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Do off-brand radiators and AC condensers (like on Amazon) work well?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by wbs887700, Mar 18, 2021.

  1. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    My Prius needs a new radiator and AC condenser after an accident and these are the 2 I have found on Amazon that I feel the most comfortable with.

    Has anyone used these or know if they work well? There's not really any reviews. eBay has some also but for some reason I'm more comfortable with the ones on Amazon.

    Screenshot_20210318-003839.jpeg Screenshot_20210318-003905.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    What I like to do is buy the cheapest possible part and then report back to Priuschat... For example I just bought a 'downstream 02 sensor' for Gen2 on ebay for $16. Lol!!! If it works, we'll all save lots of money.

    Looking forward to your report back on your part(s)...
     
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  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I've installed aftermarket CSF brand radiators in other non-Prius cars with excellent results.

    CSF does produce the model #3837 for the 2006 Prius application, and I have seen some CSF radiators for sale on Amazon.

    Good luck!
     
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  4. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    Aftermarket radiator can work well.
    Perhaps if you buy AM on the 'net reading any user reviews could be a good step in your decision making.

    My comments:
    There is a science to the density of the radiator core/ fins.... not sure how to compare OEM to AM.
    Be leery of radiators with plastic tanks.. would hate to read you had a premature failure.

    Last comment would be mounting bracket locations and exact size.
    That is one benefit of OEM, always fits.

    As for the AC condenser, other than ensuring correct screw in/ bolt on line fitting size mishaps, I have no experience in regards to performance.

    Good luck with your project.
     
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  5. JGC61

    JGC61 Active Member

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    Hope all goes well
     
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  6. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

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    thank you guys, after tons of research and asking questions other places I just went ahead and went with the denso radiator and AC condenser from RockAuto because many people told me denso was the best, and Toyota puts denso stuff in their cars. After shipping I paid $195 total for both of them.

    Normally I get cheap stuff but I live in my Prius right now, I converted it into a camper, and so I run the engine with the AC during the summer a lot, and the engine gets really hot, so I need a good, reliable radiator and AC condenser to last me through the hot summer days

    Has anyone used a denso radiator or AC condenser? Did you have good results?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Haven't used either but Denso makes great stuff. Quite a few of the actual parts making up the average Toyota were born in a Denso factory.

    I wouldn't even doubt their gear in the first place unless there was a question of counterfeiting and if you're buying from Rock you're probably good on that front. They're a cleaner source than most.

    Good luck! (y)
     
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