmission cooler connections. For peace of mind on a car you plan on keeping, go Genuine.
Volvo Radiator (C70 V70 S70) - Genuine Volvo 36000001
All-Aluminum
Often, owners are soured by the fact that their radiator failed at all, and seek an aftermarket solution that is "better," sometimes going with an expensive all-aluminum radiator. Always take note of how long the part lasted in the first place. If a 1999 V70 has a cracked end tank in the year 2015, it has gone 16 years on the same radiator! That's no small feat for something that experiences such wide temperature changes. Don't discredit what's worked for so long - an all-aluminum radiator simply isn't necessary in 9/10 cases.
Even on modified vehicles, the factory Valeo radiator is more than up to the task of keeping a hot 5-Cylinder engine cool. I would only recommend springing for a quality all-aluminum radiator if you are running higher than standard cooling system pressure, or have increased the size of your turbocharger substantially over what Volvo's original offerings were. (20G, T3/T4...etc.)
