Enz

iTrader: (1)

I'm considering getting Denso radiator and condenser for my 02 RX300. I know that Denso is OEM for Toyota and Lexus parts but not sure who makes their radiators.

Is there a better aftermarket brand and where to buy it from?

How about the hoses OEM or Gates at less than half the price, but OEM prices are not that bad.

Thanks!

Niterider9

Spectra Premium has the best quality aftermarket radiators and condensers. By the way, Denso radiators are not OEM, their aftermarket parts are made in China.

Gates hoses are the best bang for the buck IMO.

Enz

iTrader: (1)

yeah I heard about those Spectra Premium radiators. Are the ones for the RX made in Canada? I like their 2 yr warranty.

Aren't most stuff made in China anyway? May it be Denso or another brand most likely its made in China.

Yes I heard good things about Gates and their hoses being compared to OEM. Are they really that good?

Thx!

oldskewel

iTrader: (1)

Hi, I'm usually in the LS400 forum, but this seems related.

On my 1991 LS400, the original radiator says Denso on it. Appears very high quality. Some sort of composite plastic, fiberglass-appearing, top part, which has finally cracked after 25+ years and 190k+ miles.

So when I wanted a replacement, I ordered a Denso from RockAuto.com. Unfortunately the part was damaged (bent, evidence of previous installation) so I returned it (RockAuto handled very well). But I was pretty surprised to see how different this new Denso part was from the OE Denso part in my car. The new one seemed to be much lower quality in every way possible (at least as far as I could tell visually). Having the car already apart, I ended up doing a JB Weld repair on the crack, which held for almost a year, and now it seems to be leaking again.

I'll give the Spectra Premium a shot this time. RockAuto sells those for more than the Denso, so maybe they're better. But I'll buy it locally to avoid any shipping damage surprises.

I know most people (myself included) normally would think that getting the OE brand would assure you of getting comparable quality to the original part on your car, but this case is an example where that is definitely not true. I expect the Genuine Lexus brand part you'd pay $500 for at the dealer might be manufactured by Denso, but it will be very different from the Denso 221-3122 radiator that RockAuto and all the others sell for closer to $100.