Best Radiator or Radiator Mod for Max Cooling in hot Climate Commuting.

www.urdusa.com has CSF radiators.

 

Wasn't able to find any on their site. Maybe they are sold out, but thanks for taking the time.

 

I found it quick.

https://urdusa.com/hd-high-performance-radiator-2005-tacoma-engines/

 

Just googled gen 2 tacomas aluminum radiators and a bunch came up. This one fits both 2nd & 3rd gen Tacomas.

https://csfrace.com/csfs-high-performance-radiator-for-2nd-3rd-generation-tacoma

Even found this cheap one on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2340432218...OPUWx3Rf1tcwyd1er6QSYqhWipr9LNNQaAiZ4EALw_wcB

I have read about the FJ cruiser radiator being used but that was a mod before other manufacturers started to make aluminum radiators for the Tacoma. The FJ radiator would have required you to do some mods to make it work properly for proper airflow.

 

I’ve been not a fan of radiators with plastic end tanks because I’ve had a few crack and leak, to me, prematurely. Sure metal end tanks will fail but I still like them over plastic.

Having a radiator that exceeds your average needs won’t cause any harm except taking up more space and adding a little weight. The existing stock radiator is most likely designed to be sufficient for the average person in the average climate. Wanting to drive kinda fast on a very hot day with the ac blasting, appears to be beyond average, and the stock radiator just can’t hang. So yeah, upgrading makes sense.

As I mentioned earlier washing the radiator might help. Last time I did it I removed the radiator and blasted it with the garden hose. Now I see they make attachments to wash it in place.

 

Missing one. The Ron Davis Radiator. Definitely not cheap though.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/upgraded-ron-davis-radiator.487191/

 

Ron Davis is a little out of my league or need, but they look like some genuinely high-end offerings. I may need to clarify that I am happy to pay more than what would be considered average for a proper Radiator to insure quality. Bigger or more cooling capability is just icing on the cake but not at the cost of big modifications to my truck's front end. In a nutshell, I'm looking for a replacement all aluminum radiator that will be trouble-free and increase my truck's engine's ability to stay cool in our Texas summers. I'm not interested in Geeking out on the project. But if one is better than the other I want the ONE that is better. Thanks for your input, much appreciated, REP

 

Have you watched coolant temp with a scan tool while driving? When the spewing happened?

You sound all ready to throw a fancy radiator at the vehicle, but how will you know if the new radiator is helping if you don't know what temps you're running right now? How will you be able to compare after the new parts go on the truck?

Just because the coolant was spewing the other day doesn't mean a bigger rad will fix the issue

 

Good question and good observation for sure, but please remember that I am not trying to diagnose the cause of the spewing. But instead to identify the best reasonably priced replacement radiators for consideration. Here if I learn of one that is bigger or cools better but still fits without too much fuss all the better. I feel pretty sure with the new radiator, hoses, thermostat, OEM water pump, block flush, etc. that we are going to alleviate the issue.

 

Yeap, I'm one of those. Thank you, I'm thinking this is the ticket so far.

 

I'm confused though, if you're not trying to diagnose the spewing, then what is "the issue" you're trying to alleviate? How do you know the current system is underperforming?

Not trying to argue, just trying to understand what you perceive the problem to be.

You did mention this thread is only for radiator recommendations. Disregard and carry on if you wish..

 

I would never disregard such an obvious find in your ability to process and or think on the level you have displayed. You my friend are the kind of person that makes everyone around you better, whether they know, or will admit it or not. With respect and since the question has been asked. My truck 2012 2.7L has 225000K miles on it and I am doing all that is needed to keep her rolling in good health ALAP. So for your answer, I offer the fact that I know the complete history of my truck since the day it rolled new off of the dealer's lot which includes its service history. I personally have been building and even longer maintaining engines for many of my nearly 40 years. This considered my knowledge, instinct, & consideration of the given considerations that you now have knowledge of is that the neglect of the coolant + extended mileage in the hands of the original owner has led to a less than adequate coolant flow that is needed to keep the engine at proper operating temperatures while under the extreme conditions that I have described. This is what many of my fellow old-schoolers would call Instinct.
With respect, REP

 

I'm a technician bro
getting to the bottom of the customer's concern is step 1

Again I ask.. how do you KNOW the system is under-performing? You mentioned you've never seen the temp gauge go up higher than normal

Instinct will only get you so far and will often result in a lighter wallet with nothing to show for it. That's what data is for. For a situation like this, I like a pocket scan tool that shows coolant temp on my lap while driving

What's the temp while driving around in the brutal heat? Even better, what's the temp when it's spewing coolant out from under the cap?

@Dm93 asked this in post #3

 

Here’s the one I got. Very nice quality and big improvement

 

Can't beat the price if the QC is there. Thanks, is this ebay, Sorry just saw it, thanks

 

If it’s champion radiator, it isn’t. I learned that lesson.

 

You have a small 2.7 without problems. What makes you think it needs better cooling?

I am hesitant to blow $400+ on a bigger CSF aluminum radiator.
People get those for hot superchargers.

these trucks burn more fuel when cold warming up. It will use more gas taking longer to warm up with a bigger radiator.

plenty of trucks in hot AZ have a stock radiator. Probably other continents/countries as well.

 

I have to agree. I have a v6 and have no problem in the Texas heat with stock cooler. If someone is having cooling problems then they should check out the water pump or thermostat to see if they are functioning correctly.

 

Mishimoto radiator and 160 deg thermostat here on a supercharged 1GRFE. Engine coolant runs at 174deg on the highway towing a 3800lb camper in 95deg weather. Only bad thing is trouble code P0128 will pop up every now and then in the mornings for engine being too cold.

 

Last year in Az we had 40 straight days of temps of at least 110. Gauge sat right in the middle towing 2 PWC with air on. Never missed a beat.