Radiators - Koyo vs The REST

[shadow247]

With 341k miles on the stock radiator, I am thinking it is time for a new one. My only question is should I really spend the extra 30 bucks on the Koyo Rad from Amazon or go with the Spectra Premium that I can get locally.

Also should I go with the Toyota Long Life coolant or just flush and fill with something else?

 

[etc.]

I bought a koyo from eBay for $117. Looks quality to me.

Toyota red/pink coolant.

Becks arnley has there version which iirc is rebranded Toyota.

 

[T4R_Finally]

Yeh i also got my koyo on ebay for $117 shipped. Fit perfectly and quality is as good or better than original. Filled mine with zerex asian formula. Unless someone was convincing enough otherwise, i would stick with the tyc/koyo.

 

[004runnerLtd]

I'm curious about the radiator too.
I know Koyo A1998 is what's the normal replacement for people on the forums, but wondering about this 2 row replacement for around the same price?

Link

 

[Stallion Motors]

where is everyone finding the Koyo on ebay for 117 shipped? best i see is 160+15shipping!

thanks,
tom

 

[shadow247]

So who's running the TYC radiator? I see Rockauto has it for 99 bucks plus shipping, which looks to be the best price I can find even with my wholesale discount from Oreilly and Napa. Amazon has it for 112 shipped. I think I am going to go with that. Also,what about a thermostat? I see a 195 and 180 degree offered. It seems like I ran a 180 degree thermostat in my Chevrolet with a V8.

Thoughts?

 

[BrianSD_42]

Well I paid the small premium for the Koyo because it was an original manufacturor part. True OEM.

At 347k miles though even the cheaper radiator will likely outlast the engine.

 

[T4R_Finally]

where is everyone finding the Koyo on ebay for 117 shipped? best i see is 160+15shipping!

thanks,
tom

Sometimes they are difficult to find on ebay when doing a search, even though they are usually out there. Try a more generic search like "4runner radiator" and look for listings for tyc 1998. The one i bought had that but showed a picture of a koyo. When it arrived, the box said koyorad on it but the label said tyc with part number 1998. Turns out they are one in the same.

I found listings on amazon for around the same price but i had about $55 in ebay bucks to use against it.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I have to say, I wouldn't buy a TYC anything again.

I have one of their replacement headlight housings and the plastic is super cheap and broke within 3 months.

Stick with a Koyo or other OEM.

 

[shadow247]

I have to say, I wouldn't buy a TYC anything again.

I have one of their replacement headlight housings and the plastic is super cheap and broke within 3 months.

Stick with a Koyo or other OEM.

I agree on the TYC lights. We use them all the time here at the shop and they are crap. Unfortunately, the insurance companies have us by the balls and we pretty much have to use the parts they are willing to pay for.

 

[IanB]

I have to say, I wouldn't buy a TYC anything again.

I have one of their replacement headlight housings and the plastic is super cheap and broke within 3 months.

Stick with a Koyo or other OEM.

I fully agree on the headlights issue, I had a claim on the wife's Legacy and they put a TYC headlight in, and the cutoff for the projector was like a damn rainbow, whereas the OEM housing cutoff was sharp with no color bleeding. I had them replace it with OEM, I couldn't accept the crap quality.

That being said, you can't apply that to everything they make, Koyo is an OEM supplier of rads, product A's quality doesn't always reflect product B's quality, even though they are sold under the same brand.

 

[JayRolla]

I fully agree on the headlights issue, I had a claim on the wife's Legacy and they put a TYC headlight in, and the cutoff for the projector was like a damn rainbow, whereas the OEM housing cutoff was sharp with no color bleeding. I had them replace it with OEM, I couldn't accept the crap quality.

That being said, you can't apply that to everything they make, Koyo is an OEM supplier of rads, product A's quality doesn't always reflect product B's quality, even though they are sold under the same brand.

All the non OEM lights have issues. I have gone through a few ebay sets and after some good wheeling they are filled with mud. LOL

 

[AZ4FNER]

Check out go-part, they offer a low price guarantee ($119.95).

96-02 Toyota 4Runner KOYO Radiator A1998 1640075181

This is where I bought my Koyo A1998 a few months ago.

 

[Hatteras-surfer]

I have to say, I wouldn't buy a TYC anything again.

I have one of their replacement headlight housings and the plastic is super cheap and broke within 3 months.

Stick with a Koyo or other OEM.

Koyo builds the TYC radiator exact same everything except for part # , Its missing the A in front of 1998

 

[Hatteras-surfer]

With 341k miles on the stock radiator, I am thinking it is time for a new one. My only question is should I really spend the extra 30 bucks on the Koyo Rad from Amazon or go with the Spectra Premium that I can get locally.

Also should I go with the Toyota Long Life coolant or just flush and fill with something else?

Amazon is listing TYC for 112.00 free 2 day shipping if your Prime Customer.
Its 100% Koyo I received mine today.
http://www.amazon.com/TYC-1998-Alum...DNU4S43&colid=3Q160AN2IC321&tag=vglnk-c565-20

Some pics,

Its high quality, fits perfect install took me 3 hours due to new oem hose clamps used grrr those clamps were a major pain to adjust without proper tool.

 

[Hacker]

Koyo builds the TYC radiator

How do you know that?

 

[BrianSD_42]

How do you know that?

Just buy the Koyo, don't cheap out.

 

[Hacker]

Just buy the Koyo, don't cheap out.

Not sure why that was aimed at my post; I all ready have, thanks.

I was asking how Hatteras-surfer knew (or believes) that Koyo makes the TYC radiator.

Here's mine sitting in my garage waiting for the install.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Nahh, it was an open statement.

I bought TYC products before and they were super cheap plastic.

 

[Brilliant]

Koyo radiator failed after <12 months.

Off to buy something else.