Finally have gotten to the point where my original radiator needs to be replaced. After doing a solid amount of research I have yet to decide what I should replace it with. Currently I am stuck between going with an OEM denso, or going with an after market aluminum (overwhelming amount of options online). Gonna get this replacement done with the guys at my local shop (south coast auto clinic in Costa Mesa, CA) since I'm not comfortable doing it at home. Sam and Sal are great guys, strongly recommend if you're in the area.
First option: the denso... this is what Sam would order for me directly from the shop. I know I can't go wrong with it, I would let the guys take care of all the ordering for parts. Looked online and it seems like they're going for around $200. pretty straight forward, just not sure how much it would cost ordered by the shop.
Second option: Aluminum after market radiator... Way too many options online. Ranging from ~$200 to ~$800. If I went with one of these I would go with something in the lower price range. Would that be better than a denso? Another thing is, if I do buy an aluminum one online and bring it in to the shop, would I have to also buy all the other parts like foam, hoses, etc. that would go with the specific radiator I get? Preferably I would want something that is a 1 to 1 match of the OEM so I don't have to do any mods, and so I don't get charged a bunch for labor since it is not OEM (or fully built for that matter).
Just looking for advice on what you guys think I should go with (aluminum or OEM denso), what some good aluminum options are that won't break the bank, and specifically what the most effective option would be to get this job done with my local mechanic.
Cheers!
First option: the denso... this is what Sam would order for me directly from the shop. I know I can't go wrong with it, I would let the guys take care of all the ordering for parts. Looked online and it seems like they're going for around $200. pretty straight forward, just not sure how much it would cost ordered by the shop.
Second option: Aluminum after market radiator... Way too many options online. Ranging from ~$200 to ~$800. If I went with one of these I would go with something in the lower price range. Would that be better than a denso? Another thing is, if I do buy an aluminum one online and bring it in to the shop, would I have to also buy all the other parts like foam, hoses, etc. that would go with the specific radiator I get? Preferably I would want something that is a 1 to 1 match of the OEM so I don't have to do any mods, and so I don't get charged a bunch for labor since it is not OEM (or fully built for that matter).
Just looking for advice on what you guys think I should go with (aluminum or OEM denso), what some good aluminum options are that won't break the bank, and specifically what the most effective option would be to get this job done with my local mechanic.
Cheers!