Performance Radiator VS. Radiator Barn HELP

[hychamaz]

I hope that you guys can give me a little help on this one as the Cruiser is down and I need her for the snow.... The radiator in my 1989 FJ62 has given out and I am trying to decide between Performance Radiator and Radiator Barn. From reading the threads they both seem like great companies but what is confusing me is that Performance Radiator is offering a 4 core one and Radiator Barn is offering a 3 core one. They also have completely different core dimensions. Can someone PLEASE reccomend a company that they have gone with. I really dont want to do this job and wind up having the wrong part. Thanks in advance.

[RayN]

I just put a Radiator Barn radiator in my 60 and I couldn't be happier--you can't beat the price. The build quality seems fine. The fill neck was smaller than my old one, though, so I had to buy a new cap.

[ben1be]

I went with Performance on my 62 and had no problems. Cap was the same, set-up for A/T cooler lines also. Two years old now.

[Spike Strip]

Get a CSF radiator. It's what MAF and SOR and CCOT and all the others sell as their aftermarket units.

I researched this heavily before I bought one for my 60.... Heavy duty, all-metal, 4-core. Ask radiator barn or where ever you buy it for the CSF brand. If they don't have it, find a place that does.

csfimports.com

[hychamaz]

On the CSF website it shows the #2709 as a three core radiator though. They say it fits 89´ 90´ 91´ and 92´ Cruisers. Is this true??? They even list a different one for an 88´. Can anyone clear this up for me. I really dont want to get the wrong one. Performance Radiator is offering a 4 core one. Another choice! What should I do. PLEASE HELP.
Thanks again, Graham

[Spike Strip]

Hy, mine was for a 60, btw, so that's my only experience. But CSF has good customer service, tech section, so if you want to call them on Mon (or email....)

S.

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Originally Posted by hychamaz

On the CSF website it shows the #2709 as a three core radiator though. They say it fits 89´ 90´ 91´ and 92´ Cruisers. Is this true??? They even list a different one for an 88´. Can anyone clear this up for me. I really dont want to get the wrong one. Performance Radiator is offering a 4 core one. Another choice! What should I do. PLEASE HELP.
Thanks again, Graham

CSF # 2708
4 core for the FJ62. Sad they dont offer online pricing though!

I've heard only good things about the Performance models, and keep thinking about a new radiator for the future.

It actually looks like Radiator Barn is making a killing though on prices with a 4 core all metal unit. Free shipping, lifetime warranty, etc. Heck, I think I'd go for the manual tranny version, and then add a HUGE dedicated tranny cooler to get a good deal more cooling surface/more reliable unit.

[road_trip]

The performance rad that I purchased seems cheap.. It is no means as good as the OEM ..

[hychamaz]

Originally Posted by DirtyLittleSecret

CSF # 2708
4 core for the FJ62. Sad they dont offer online pricing though!

I've heard only good things about the Performance models, and keep thinking about a new radiator for the future.

It actually looks like Radiator Barn is making a killing though on prices with a 4 core all metal unit. Free shipping, lifetime warranty, etc. Heck, I think I'd go for the manual tranny version, and then add a HUGE dedicated tranny cooler to get a good deal more cooling surface/more reliable unit.

I think that I am going crazy over a stupid radiator for my 89'. So do you mean in 1989 they only offered a 3 core unit for autos and manuals and that is why the 2709 is offered? Then why is Performance offering a 4 core??
The 2708 is dimensionally about 5 inches shorter on the core and tank size. Just doesnt look right. The 2708 in their catalog is for all automatic FJ60s. I just dont get why it is there for 1988 being so different in size and not for a 1989. And why in 88' there is a choice for autos and manuals but not in 89'. Is this an FJ60 unit going into a FJ62??
Thanks again in advance.

[Landpimp]

the 3(40,60,62) I have used were identical to OEM in everyway......picked up all 3 of them in Tacoma, Titus Will Toyota also uses them(for years) if the owner doesnt want to pay for OEM.

Originally Posted by road_trip

The performance rad that I purchased seems cheap.. It is no means as good as the OEM ..

[Dunbar]

I have a performance and it is easily as good as the stock unit that it replaced. They are pretty much indistinguishable. Somewhere I have pics of them side by side.


Dunbar

[lcwizard]

definately steer away from a smaller core. The cooling is mare determined by suface area. a three foot by three foot two core will outperform a two foot by two foot four core . (19 square ft vs 16 sq feet). Its all about the total surfeca area.

Originally Posted by hychamaz

I think that I am going crazy over a stupid radiator for my 89'. So do you mean in 1989 they only offered a 3 core unit for autos and manuals and that is why the 2709 is offered? Then why is Performance offering a 4 core??
The 2708 is dimensionally about 5 inches shorter on the core and tank size. Just doesnt look right. The 2708 in their catalog is for all automatic FJ60s. I just dont get why it is there for 1988 being so different in size and not for a 1989. And why in 88' there is a choice for autos and manuals but not in 89'. Is this an FJ60 unit going into a FJ62??
Thanks again in advance.

[84yota4x4]

I have a Performance Rad. in my cruiser and it works great! In the winter (like right now) I have to keep a peice of cardboard in front of it so I actually get a good amount of heat. It fit perfectly and I have had no problems with it at all. I would suggest a Performance Rad.

Brian

[hychamaz]

Ok this is getting weirder.
Radiator Barn is telling me that:
1988 LandCruisers use the same radiators as 1981-1987s do AND
1989 LandCruisers use the same radiators as 1990-1992s do
THIS MAKES NO SENSE.....
A friend is finding out directly from CSF today. I might have to pay the extra money for a Performance one since they at least list the same Radiator for 88s and 89s.

[Spike Strip]

Yeah, Graham, this is what CSF told me.... Their tech guy doesn't know LC's so he couldn't tell me why, only that their catalog calls for a diff application for the model years listed, so he could only advise to go with the catalog application.

If you can't get an answer here, I suggest you call SOR's tech line (4-5 pm, Pacific Time) and ask them, or you can email them LINK the question.

EDIT:

Called $OR -- Got some A-hole on the phone who wouldn't get off his a$$ to go check the number, but he said their's is a CSF and it's a 4-core, and they list '87-90.

Maybe you'll have better luck if you call their tech.

Kinda back at square one, eh ?

Good luck.

S.

[Landpimp]

no, they are just confused

88-90 use the same rad, it will have the trany cooler in the bottom, just be afe and get one for a 89

Performance didnt list a rad for my 82 fj40, but its the same as a 79.....I asked them to update the info they saw my 40 in person and knows it fits...but they never did update that I recal

Originally Posted by hychamaz

Ok this is getting weirder.
Radiator Barn is telling me that:
1988 LandCruisers use the same radiators as 1981-1987s do AND
1989 LandCruisers use the same radiators as 1990-1992s do
THIS MAKES NO SENSE.....
A friend is finding out directly from CSF today. I might have to pay the extra money for a Performance one since they at least list the same Radiator for 88s and 89s.

[hychamaz]

Thank you Spike Strip for your help today. I really appreciate that. I just looked at the SOR website and it doesnt appear that they are using CSF radiators. But I called them and they are CSF. They would not tell me either which part number they are going to send me for my 89' though. They are the first to actually list on their website the correct OEM applications as Toyota does. They list:
FJ62 Radiator fits 8/87-1/90 for $325
(by the way they also correctly list FJ60 rads from 8/80-8/87 and FJ80 rads as fitting 1/90-8/92 Cruisers)
I don't understand how they can get their years straight but the manufacturer CSF can't!!!!! Still doesnt make sense. I am more frustrated than ever. Not going to pay SOR $100 more for a radiator and they won't even tell me the part number.

[Spike Strip]

Graham, SOR does sell only CSF's (as of a few months ago) as their after market. I looked at their inventory personally. I live near SOR, and there's one salesman I have a pretty good relationship with (a $6K relationship!!! so far), and he lets me go into the inventory and pick my used parts. I tip-toed through the Rads one day and didn't see anything but CSF's and OEM. Period.

SOR is not going to tell you that's what they sell 'cuz they know you can get them cheaper elsewhere. I did. I paid $180 for the same model they sell for 325 $ But I knew exactly what I was looking for. It's like Snap On tools and MAC tools are not going to tell you a bunch of their stuff is made by OTC and you can get the same thing for 40% less without the brand logo.

Now your model takes either a CSF 2708 or a 2709 - They may be physically different, but may be interchangeable. I don't know.

It seems like way too much hassle figuring this out... At this point, I'd either go with the listed CSF application (OEM specs), or with the RB listing. Either way, you'll be getting a new rad and they're both very good. Both are all metal, brass tanks. And, of course, there's always OEM.

Just have the shop put in a new T'stat while you're at it. Hey, it can't hurt.

S.

[hychamaz]

I just got off the phone with a Regional Manager from CSF who told me that FJ62 1988 and 1989 LandCruisers are different vehicles and DEFINATELY use different radiators. hahahahahahah I give up. I asked them if there catalog could be wrong and this guy actually told me NO. I am just going with Performance.
Screw CSF, Radiator Barn, and SOR.

[Silver 60]

I worked in a RAD shop for 10 years and would stand by a performance any day.I used a performance in my 60 and had no problems bolted right in

[Spike Strip]

Yeah, I agree. If you can't get decent info from these guys, let 'em rot.

Per Rads sells good stuff. You won't be sorry.

[JLH911]

Originally Posted by Spike Strip

Graham, SOR does sell only CSF's (as of a few months ago) as their after market. I looked at their inventory personally. I live near SOR, and there's one salesman I have a pretty good relationship with (a $6K relationship!!! so far), and he lets me go into the inventory and pick my used parts. I tip-toed through the Rads one day and didn't see anything but CSF's and OEM. Period.

SOR is not going to tell you that's what they sell 'cuz they know you can get them cheaper elsewhere. I did. I paid $180 for the same model they sell for 325 $ But I knew exactly what I was looking for. It's like Snap On tools and MAC tools are not going to tell you a bunch of their stuff is made by OTC and you can get the same thing for 40% less without the brand logo.

Now your model takes either a CSF 2708 or a 2709 - They may be physically different, but may be interchangeable. I don't know.

It seems like way too much hassle figuring this out... At this point, I'd either go with the listed CSF application (OEM specs), or with the RB listing. Either way, you'll be getting a new rad and they're both very good. Both are all metal, brass tanks. And, of course, there's always OEM.

Just have the shop put in a new T'stat while you're at it. Hey, it can't hurt.

S.

What is this OTC tools that you talk about?

[Landpimp]

the internet is like magic........

SPX OTC: Welcome

Originally Posted by JLH911

What is this OTC tools that you talk about?

[Spike Strip]

OTC = Owatonna Tool Corp. In MN .... Very big American manuf of tools. Many many of the stuff they sell is re branded as snap on, mac, or matco and others. But I suppose this is for a diff thread. OTC, incidentally, makes a lot of the SST's for Toyota.

[Sporttrucker]

I you really want one, I have one from my 89' FJ62 that I replaced about a year ago. Truck ended up getting rolled and now is being parted out. $40 plus the ride and it is yours. I might be a little late as sounds like you've been talking to some folks.

[hychamaz]

SOR tech emailed me this:
The answer is quite simple. CSF offers the same radiator to the 60 series owners as the 62 owners. If you have the 62 you use the heat exchanged in the lower tank. If you have the 60 series you do not use the heat exchanger and do not hook it up.
Regards, Paul

This does not make any sense as CSF offers different radiators for 88s and 89s. SOR even has their own different part #s for FJ60s and FJ62s. We have also been through this before on this board that FJ60 and FJ62 radiators are not interchangeable. Also could someone tell me what a heat exchanger is meant by here.
P.S.-I am using Performance but I just want someone to give me a decent intelligent answer here!

I questioned SOR and they sent this rude answer:
We can not answer this question for you. We do not have access to CSF's
reasons or thought process. Please note the prices are the same, these are the same part.

So thats SORs final answer, FJ60s and FJ62s use the same radiator. hahahahahah Screw them again!!!

[Spike Strip]

The heat exchanger is the tranny cooler: Lines from the tranny are fed to a cooler on the bottom of the radiator. With the 60, you just don't hook it up, like SOR tech said. But CSF makes one for the 60 that does not have the tranny hook up. That's the one I got. But I could've used either one.

SOR, like others, just want to reduce inventory so they stock only the one rad.

Let us know how the Performance Rad works out, a