There are few sights more disheartening for a car owner than the unmistakable green or orange puddle forming under the front of your vehicle. It’s a silent announcement that your cooling system, the very heart of your engine’s temperature regulation, has been compromised. For owners of powerful vehicles like the Dodge Charger, Challenger, or Chrysler 300, this isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical threat. These engines, whether the robust V6 or the mighty V8, generate immense heat. A failing radiator means that heat has nowhere to go, leading to a cascade of potential disasters: overheating, warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, and ultimately, catastrophic engine failure. I remember the anxiety well—the temperature needle creeping past the halfway mark in stop-and-go traffic, the constant worry on a hot summer day. Replacing a radiator isn’t just a repair; it’s an essential preventative measure to protect your investment and keep your prized vehicle performing as it should.
- Compatible with 2009-2017 Charger Challenger Chrysler300
- OE standard and OE quality, easy to install. Replacement Part Number #CU13157, 13157, 13157C, 221-9250, 2219250, 41-13157, 68050126AA, 68050126AB, 8013157, A13157, CH3010355, QRAD-68, RAD13157
- AUTOSITY radiator is made of thickened aluminum and PVC. It does not deform when heated, resists corrosion
What to Consider Before Buying a Replacement Radiator
A radiator is more than just a component; it’s a key solution for maintaining your engine’s health and longevity. It acts as a large heat exchanger, transferring thermal energy from the hot coolant flowing through it to the air being forced past by the car’s movement and fans. The main benefits of a high-quality replacement radiator are restored cooling efficiency, prevention of costly engine damage, and peace of mind. A new unit ensures that all connections are secure, the core is free of internal blockages from rust or scale, and the fins are straight and efficient, maximizing heat transfer and keeping your engine operating within its optimal temperature range, whether you’re cruising on the highway or stuck in urban gridlock.
The ideal customer for a direct-fit replacement like the AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator is a hands-on vehicle owner or a budget-conscious consumer facing an OEM radiator failure. This person is comfortable with basic to intermediate automotive repairs and is looking for a part that meets OE specifications without the steep dealership price tag. It’s perfect for those whose Charger, Challenger, or 300 from 2009-2017 has a cracked plastic tank, a clogged core, or fin damage. However, this type of radiator might not be suitable for those with highly modified, high-horsepower track cars. Those applications often demand a thicker, all-aluminum, multi-row performance radiator designed for extreme heat loads, which comes at a significantly higher cost and may require modifications to fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Vehicle Fitment & Cross-Reference: This is the single most important factor. Always double-check your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine size against the radiator’s compatibility list. More importantly, cross-reference the OEM part number (like 68050126AA) with the replacement part numbers provided (CU13157, CH3010355, etc.). This simple step can prevent the immense frustration of receiving a part that doesn’t fit.
- Core Material & Tank Construction: Most modern OEM and replacement radiators, including this one, use an aluminum core with plastic (PVC) end tanks. This construction offers a great balance of light weight, excellent heat conductivity from the aluminum, and cost-effectiveness. High-performance or heavy-duty options may be fully aluminum, including welded tanks, which offers superior durability but at a higher price point.
- Core Dimensions: The height, width, and thickness of the core are critical to its cooling capacity. The AUTOSITY CU13157 features a core that is 24-1/4″ wide, 18-3/8″ high, and 1″ thick. This thickness is a standard single-row design, adequate for stock and lightly modified vehicles. Ensure these dimensions match the original unit to guarantee proper fitment between the A/C condenser and the cooling fans.
- Inlet/Outlet and Connection Points: Verify that the inlet and outlet diameters (1-7/16″ for this model) and their locations match your vehicle’s hoses perfectly. Additionally, inspect the mounting points for the fan shroud and the fittings for the integrated transmission fluid cooler. Any discrepancy here can turn a straightforward job into a nightmare of custom fabrication or returns.
Understanding these elements will empower you to make an informed decision, ensuring the part you buy is a perfect match for your vehicle’s needs.
While the AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- OEM FITMENT - 34 Inch Core Radiator Compatible with Chevy Silverado Suburban Tahoe Cadillac Avalanche Escalade GMC Yukon Sierra Hummer H2 4.3L 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L
- POWERFUL & ADJUSTABLE HEATING: Offers an adjustable thermostat and three heat settings - High (1500W), Medium (900W), and Low (600W) - allowing you to customize the warmth to your comfort level.
- DIRECT OEM FIT - 34 Inch Core Radiator Compatible with Chevy Silverado Suburban Chevrolet Avalanche GMC Yukon Sierra Tahoe Escalade Hummer H2 4.3l 4.8l 5.3l 6.0l 6.2l v8.
First Impressions and Key Features of the AUTOSITY CU13157
When the AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator arrived, the first thing we noticed was the robust packaging. Radiators, with their delicate cooling fins, are notoriously susceptible to shipping damage, but this unit was well-protected in a sturdy box with foam inserts. Upon unboxing, the unit felt solid yet surprisingly lightweight at just over 10 pounds, a testament to its aluminum and PVC construction. The metallic finish on the aluminum core was clean, and a quick inspection of the fins showed them to be mostly straight and uniform—a good sign of quality control. The PVC end tanks were smoothly molded, with all connection points, hose necks, and mounting tabs appearing crisp and well-defined. Compared to the tired, faded OEM unit it was replacing, the AUTOSITY radiator looked sharp and ready for duty. It doesn’t have the heavy-duty, all-welded look of a high-dollar performance part, but it perfectly emulates the design and feel of an original equipment part, which is precisely its goal as a direct-fit replacement.
Key Benefits
- Designed to precise OE standards for a direct-fit replacement.
- Lightweight yet durable construction with a corrosion-resistant aluminum core.
- High-density multi-louvered fins designed for maximum cooling efficiency.
- Cost-effective alternative to expensive dealership OEM parts.
Potential Drawbacks
- Reports of fitment issues with specific trims or connections.
- Plastic end tanks are less durable than all-aluminum welded designs under extreme conditions.
Putting the AUTOSITY CU13157 to the Test: An In-Depth Analysis
A radiator’s worth isn’t determined on the workbench but under the hood, enduring heat cycles and vibrations. We subjected the AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator to a comprehensive evaluation, focusing on the three areas that matter most to a vehicle owner: the quality of its construction, its real-world cooling performance, and the ease (or difficulty) of installation.
Built to Last? A Closer Look at the Aluminum and PVC Construction
The core of any radiator is, well, its core. AUTOSITY claims the CU13157 is made from “thickened aluminum,” and while we couldn’t measure the tube wall thickness without destroying the unit, the overall structure felt rigid and well-braced. The aluminum tubes are joined to the fins using a brazing process, which creates a strong metallurgical bond for optimal heat transfer. We closely examined the multi-louvered fins, which are small slits in the fins designed to disrupt airflow and create turbulence. This turbulence forces the air to make better contact with the fin surface, pulling away more heat than a simple flat fin could. This design is crucial for efficiency, especially at low speeds or when idling, where airflow is dependent on the cooling fans. The quality of the fin pack was impressive for this price point, showing good density and consistency across the core’s surface.
The end tanks are made of a durable PVC (plastic) composite, which is standard practice for most modern vehicles. These tanks are crimped onto the aluminum core with a rubber gasket to create a seal. This method is highly reliable for daily driving conditions and helps keep costs down. AUTOSITY guarantees the unit is 100% leak-proof, and to test this, we performed a low-pressure test before installation, capping the outlets and applying about 15 PSI. The unit held pressure perfectly, giving us confidence in its seals. While a fully welded aluminum radiator is undeniably stronger, for a stock Dodge Challenger like our test vehicle, this OE-style construction is more than adequate and represents a smart balance of durability and value. This build quality gives confidence that it can handle the daily grind, and you can see its full material specifications here.
Cool Under Pressure: Evaluating Heat Dissipation and Core Efficiency
Once installed, the real test began. We monitored engine coolant temperatures using an OBD-II scanner during a variety of driving conditions, from city traffic on a 90°F day to sustained highway speeds. The AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator performed admirably, keeping the engine temperature solidly within the normal operating range of 195-205°F. In stop-and-go traffic, the temperature would rise slightly before the cooling fans kicked on, and the radiator efficiently dissipated the heat, bringing the temps back down quickly. This rapid response is a sign that the core is transferring heat effectively to the air.
On the highway, where airflow is plentiful, the temperature remained rock-steady, never wavering. This performance is a direct result of the core design—the 1-inch thickness combined with the dense, louvered fin pack provides a massive surface area for heat exchange. For the vast majority of drivers of the compatible Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 models, this level of cooling performance is exactly what’s needed. It restores the factory cooling capacity, eliminates the threat of overheating, and ensures the engine runs efficiently. Unless you are planning significant performance upgrades that dramatically increase engine heat, there is no need to spend three or four times as much on a “performance” radiator; this unit gets the job done perfectly.
The Moment of Truth: Installation, Fitment, and Potential Pitfalls
This is where the rubber meets the road for any aftermarket part, and where we found a mixed but ultimately successful experience, reflecting the varied user feedback we’ve seen. The product is billed as a direct OE replacement, and for the most part, it lives up to that claim. The main mounting tabs on the sides of the radiator lined up perfectly with the vehicle’s core support. The fan shroud clicked into its designated slots on the end tanks just like the original, and the upper and lower radiator hose connections were correctly positioned and sized. As one user noted, the general process was “very straightforward on the install.” We were able to remove the old unit and drop the new one in without any major modifications.
However, we approached the installation with caution, mindful of reports of minor fitment issues. One user mentioned the “Transmission fluid flange was not properly molded,” while another said, “To tiny all trims doesn’t fit.” These comments highlight a common challenge with aftermarket parts: small manufacturing tolerances can sometimes cause big headaches. In our case, we paid special attention to the two quick-connect fittings for the automatic transmission cooler lines located in the passenger-side end tank. While they looked correct, we took the extra step of test-fitting the lines before fully installing the radiator. They clicked in securely, but we can see how a slight molding imperfection or a burr of plastic could cause a leak or a connection issue. Similarly, we advise checking the fit of all surrounding plastic trim and air guides before you bolt everything down. For us, everything fit, but it’s a crucial checkpoint. Our takeaway is that while the AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator is a viable DIY project, patience and pre-fitting are your best friends. Don’t assume every single clip and flange is perfect; verify as you go.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are largely echoed in the feedback from other buyers, which paints a picture of a solid product that can occasionally present minor fitment challenges. The positive sentiment, summarized by the user who said, “It was very straightforward on the install in the new part,” speaks to the core design being accurate. Many DIY installers are able to swap the part without major issues, saving hundreds of dollars in labor costs.
However, the negative feedback is just as important and shouldn’t be dismissed. Comments like “Transmission fluid flange was not properly molded” and “To tiny all trims doesn’t fit” point toward potential inconsistencies in quality control. This doesn’t necessarily mean the product is bad, but it does suggest that tolerances might be looser than on a genuine Mopar part. This feedback is relevant for any potential buyer, as it sets a realistic expectation: you are getting a great value, but you should be prepared to carefully inspect the part upon arrival and double-check every connection point during installation.
How the AUTOSITY CU13157 Stacks Up: A Look at the Competition
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we compared the AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator against three other popular replacement radiators available online, each catering to a different set of vehicles.
1. SCITOO Radiator for Chevy Trailblazer 2002-2009
- [Radiator Vehicle Fitment]: For Buick Rainier 2004-2007; For Chevrolet Trailblazer 2002-2009, Trailblazer EXT 2002-2006; For GMC Envoy 2002-2009, Envoy XL 2002-2006, Envoy XUV 2004-2005; For Isuzu...
- [Specifications]: Radiator Replacement: ①Transmission Oil Cooler Included:Yes; ②Engine Oil Cooler Included: No; ③Inlet Diameter: 1.31in.; ④Outlet Diameter: 1.31in.
- [Reference Number]: Aluminum Radiator with DPI2458; 2458 Engine Replacement Car Radiator; GM3010420; GM3010449; IZ3010147; 52381210; 432403; 21505; 15196385 silver radiator replacement;
The SCITOO radiator serves a completely different vehicle family, primarily the GMT360 platform (Trailblazer, Envoy, etc.). Like the Autosity unit, it’s an OE-style replacement with an aluminum core and plastic tanks. The key difference lies in the application; this radiator is designed for the inline-six and V8 engines of those GM SUVs. A potential buyer for a Trailblazer might choose the SCITOO for the same reasons a Charger owner chooses the Autosity: it’s a cost-effective, direct-fit solution to a common failure point. The decision between them is purely based on vehicle compatibility, as their design philosophy and target market are nearly identical.
2. AUTOSAVER88 Radiator for Hyundai Santa Fe Sorento
- Compatibility With-Radiator Compatible with: 2010-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2019 Santa Fe XL 2011-2015 Kia Sorento 2.4L 3.3L 3.5L. Please confirm the compatible vehicles before ordering, thank you
- Replacement OEM Part Number: 253101U100, 253101U250.
- DIRECT FIT & HIGH EFFICIENCY: OE standard for easy installation; Our complete radiator is built with high density multi-louvered fins for maximum cooling efficiency, ensuring durability in extreme...
This AUTOSAVER88 model caters to the popular Hyundai/Kia midsize SUV market. It’s another example of an affordable, OE-spec replacement part. When compared to the AUTOSITY CU13157, the primary distinction is again the vehicle fitment. However, AUTOSAVER88 is a very established brand in the aftermarket cooling space. A buyer might gravitate towards this brand due to name recognition and a potentially larger pool of user reviews. For a Santa Fe or Sorento owner, this is a top contender. For the Mopar owner, the AUTOSITY remains the correct choice due to its specific design for the Charger/Challenger platform.
3. AUTOSAVER88 Civic Aluminum Radiator
- Compatibility With-Radiator Compatible with D17A1/A2/A6/A7: 2002-2005 Civic DX/EX/GX/HX/LX, 2005 Civic EX Special Edition/LX Special Edition/Reverb, 2002-2005 Civic Si, 2004-2005 Civic Value Package,...
- Replacement OEM Part Number: 19010-PLM-A01, 19010-PLM-A51, 19010-PMM-A5, 19010-PMM-A52. PLEASE CONFIRM THE COMPATIBLE VEHICLES BEFORE ORDERING,THANK YOU
- DIRECT FIT & HIGH EFFICIENCY: OE standard for easy installation; Our complete radiator is built with high density multi-louvered fins for maximum cooling efficiency, ensuring durability in extreme...
Here we have another AUTOSAVER88 radiator, this time for the ubiquitous Honda Civic. This highlights the sheer breadth of the aftermarket. While the AUTOSITY is built to cool larger V6 and V8 engines, this Civic radiator is engineered for the smaller, high-revving four-cylinder D-series engines. A Civic owner would choose this for its precise fitment in a much more compact engine bay. Someone might prefer this alternative simply because they own a Honda. The comparison underscores a critical rule in auto parts: brand quality is important, but vehicle-specific design is non-negotiable. The best radiator in the world is useless if it doesn’t fit your car.
Final Verdict: Is the AUTOSITY CU13157 Radiator the Right Choice for Your Mopar?
After a thorough hands-on evaluation, we can confidently recommend the AUTOSITY CU13157 Aluminum Radiator for its intended audience: the owner of a 2009-2017 Charger, Challenger, or Chrysler 300 in need of a reliable, affordable, and OE-spec replacement. Its construction is solid, its cooling performance is more than adequate for stock applications, and it delivers exceptional value compared to dealership pricing. It successfully solves the critical problem of a failing radiator, protecting your engine from the devastating effects of overheating.
The primary caveat lies in the installation. While the core design is accurate, minor inconsistencies in manufacturing tolerances mean that a careful, patient approach is required. You must verify all connections and mounting points. For the seasoned DIYer who is willing to take these precautions, the potential savings are substantial. For those who demand guaranteed, out-of-the-box perfection and are unwilling to risk any fitment hiccups, a more expensive OEM part might be the safer, albeit pricier, path. Ultimately, if you’re looking to get your Mopar back on the road with its cooling system fully restored without emptying your wallet, this radiator is a very compelling option. If you’re ready to tackle the job and save a significant amount of money, we encourage you to check the latest price and availability for your vehicle today.
Last update on 2025-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API