Aftermarket Radiator 1996 Olds 88 3.8 Engine
 

I need to buy an aftermarket radiator for a 1996 Olds 88 with a 3.8 engine. There are so many choices and all of them have good and bad reviews. Can someone suggest a good brand and trusted source for a moderately priced radiator (less than $100)? Thanks in advance.

Spectra Premium CU396 (no coolant-level sensor) and CU1202 (with coolant-level sensor) would be good choices . I have a several-year-old Spectra in my 1997 LeSabre that has had no issues, and you'll often find them as the actual manufacturer and part that Napa uses under the Napa name.

They're showing as less than $100.00 (before tax and shipping) at Rock Auto right now.

Thank you for your quick help with this! I was able to get a Duralast B1202 that is actually made by Spectra (CU1202) on sale online at AutoZone for $95.99. They provided next day delivery for free from a store in my town and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. I have purchased things from RockAuto in the past but the reviews on the BBB site have turned negative including concerns about things getting damaged in shipping. I installed the radiator with just a small problem of fitting the lower transmission cooler line (had to bend it a little to get the right angle to fit the included brass adapter). This radiator comes with a coolant sensor port but my OEM did not. The port has a solid plug and I guess that I just use it in place of the sensor? Thanks again!

If your vehicle doesn't use the sensor then leave the plug in.

Thank you!

That's good to hear. Glad you got it figured out.

Regarding damage in shipping for Rockauto, that should be a complaint filed against the shipper and not Rockauto. Either way, it looks like you got the same radiator for about the same price.