1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site
    Quick Links: EXHAUST: I WANT YOUR OPINION 75w90 Mobil 1 Synthetic Lube = Axle Whine Spark plugs... Help Please! 1st Time OME Leaf Spring Buyer...Is This Normal? How much play in the carrier bearing is OK? Where the wireless Apple CarPlay headunits at?

Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 1997tacomav6, Apr 12, 2018.

?

HAS YOUR CHAMPION RADIATOR CORE FAILED?

  1. Radiator core failed 5k

    4 vote(s)
    10.8%

  2. Radiator core failed 10k

    4 vote(s)
    10.8%

  3. Radiator core failed 15k

    1 vote(s)
    2.7%

  4. Happy with radiator?

    18 vote(s)
    48.6%

  5. Radiator defect when new?

    5 vote(s)
    13.5%

  6. Radiator failed after 25k

    5 vote(s)
    13.5%
Page 10 of 39
  1. Dec 28, 2018 at 8:31 PM
    #181
    TacoJohn4x4

    #181
    TacoJohn4x4 Captain Save-A-Ho

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2018
    Member:
    #258956
    Messages:
    1,028
    Gender:
    Male
    Central Valley
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma DC 4x4
    Since I’m not the only one I’m afraid this whole batch might be like this. Hopefully we won’t have to wait another 6 months.
     
    TacoJohn4x4, Dec 28, 2018
    #181
    burntkat and 1997tacomav6[OP] like this.
  2. Dec 28, 2018 at 8:34 PM
    #182
    Birdog

    #182
    Birdog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2015
    Member:
    #150124
    Messages:
    143
    Gender:
    Male
    West Coast, Valley Boy
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen Taco 4x4 SR-5 13th one off the line in Santa Clara May 13 1995. Many mods to it, still showing her force.
    K&N Filter, Boral Exhaust, Posi Trac, CBI DIY front Bumper, Mod front grill, Mod HD lites, Icons mod Front, Rear, & Stero System 7 inch Alpine, with mic, and USB, ipod,, New Carpet, New Suntop Camper shell, Carpet kit rear, Yak roof rack, Rola Cargo basket, Rock Lights,
    Dam, Bought the Rad on line from JEGs. Now I will have to deal with them first. Champion is Closed on weekends.
     
    Birdog, Dec 28, 2018
    #182
  3. Dec 28, 2018 at 8:37 PM
    #183
    Birdog

    #183
    Birdog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2015
    Member:
    #150124
    Messages:
    143
    Gender:
    Male
    West Coast, Valley Boy
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen Taco 4x4 SR-5 13th one off the line in Santa Clara May 13 1995. Many mods to it, still showing her force.
    K&N Filter, Boral Exhaust, Posi Trac, CBI DIY front Bumper, Mod front grill, Mod HD lites, Icons mod Front, Rear, & Stero System 7 inch Alpine, with mic, and USB, ipod,, New Carpet, New Suntop Camper shell, Carpet kit rear, Yak roof rack, Rola Cargo basket, Rock Lights,
    So-- TacoJohn, did you talk direct with Champion ?, or just eBay.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    Birdog, Dec 28, 2018
    #183
  4. Dec 28, 2018 at 9:28 PM
    #184
    TacoJohn4x4

    #184
    TacoJohn4x4 Captain Save-A-Ho

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2018
    Member:
    #258956
    Messages:
    1,028
    Gender:
    Male
    Central Valley
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma DC 4x4
    I sent Champion a message through eBay. I did notice that Champion has two seller ID on eBay so I’m not sure if they are both connected to Champion the retailer.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    TacoJohn4x4, Dec 28, 2018
    #184
  5. Dec 29, 2018 at 7:02 AM
    #185
    Dalandser

    #185
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2015
    Member:
    #149090
    Messages:
    17,598
    First Name:
    Anthony
    Downey
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner Regular Cab / 98 4x4 Extra Cab
    Empty Wallet Mod
    They said they only got 10 so I don't think it'll be easy to get a replacement. I think a radiator shop would be able to relocate it if waiting another year for a replacement doesn't sound like a good option. Won't get to see what mine looks like until the 2nd since I'm out of town.
     
    Dalandser, Dec 29, 2018
    #185
    1997tacomav6[OP] likes this.
  6. Dec 29, 2018 at 4:28 PM
    #186
    eimkeith

    #186
    eimkeith Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2017
    Member:
    #206925
    Messages:
    452
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    J Keith
    Vehicle:
    '96 4Runner, '03 Taco
    Is it an error, or a revision to clear something, hood-wise? looks fairly intentional (albeit sloppy) to me?
     
    eimkeith, Dec 29, 2018
    #186
  7. Dec 29, 2018 at 4:41 PM
    #187
    1997tacomav6

    #187
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    The early tacoma has the least amount of clearance and I have the other center filler and there is no clearance issues
     
    1997tacomav6, Dec 29, 2018
    #187
    Dalandser likes this.
  8. Dec 29, 2018 at 6:18 PM
    #188
    pullingin

    #188
    pullingin Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2018
    Member:
    #273480
    Messages:
    48
    Gender:
    Male
    I just received my Champion Radiator today and was shocked to see it is exactly the same. It even came with a scratch on the top! It looks sloppy, the cap does not align with the top and the overflow bib is at a strange angle. I am shocked! I purchased on Ebay from "champion_radiator_supply".

    Has anyone talked with Champion?
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    pullingin, Dec 29, 2018
    #188
  9. Dec 29, 2018 at 9:26 PM
    #189
    Danjor2

    #189
    Danjor2 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2013
    Member:
    #101838
    Messages:
    94
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Riverside
    Vehicle:
    01 Limited Double Cab Prerunner
    This is sad to hear as I really wanted one when they came back in stock
     
    Danjor2, Dec 29, 2018
    #189
  10. Dec 30, 2018 at 11:41 PM
    #190
    Yetimetchkangmi

    #190
    Yetimetchkangmi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2013
    Member:
    #106605
    Messages:
    3,534
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Benjamin
    Newcastle, WA
    Vehicle:
    03 Tacoma 4x4 The Yeti
    ARB front locker, Custom high clearance rear bumper, Custom plate front bumper, mile marker winch PE8, safari snorkel, Deck Plate Mod Fox 2.5 rr DSC, Camburg UCA, squeaky Dakar leafs, 5125 10" and custom 7.5" shackles, thee finest PNW pinstripes, MT-R, Nissan crew cab roof rack??? wtf is that about??? Allpro skids, Rigid duallys President McKinley CB with PA Recaro SRD with Wedge Engineering Morimoto retrofits Champion Rad - Failed Tundra brakes
    me too as my radiator is puking at the top lip...
     
    Yetimetchkangmi, Dec 30, 2018
    #190
  11. Jan 1, 2019 at 10:07 PM
    #191
    AlanReynolds

    #191
    AlanReynolds New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2018
    Member:
    #265369
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Alan
    Vehicle:
    99 extended cab Tacoma 4x4
    3 inch suspension lift spacer in front (polished aluminum to chrome looking finish), 2 inch lift in rear to level truck and clear tires from rubbing. 2% Chrome window tint to keep interior cool from Florida heat, iridium plugs, royal purple fluids throughout whole truck (transfer case, rear end gear oil, radiator additive, oil, everything is royal purple). Billet aluminum grill, led light bar13,500 lumen less, 55 watt hid headlights, working on wrapping interior with Alecantra leather, led dash and interior lights from superbrightleds.com. White gauges with chrome bezzels, chrome a.c. vents to match chrome dash bezzels, alacantra leather dash mat, and a some other modifications.
    I just bought the last one I believe. The cap doesn't leak and coolant flows into all three cores. I don't understand the issue with the cap being off centered as long as hood still shuts. Am I missing something? I hope not as my radiator has had a slow leak somewhere in it for months and living in Florida, the plastic capped radiators only last 2-3 years(I've become a master at installing and burping the crappy plastic ones, the designers made sure you have to fill to the very last drop or else you'll overheat.) I would like to have a little wiggle room if I'm a 1/2 cup low sometime down the road. Tired of buying crappy plastic replacements. I'll be installing it as soon as the delivery truck drops it off as I don't want to take any chances with overheating issues.
     
    AlanReynolds, Jan 1, 2019
    #191
    1997tacomav6[OP] and Dalandser like this.
  12. Jan 2, 2019 at 6:10 AM
    #192
    1997tacomav6

    #192
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I’m sure these new champion radiators with the incorrect offset fill neck will work just fine.
    The offset will not change the performance of the radiator. It’s a cosmetic thing.

    It’s just unfortunate that the company didn’t catch the robots error before all these Radiators were made.
     
    1997tacomav6, Jan 2, 2019
    #192
  13. Jan 2, 2019 at 6:37 AM
    #193
    Dalandser

    #193
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2015
    Member:
    #149090
    Messages:
    17,598
    First Name:
    Anthony
    Downey
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner Regular Cab / 98 4x4 Extra Cab
    Empty Wallet Mod
    I'm assuming the holes for the fill neck were cut in the wrong place and they decided to go with it. Since they're not made in the US, communication between Leadfoot Racing and the factory may not be that good. I'm wondering if the factory may have been a different one than that which the original run came from - hard to say w/o more info.
     
    Dalandser, Jan 2, 2019
    #193
  14. Jan 2, 2019 at 6:45 AM
    #194
    Blackdawg

    #194
    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,591
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Overall these radiators build quality is meh to me.

    The nutserts on mine weren't clamped all the way down either for instance. One of them as stripped too from the box and another crooked.

    Can't expect perfection from China crap. It does work though and works well just not premium quality. Sucks to see the new mistake but can't say I'm surprised
     
    Blackdawg, Jan 2, 2019
    #194
    Arctic Taco and burntkat like this.
  15. Jan 2, 2019 at 7:06 AM
    #195
    1997tacomav6

    #195
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    I agree but a much better option than a plastic single core radiator
     
    1997tacomav6, Jan 2, 2019
    #195
    burntkat likes this.
  16. Jan 2, 2019 at 7:12 AM
    #196
    Dalandser

    #196
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2015
    Member:
    #149090
    Messages:
    17,598
    First Name:
    Anthony
    Downey
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner Regular Cab / 98 4x4 Extra Cab
    Empty Wallet Mod
    Since they're all aluminum and repairable at least they're a better baseline than the plastic tank ones.
     
    Dalandser, Jan 2, 2019
    #196
    burntkat likes this.
  17. Jan 2, 2019 at 7:16 AM
    #197
    1997tacomav6

    #197
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Absolutely, plastic, it cracks, it’s done.

    I would Think a custom aluminum 3 core radiator like the champion if made here would cost a pretty penny,
    So 200.00 is still a deal.
     
    1997tacomav6, Jan 2, 2019
    #197
    burntkat likes this.
  18. Jan 2, 2019 at 7:35 AM
    #198
    Blackdawg

    #198
    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2010
    Member:
    #48500
    Messages:
    81,591
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Monte
    Wyoming/St. Louis
    Vehicle:
    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    no doubt better than stock. just not super amazing. I think the price reflects that though. A high quality piece would be 400 bucks easy.
     
    Blackdawg, Jan 2, 2019
    #198
    burntkat likes this.
  19. Jan 2, 2019 at 2:28 PM
    #199
    TacoJohn4x4

    #199
    TacoJohn4x4 Captain Save-A-Ho

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2018
    Member:
    #258956
    Messages:
    1,028
    Gender:
    Male
    Central Valley
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma DC 4x4
    Got a response saying that this is now how the new radiator will look with the fill cap off center, basically over the edge. They did mention that it is different from the stock photo and I’m assuming they would let me return it. Not sure if I should return it or trust their story.
     
    TacoJohn4x4, Jan 2, 2019
    #199
    Dalandser likes this.
  20. Jan 2, 2019 at 3:02 PM
    #200
    Dek Ngo

    #200
    Dek Ngo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2012
    Member:
    #76917
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    D
    Austin, TX
    Vehicle:
    '96 4x4
    I just received mine and it's the same way. I don't know if I believe their story either. It looks like crap with the overflow tube set at an angle. And on top of that, the cap is aligned with the overflow tube, so it just looks terrible.

    I'm torn between keeping it and sending it back since I've been waiting on them so long.
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2019
    Dek Ngo, Jan 2, 2019
    #200
Page 10 of 39

Products Discussed in

Hard-to-Find Fastener 014973175368 Bushings, 3/8 x 1-1/4", 5-Piece
$14.60
To Top