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I've been shopping for a replacement radiator for my 98 SC300 and I noticed that there aren't a lot of options for a direct OEM replacement. A lot of companies produce a replacement for 92-96, but not 97+. The 97+ radiator is also about $100 more from lexus. I was wondering if anyone actually knew the differences between the two?
When I bought my Koyo rad for my car they literally only asked if it was a manual or auto and shipped it. I already had an external tranny cooler so I requested the manual version and it bolted right into place, perfect fit. I can only assume they are all the same size minus the trans cooler for the auto model on the bottom.
Am I reading that right that the '97-00 radiator costs more but the '92-96 one is basically twice as good, and they're interchangeable? If so, you deserve a gold star.
wow, that is interesting info the newer ones are only 1 core... that is terrible really.
and everyone adding more power should just replace their radiator with a mk4 aluminum radiator when the time comes so you don't have to replace it again.
all the toyota ones its just a matter of time before the plastic top gets brittle/cracks then leaks. I know mine is old and it looks like it will crack any day now.
the aluminum ones are inexpensive now (all over ebay), last much longer, look nicer as well, but the supra one might need the supra fan shroud not sure.
While were on the subject, has anyone had experience with these style shrouds? If so, Is the AC still cold or is it less efficient? I just want a more flush look in my engine bay with the swap, the stock shrouds are huge lol
Last edited by Kris9884; Jan 29, 2016 at 03:14 PM.
I feel like it's hard to get a good grasp on swapping in a Supra radiator into an SC. Some say it fits, others don't, confusing what is real and what is BS.
I'm still on my stock one that was probably put in this car back in 1992. I want a new one. My car doesn't have over heating issues so I was going to just grab another OEM style one. But Aluminum aftermarket ones aren' that expensive anymore so was considering one. But if the Supra ones don't just bolt in and fit like factory, than I'm just not interested.
I feel like it's hard to get a good grasp on swapping in a Supra radiator into an SC. Some say it fits, others don't, confusing what is real and what is BS.
I'm still on my stock one that was probably put in this car back in 1992. I want a new one. My car doesn't have over heating issues so I was going to just grab another OEM style one. But Aluminum aftermarket ones aren' that expensive anymore so was considering one. But if the Supra ones don't just bolt in and fit like factory, than I'm just not interested.
This guide would be 99% the same for a Mishimoto radiator. I suggest you avoid Fluidyne (used to be good, nowadays NOT good).
Supra style radiators don't bolt in 100% without any modification but it's very minimal modification in my opinion. The use of a Supra TT style fan shroud is optional. I did it but that's because I am putting a 2JZGTE into my car and I wanted the TT's auxiliary A/C fan. You can get your stock fan shroud to fit with some extra work. Also, the removable plastic curve that goes underneath your stock SC shroud is the same part used in the same location on a Supra TT shroud.
If you have an automatic SC you need to hook up an aftermarket transmission cooler... but ALL aftermarket radiators for Supras are like that.
And all of these radiators need a small coolant sensor area plugged since we don't have that component but Supras do. That's addressed in the DIY.
Denso still sells a factory SC300 replacement radiator too.
Interesting but not surprising that the 92-96 OEM radiators are actually better than the 97-00 OEM radiators.
Last edited by KahnBB6; Jan 30, 2016 at 01:58 AM.
Reason: Corrections
If you have an automatic you'll also need an external transmission cooler.
That's a great thread and DIY but not entirely necessary. The 1st page of my build thread shows my stock SC radiator next to the Supra 6 speed Koyo rad and you only need the M16-1.50 plug and the rubber stops to lift it, I had no modifications otherwise. I didn't have to glue or cut ANYTHING. It fit right into place.
I found the below products from Rockauto for my 1998 SC300 AT (DD car). Are these good?
- APDI/PRO 8012061 **#1640046460, 1640046470}
- SPECTRA PREMIUM / COOLING DEPOT CU2061 **#1640046460, 1640046470}
While were on the subject, has anyone had experience with these style shrouds? If so, Is the AC still cold or is it less efficient? I just want a more flush look in my engine bay with the swap, the stock shrouds are huge lol
I have this set up. Works just fine and does not effect AC.
97+ SC300 Radiator
