my radiator is toast, is there a good aluminum option and an upgraded cap i should get, or just go oem? I live in the desert so more cooling is always welcome
car is a gs300

 

You have a GS what? Which engine? Your profile says SC400.

 

gs300 forgot to update haven't been here in a while

 

DENSO 221-3121 is a best alternative to the OEM. Only the threads on the fan shroud are slightly off. Copyrights, etc.
You will have to put the screws with little effort.
I've had it for 7 years now with no problems.

Only the radiator cap is better to buy a new one OEM P/N 16401-67150 for peace of mind.

 

You can try something like this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165497736313

But be warned, these tend to be low volume units with some hand welding, I know because I've bought a few for various cars over the years fitment was never 100%. They look nice, do they cool any better? Doubt it.

 

Pretty sure I went with a Koyo radiator. Whatever you get I would suggest you make sure to get a matching cap

 

I went with the DENSO for OEM and it hasn’t failed me yet

 

Decided to post here since this was the latest thread that I could find. The Rock Auto Denao radiator left a lot to be desired while installing and if I could do it again, I would've gone with the Koyo that was cheaper. My Denso was made in Taiwan and had some quality fitment issues. First the holes for the radiator fan were badly misaligned, which only allowed me to install 5/6 bolts which pissed me off. Secondly, the angled transmission cooler piece attached to the radiator had a much steeper angle vs Oem so I had to made some adjustments to installed the transmission cooler line. Lastly, the rubber radiator secure mounts didn't sit flush with top of the radiator, so I had physically press down on the mount while bolting. There is no way that I would recommend this radiator in 2026 based on the quality issues I fought through today. I haven't read one bad post about Koyo radiator.

FYI. I also recommend using OEM upper and lower radiator hoses. I used the oem lower hose and was surprised to see the extra layer of heat protection on the hose.; no fitment issues. I used the Gates upper hose and I struggled to get it on and aligned properly.

 

That's disappointing especially since the rad was made in Taiwan. I had stopped buying any made in China Denso looks like that now has to extend to any Denso radiator period.

 

Nissens on Rockauto is also good. They are an OEM supplier. I have one and no problems.

 

I agree. I simply cannot recommend this radiator to anyone. I have everything installed but the job wasn't as seamless as the past posts or videos on YT would make it seem . People fail to communicate the actual issues faced during installation, so i hope my post will save someone the trouble I faced 2026 and beyond.

The Koyo radiator was $10 cheaper and I should've gotten that one. Considering the OEM was 24 years old (no cracks, just aged brown top), I'm hopeful this radiator will be the last one I'll purchase.

 

Good to know. Did the OEM radiator fan holes align perfectly to the Nissen radiator?

 

Yes. Everything lined up and worked perfectly. My trusted mechanic also informed me that Nissens made a lot of radiators for Lexus factory production.