DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 3-Row Full Aluminum Radiator
$152.99 price checked August 2026
If you drive a manual transmission and need a direct bolt-on fit, this is the right radiator for you.
The RA-CCV889-3 Radiator in Short
The DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 3-Row Full Aluminum Radiator is for performance-oriented manual transmission owners who need a 3-row racing design for increased heat dissipation.
Engine overheating often stems from a radiator core that cannot process enough coolant volume to keep up with high-stress driving. If the cooling surface area is too small, heat builds up rapidly, potentially leading to core cracking or severe engine strain.
The DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 3-Row Full Aluminum Radiator provides a 2.13-inch core thickness to manage these thermal loads. This 3-row racing design ensures a higher coolant capacity than standard stock units to maintain consistent temperatures.
We evaluated the car radiator options we compared to determine which models offer the best heat dissipation for performance builds. This review is for the driver who needs a high-capacity aluminum upgrade for a manual transmission vehicle.
If you are considering other high-end options, view our full Mishimoto MMRAD-F2D-03 review.
How Car Forum World picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed car radiator listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 131 qualified. This product is one of 10 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).
The Short Answer on the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator
Best for: you need a high-capacity cooling upgrade for a manual transmission vehicle that requires a direct bolt-on replacement.
The DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 Radiator is a high-performance choice at $152.99.
- Pro: The 3-row racing design and T-6061 aluminum construction provide significantly higher heat dissipation than standard stock units.
- Pro: A 2.13 inch core thickness offers a substantial cooling surface area for high-demand environments.
- Pro: The 1.50″ and 1.625″ inlet and outlet diameters ensure high-volume coolant flow.
- Con: This unit is compatible with manual transmissions only, meaning it cannot be used for automatic setups.
- Con: The 27.5-inch overall length requires a specific engine bay clearance that many compact vehicles lack.
Don’t buy this if: your vehicle uses an automatic transmission or if your engine bay has less than 27.5 inches of available clearance.
Price assessment: $152.99 is a fair price for a 3-row aluminum radiator with these specific racing dimensions.
Car Forum World score: 8/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
Owners of JDM cars can find the best performance radiator for subaru wrx sti in our comparison guide.
Key Specifications
| Material | T-6061 Aluminum |
| Design | 3-Row Racing Design |
| Core Size | 23.50 x 18.00 x 2.13 Inch |
| Overall Size | 27.5 x 18.00 x 2.50 Inch |
| Inlet/Outlet Diameter | 1.50″ / 1.625″ |
| Transmission Cooler Thread Size | 1/2-20UNF |
| Weight | 13.42 pounds |
| Compatibility | Manual transmission only |
The 3-row racing design and 2.13-inch core thickness provide the increased heat dissipation required for high-performance cooling compared to standard stock units.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 131 products screened for this category, this one’s 3.8 rating places it #100, on 734 ratings – above the 70-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 100 of them.
Before You Buy: RA-CCV889-3 Radiator Checklist
The first thing to check is whether your vehicle uses a manual transmission, as this radiator is compatible with manual transmissions only.
- ☐ Confirm the transmission type is manual
- ☐ Verify the core width of 18.00 inches fits your engine bay
- ☐ Measure your mounting points to ensure they align with the direct bolt-on OEM fitment
- ☐ Check that your inlet and outlet diameters match the 1.50″ and 1.625″ requirements
- ☐ Verify the transmission cooler thread size is 1/2-20UNF
- ☐ Budget for a professional installer to manage the mounting and coolant system
You should not buy the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator if your vehicle requires an automatic transmission setup or requires custom-drilled mounting brackets.
What the Numbers Mean in Use
T-6061 Aluminum Construction
The T-6061 aluminum construction of the DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 Radiator provides a high strength-to-weight ratio compared to standard copper-brass units. This material ensures the radiator maintains structural integrity under high-pressure cooling cycles while facilitating efficient heat transfer to the surrounding air.
You can expect a significant temperature drop under heavy load because the 3-row racing design maximizes surface area. This design allows for rapid heat dissipation, which helps prevent the engine from reaching critical thermal limits during sustained high-performance driving.
Direct Bolt-On OEM Fitment
Direct Bolt-On OEM Fitment means the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator matches the mounting points and rail spacing of original equipment. You avoid the need for custom brackets or modifications that often lead to mounting mismatches and core cracking in aftermarket setups.
The 1.50″ inlet diameter is designed to balance flow and compatibility with standard cooling lines. Because this measurement aligns with common high-flow requirements, you can maintain consistent coolant circulation without the flow restriction often caused by undersized ports.
Increased Coolant Capacity
Increased Coolant Capacity allows the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator to hold a larger volume of fluid than stock units. A larger volume provides a thermal buffer, meaning the system takes longer to heat up when the engine faces sudden spikes in temperature.
Before ordering, you must confirm your vehicle’s specific requirements for a manual transmission setup. A professional installer should verify that the 27.5 x 18.00 x 2.50 inch dimensions clear your engine bay and surrounding components to ensure a proper fit.
How the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator Compares to Alternatives
The RA-CCV889-3 Radiator offers a 2.13-inch core thickness, providing a larger cooling surface than many standard replacement units to manage high heat loads.
- The RA-CCV889-3 Radiator costs $0.74 more than the DNA Motoring OEM-RA-1553 Radiator Ram 2500.
- The Primecooling 3 Row Aluminum Radiator Chevy GMC costs $2.01 more than this model.
- The CU369 3 Row Aluminum Radiator Chevy GMC costs $2.01 more than this model.
- The 3 Row Aluminum Radiator Chevy GMC C K costs $2.01 more than this model.
- The ALLOYWORKS Aluminum Radiator Jeep Cherokee XJ Comanche costs $3.00 less than the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator.
- The RA-CCV889-3 Radiator has a 3.8 rating, while the DNA Motoring OEM-RA-1553 Radiator Ram 2500 has a higher 4.5 rating.
A 3-row design provides increased heat dissipation for high-demand scenarios, but if you are only looking for a standard daily driver, you should confirm if your engine’s heat output requires this extra surface area or if a 2-row unit suffices for your needs.
If you prioritize a higher buyer rating over these specific dimensions, the DNA Motoring OEM-RA-1553 Radiator Ram 2500 is the better pick for your setup.
New owners can learn how a radiator works and functions through our detailed technical guide.
What Buyers Still Want to Know About the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 come with mounting brackets?
The product description does not list mounting brackets as included, so you should confirm the hardware requirements with the manufacturer before ordering. Since this is a direct bolt-on OEM fitment, a professional installer can determine if the specific bracket configuration is provided in the package or requires separate sourcing.
Is the 3.8 rating for the DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 due to cooling failures?
The available data does not specify the reasons for the 3.8 rating among 734 buyer ratings. You should check recent customer reviews to determine if the score reflects the T-6061 aluminum cooling performance or issues related to shipping and handling.
Will this radiator fit my automatic transmission?
No, the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator is compatible with manual transmissions only. You must verify your vehicle’s transmission type before purchasing to ensure correct fitment.
What is the core thickness of the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator?
The RA-CCV889-3 Radiator features a 2.13 inch core thickness. This measurement provides the heat dissipation surface area for the 3-row racing design.
Is the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator Right for You?
The RA-CCV889-3 Radiator suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 3 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator is for, and what it does well
Who the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator suits
- Track day hobbyists — the 3-Row Racing Design provides the increased heat dissipation needed for sustained high-speed driving
- Manual transmission car owners — the specific compatibility for manual transmissions ensures a proper fit for their drivetrain
- Street performance tuners — the T-6061 Aluminum construction and 2.13 inch core thickness provide reliable cooling for modified engines
- DIY car restorers — the Direct Bolt-On OEM Fitment allows for a straightforward replacement of a stock cooling system
- High-performance commuters — the higher coolant capacity helps maintain stable operating temperatures during heavy traffic or long hauls
What the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator handles well
- Circuit racing — the 3-Row Racing Design handles extreme thermal loads
- Heavy-duty towing — the higher coolant capacity prevents overheating under sustained loads
- Manual transmission cooling — the 1/2-20UNF thread size allows for a dedicated transmission cooler connection
- Engine swaps — the Direct Bolt-On OEM Fitment simplifies the integration into existing engine bays
- High-RPM driving — the 2.13 Inch core thickness maximizes surface area for heat exchange
What the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator is the wrong choice for
- Automatic transmission builds — the compatibility is limited to manual transmissions only
- Compact engine bays with limited depth — the 2.50 inch overall size may be too large for some tight spaces
- DIY beginners — the recommendation for a professional installer suggests a complex mounting or plumbing setup
What to budget alongside the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator, and what to skip
Worth buying at the same time
- Engine coolant — required to fill the higher coolant capacity of the unit
- Transmission fluid — required for the 1/2-20UNF transmission cooler port
- Radiator mounting brackets — needed to secure the 27.5 x 18.00 inch unit to the chassis
- Hoses and clamps — required to connect to the 1.50 inch inlet and 1.625 inch outlet
- Coolant degreaser — necessary to clean the T-6061 Aluminum surfaces before installation
What you can skip
- Aftermarket transmission cooler — the unit already includes a 1/2-20UNF thread size for a cooler
- Universal radiator adapters — the Direct Bolt-On OEM Fitment makes adapters unnecessary
Where to Buy the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator
These retailers sell Car Radiator generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- Advance Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — wide selection of standard cooling components and local pickup
- Summit Racing Equipment (online only) — huge breadth of performance and aftermarket cooling brands
- Jegs (online only) — extensive catalog of high-performance and specialty cooling systems
- RockAuto (online only) — massive inventory of budget-friendly and OEM-equivalent parts
- ExtremeTerrain (online only) — specialist for off-road and truck-specific cooling upgrades
- AutoZone (online and physical stores) — in-store returns and local pickup for standard replacement parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — local availability and professional staff for diagnostic help
Final Verdict on the RA-CCV889-3 Radiator
If you need a high-performance 3-row racing design for a manual transmission setup, the DNA Motoring RA-CCV889-3 Radiator is the right choice at around $152.99.
The RA-CCV889-3 Radiator provides a 2.13-inch core thickness and a 3-row design to ensure increased heat dissipation compared to standard stock units. It maintains a 3.8 rating from 734 buyers, offering a proven cooling solution for those prioritizing aluminum construction over basic replacements.
Skip it if: you have an automatic transmission or require a radiator with a core width smaller than 18.00 inches.