Thermostat & Radiator Choices...
04-08-07, 07:10 PM
#1
Thermostat & Radiator Choices...
I went to friggin Autozone today for a little shopping for my LS.
The temp gauge on my car has been running a little above middle, and its been nagging me, especially since I've searched and show that most here are a little under or sometimes even only 1/4 of the way. I've already changed the radiator cap, so that's not it.
I figure my thermostat must be sticking a little. I've ordered a ValuCraft Low Temp Thermostat (opens at 170 instead of the typical 180). Yes, I did read on here that all Champion products suck, but the TRD low temp thermostat runs about $50, more than double of what I paid for the Valucraft (18.99). I figured I'd give them a chance.
I figured that since I'm throwing all that money into the cooling system, I might as well get a new radiator as well, looking for some suggestions that will help the cooling but won't break the bank. After searching on some webpages, I realize that familiar performance names such as Fluidyne and Koyo don't make radiators for my LS400 (90-94). Any suggestions on where to buy a good radiator for a very good price is appreciated.
TIA.
The temp gauge on my car has been running a little above middle, and its been nagging me, especially since I've searched and show that most here are a little under or sometimes even only 1/4 of the way. I've already changed the radiator cap, so that's not it.
I figure my thermostat must be sticking a little. I've ordered a ValuCraft Low Temp Thermostat (opens at 170 instead of the typical 180). Yes, I did read on here that all Champion products suck, but the TRD low temp thermostat runs about $50, more than double of what I paid for the Valucraft (18.99). I figured I'd give them a chance.
I figured that since I'm throwing all that money into the cooling system, I might as well get a new radiator as well, looking for some suggestions that will help the cooling but won't break the bank. After searching on some webpages, I realize that familiar performance names such as Fluidyne and Koyo don't make radiators for my LS400 (90-94). Any suggestions on where to buy a good radiator for a very good price is appreciated.
TIA.
Last edited by avalon42; 04-08-07 at 09:53 PM.
04-09-07, 12:07 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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I prefer to stick to the term "don't fix it if it isn't broken". Replacing a radiator isn't necessarily preventative maintenence, if it isn't leaking, don't mess with success. If I were you, i'd buy an OEM thermostat. I work for an auto parts store, and the thermostats we sell for LS400's look SOOO dinky compared to the OEM one. It was so dinky in fact, that I spent the extra money for an OEM one.
04-09-07, 07:19 PM
#4
After doing some more searching, Lextreme's dual fan mod might be a feasible thing for me to do. I'd like the extra hp, not to mention, I'd want to stay away from using the fan clutch after reading that it costs $200 to replace.
I'm going to pull my radiator out when I get my low temp thermostat and hose it down. If it's real gross, I'll be sure to take some pics of it.
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