3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
So I am in need of a radiator but don't know what aftermarket manufacturers are the most reputable. I generally go with dealership oem parts only but I can't justify the cost of an oem radiator so this is where you come into play! With seemingly dozens of replacments out there I can't help but think that there are aftermarket brands to stay away from and which ones are recommended by fellow Camry owners. I don't want to make the mistake of purchasing the wrong brand so if you have any experience in this area please chime in, any and all input is appreciated!
Vehicle: 1995 Camry DX 5SFE Manual Trans, something to keep in mind is an OEM radiator in an automatic Camry is different than in a manual Camry. I am not sure if this is true with all or some aftermarkets as well or not but it is something to check for.
When the original rad blew on my Cam in '01 (9 years old), I replaced it with one made by Modine. That one lasted until this summer; about 8 years. Got a new one for free under the store's lifetime warranty. That one was made by Thermo-Cool (or something like that), made in China. They didn't carry Modine anymore.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 326k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 257k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
So I am in need of a radiator but don't know what aftermarket manufacturers are the most reputable. I generally go with dealership oem parts only but I can't justify the cost of an oem radiator so this is where you come into play! With seemingly dozens of replacments out there I can't help but think that there are aftermarket brands to stay away from and which ones are recommended by fellow Camry owners. I don't want to make the mistake of purchasing the wrong brand so if you have any experience in this area please chime in, any and all input is appreciated!
Vehicle: 1995 Camry DX 5SFE Manual Trans, something to keep in mind is an OEM radiator in an automatic Camry is different than in a manual Camry. I am not sure if this is true with all or some aftermarkets as well or not but it is something to check for.
I got an ebay rad with lifetime warranty over 2.5 years ago, and it still works great. It was made by CSF (Cooling Systems and Flexibles).
I think I got it from RadiatorDoctor on ebay for something like $70 shipped. I actually used the ebay ad to get their phone # and order from them directly (skip ebay). I had it the day after I ordered it.
__________________ All of the lag, none of the boost.
VTEC It's like waiting for really bad sex.
I have a 96 DX and was also looking for replacement. Been looking at "auto parts warehouse".com Some say "without oil cooler", some say "with trans oil cooler", only one says with both and most do not say anything at all. One "without oil cooler" the picture still shows two tube connections on the bottom which appear to match mine. Looking at mine, it seems I have an oil cooler connections (hosing to and from the oil filter area) and no trannie cooler connections. How can you be sure you are getting the right connections on the bottom?
I looked on KoyoRad's website, but they only list 1 for the 3VZ, so I think it's the standard aluminum with plastic tanks.
I know Koyo makes racing all-alum rads, but at least they don't list it in the electronic catalog.
You know, I just checked again and there is another site showing one for the Supra. But that's an inline-6 turbo. So I'd suggest that you call their authorized distributor regarding questions, at least according to KoyoRad Racing: http://www.koyoradracing.com/contactus.asp
It's just a simple cylinder in most cases. Not sure if it actually matters where you put the ins and outs for an automatic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chemie
I have a 96 DX and was also looking for replacement. Been looking at "auto parts warehouse".com Some say "without oil cooler", some say "with trans oil cooler", only one says with both and most do not say anything at all. One "without oil cooler" the picture still shows two tube connections on the bottom which appear to match mine. Looking at mine, it seems I have an oil cooler connections (hosing to and from the oil filter area) and no trannie cooler connections. How can you be sure you are getting the right connections on the bottom?
Who makes the copper-brass? CSF? If so, run away -- I went through two of them in under a year -- terrible soldering. Recycled the second rather than waste money shipping back to the dealer. Got a plastic tank / aluminum core Koyorad now -- good quality...I expect it to last as long as the original.
Yea the copper brass is CSF. So you're suggesting aluminum?
I'd just go with a plastic tank / aluminum core Koyorad unless you really need a racing radiator. Most of the former big names (e.g., Modine, CSF) are just churning out low-end shit these days. Not sure about Harrison -- they may still be OK, but I don't have any recent experience with them. Based both on my experience and the experiences of others here, Koyorad is still making a high-quality radiator (I assume that their racing radiators are also good, but they're pretty doggone spendy).
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1991 Toyota MR2
1996 Toyota Camry
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