pulling the rad on type $$

[urquattro]

> If you can get the Modine for a good price, fine. Any factory radiator
that
> lasts 13 years with little or no maintenance is fine in my book - do you
> really expect to have the car another 10 years?

... IME the Modines are available for around the same price as the
discounted dealer price.  When I got the replacement for the 4kSQ from
Carlsen it was an all metal rad made in the Netherlands.  I'm sorry, but I
don't happen to agree here on replacing with plastic at all, but if it is
cool for you, go ahead!  The thought that an overtightened radiator hose
might lead to a warped head is enough to make up my mind ...

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)

... with experience on just about all of my Audis with an unexpected
catastrophic failure of a plastic rad tank, heater hose or pump without
warning in almost every case ... I've learnt my lesson!