The local Subaru dealer says that the radiator for my 2001 Outback 2.5L w/manual transmission is different from the radiators for automatic transmission models.

 

What's the difference? I don't see any distinction for aftermarket radiators, are they going to fit?

the automatic transmission radiators have an embedded ATF cooler in them. the dealer will show two distinct part numbers - the auto trans model will have the ATF cooler and associated hook up lines and the manual transmission will not have that.

 

the aftermarket companies will sometimes supply the same radiator for either one. if you install that kind of radiator to your manual transmission vehicle you just won't hook up any lines to it (because you don't have any!) and the ATF cooling part will remain unused. so yes, they should work just fine.

Auto trans radiator has the in-tank cooler for the ATF. Manual trans radiator does not. Provided they are dimensionally compatible, you could use an auto trans rad in a manual trans vehicle and just not use the intank ATF cooler.

 

To use an MT rad in an AT vehicle you would need to add a good ATF cooler preferably in front of the a/c condensor, but this can result in overcooling in cold temperatures.

 

Also note some turbo makes/models typically use a beefier rad and sometimes have an engine oil cooler in the rad tank as well.