Since its 2019 launch, the Toyota GR Supra A90 has become a popular sports car, with nearly 20,000 units cruising on U.S. roads. For those A90 Supra owners who frequently hit the track or push their modified machines harder, especially in warmer climates, overheating and subsequent sluggish performance or limp mode can be a frustrating reality. Addressing this very issue, CSF has engineered a comprehensive four-piece cooling package, a track-proven solution designed to keep your A90 Supra performing at its peak. We decided to put this cooling upgrade to the test on our own project car to see if it lives up to the hype.
So, does your Toyota GR Supra really need a cooling package that comes with a price tag around $1,800? For the average A90/A91 Supra owner using their car for daily commutes, the answer might be no. However, if your plans involve track days, increased boost, and horsepower gains, then upgrading your turbocharged B58 engine’s cooling system isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity to prevent performance issues and ensure longevity.
Four Years with an A90 Supra: A Personal Perspective
This August marks my fourth year of owning a 2020 Toyota GR Supra Launch Edition. Despite initial criticisms surrounding its BMW-based platform and DCT transmission, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. From an epic 2,400-mile road trip to Pikes Peak to pushing its limits at track events, this A90 Supra has impressed at every turn. While its exterior appearance might suggest extensive modifications, the performance upgrades are actually quite modest—and intentionally so.
Straight from the factory, the A90 Supra delivers impressive 0-60mph times in around four seconds, thanks to its potent 335hp, 365 lb-ft of torque B58 inline-six engine. While I resisted turbo swaps, I did enhance the exhaust note and airflow with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, AMS downpipe, and Eventuri carbon fiber intake. The final touch was a performance tune from Evasive Motorsports, utilizing the Bootmod3 91-octane map, boosting output to a respectable 415whp.
For my driving style, which prioritizes track performance and spirited canyon runs over quarter-mile times or highway races, this power level is more than sufficient. Combined with suspension, wheel, and tire upgrades, my A90 Supra is a capable and exhilarating track machine.
The Heat Factor: When Your A90 Supra Runs Hot
Professional drivers and instructors who have pushed my A90 Supra agree on its well-balanced and fun-to-drive nature. However, a recurring theme emerged: heat management. Similar to common complaints among BMW M car owners, the A90 Supra can struggle with heat, especially under demanding conditions. While I personally haven’t experienced limp mode, it’s a known issue for A90 Supra owners who frequently track their cars and consistently push the engine to its redline.
During previous track days at Southern California circuits like Streets of Willow and Buttonwillow Raceway, ambient temperatures often soared into the triple digits. After multiple track sessions in such heat, I noticed a decrease in power delivery and less crisp gear shifts. It became clear that a proper cooling solution was necessary, leading me to explore the CSF Competition Spec cooling package.
Motorsport-Developed Cooling for the A90 Supra
The A90 GR Supra quickly became a sought-after platform for aftermarket performance companies. CSF recognized this demand and received requests from global customers seeking enhanced cooling solutions. The factory cooling system, adequate for street use, struggles to maintain optimal temperatures when power is increased or under sustained track use. CSF engaged with a wide network of motorsport clients, from drag racing teams like Titan Motorsports and Ekanoo Racing aiming for eight-second quarter-mile times, to time attack teams like Art of Attack and Studio RSR chasing lap records, and endurance road racing teams within Toyota Southwest. This close collaboration and rigorous testing led to the development of the comprehensive Competition-Spec cooling kit.
The resulting four-piece kit includes a high-performance heat exchanger, a dual-core DCT transmission oil cooler, and two auxiliary radiators. Even three years after its release, the GR Supra cooling kit remains a top seller for CSF, repeatedly validated by some of the fastest A90 Supra builds worldwide. Ravi Dolwani, owner of CSF, explains the key components of this cooling solution:
Upgraded Heat Exchanger for Enhanced Cooling
Analyzing the A90 Supra’s front fascia, it’s evident that the bumper opening for airflow is limited. The cooling components are tightly packed, with the transmission cooler, heat exchanger, and engine radiator stacked sequentially. This dense arrangement, combined with factory core designs, restricts airflow to crucial cooling surfaces. Consequently, in hot weather or during demanding driving, the A90 Supra can experience power reduction due to elevated intake air temperatures (IATs) as the stock system struggles to cope.
CSF prioritized developing a high-performance heat exchanger (part number 8154) as the primary solution to prevent limp mode. The key issue isn’t core density, but airflow restriction. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a denser core isn’t beneficial in this application. CSF addressed this by designing a larger heat exchanger with 30-40% increased capacity and optimized fin spacing to promote greater airflow.
Dual-Core Transmission Oil Cooler for Track Durability
The CSF transmission cooler (part number 8183) features an innovative dual-core design, effectively doubling the cooling capacity. Slightly taller than the OEM unit, it benefits from the improved airflow provided by the less restrictive CSF heat exchanger. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for A90 Supra owners who track their cars frequently. The factory transmission can experience sluggish shifts under sustained high-stress conditions, especially for those with transmission tunes that increase clutch pressures. The CSF cooler mitigates this by maintaining lower transmission fluid temperatures.
High-Performance Auxiliary Radiators
The A90 Supra incorporates two auxiliary radiators, positioned on the left and right sides. One supports the turbo system, while the other provides supplementary cooling for the heat exchanger. CSF’s upgraded auxiliary radiators (part number 8179) are engineered for enhanced performance and efficiency. One radiator focuses on engine cooling, while the other further assists the main radiator and turbo cooling circuits, ensuring comprehensive thermal management.
Professional Installation at Auto Tuned
For the installation of the CSF cooling package on my A90 Supra, I entrusted the experienced technicians at Auto Tuned. Having worked with them on previous projects, I knew they were the right choice. Young Tea at Auto Tuned emphasized that this isn’t a DIY job for beginners. It’s a 5-6 hour undertaking requiring automotive expertise. Removing the front end, replacing the coolers, and properly bleeding the coolant system are complex steps that demand specialized tools and know-how. Professional installation ensures everything is correctly fitted and functioning optimally.
Final Verdict: Is the CSF Cooling Package Worth It for Your A90 Supra?
So, was investing in a cooling package nearing the $2,000 mark truly necessary? After rigorous testing at Streets of Willow on a scorching 105-degree day, the A90 Supra exhibited zero signs of heat-related performance issues. Mission accomplished. While perhaps just upgrading the heat exchanger and transmission cooler might have sufficed—CSF offers components individually—my philosophy was to address the entire cooling system comprehensively while the car was already undergoing modification.
Ravi from CSF mentioned that most Competition-Spec cooling package customers are pushing beyond 500+ horsepower with upgraded turbo kits, running flex fuel, or E85. However, the peace of mind and performance consistency provided by superior cooling are invaluable, regardless of horsepower levels. For A90 Supra owners who, like myself, drive their cars hard on the track or in demanding environments, investing in a robust cooling solution like the CSF package is a proactive measure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, ensuring your A90 Supra performs flawlessly even on the hottest summer days.
