Doesn't this involve changing the front engine cover?

 

Yes, but a sandwich adapter does the trick too. I got one with integrated thermostat which is even an improvement over the standard design.

 

The plastic on the OEM radiators was very poor quality, end tanks often split, dumping coolant and overheating the engine and blowing the headgasket. Hoses get soft as well and rupture. Given it is 15 yrs old unless it has been replaced you would be wise to replace all non-metal components pre-emptively. If you are diligent checking the coolant level you can skip the water pump, but it will eventually wear out as well. Most components fail in the 120-160k mile range based on my ownership of a even dozen.