Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

No build thread yet. I bought the truck in Aug 2019 with the motor already in it. It's my fourth 1st Gen Tacoma so I'm quite familiar with them, but it's been a diesel since 2012.

Have not tried. Would like to, but have stuck to the stuff from the pumps so far.

Like the progress so far. Keep it up.

 

I'm sure the Champion would keep the motors cool enough, but it's the quality/longevity that concerns me with them. Hopefully the Koyorad unit is as effective (or more so) but is also reliable long-term. Only time will tell.

 

This looks like a good veggie burning kit.

https://www.greasecar.com/

 

I found some bushings at Amazon:

$15 Hard-to-Find Fastener 014973175368 Bushings, 3/8 x 1-1/4", 5-Piece
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OP3C614/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Added some washers and M8-1.25 x 30mm bolts so maybe that will help it last longer.
Talking with some techs at a radiator place, they thought the brackets might not be welded on in enough spot- just tacked and the thicker core can’t flex as much. So I figured I would try some bushings like the Hillmans above and start the search for something as a back up/ replacement maybe a Koyorad # http://battlebornoffroad.net/battle-born-offroad-specials/koyo-radiators/vh010665n/i-7532947.aspx
Or this one:
https://www.radiatorexpress.com/Product/radiator/toyota/2001/4runner/base/34l-v6/222485/1375163
Still looking at this time- the Champion isn’t leaking yet but with a trip up the AlCan in a couple months....

 

yep, the dreaded red drip just started yesterday...

 

Sorry to hear this, I don’t know how they can stay in business this way.
If your going to do the warranty call them ASAP, BECAUSE half the time they are out of stock.

 

@ccctaco That Koyo looks nice!

Has it been confirmed to fit 1998 first gens or only later models?

Does the stock skid plat still fit?

 

I believe it only fits 2001-2004 due to hood. I am not 100% sure as mine is 2002, but it has been mentioned in this thread. I have not tried the factory skid as mine was a little tore up and I have ordered one from 22Rethan. I like the quality of the koyo radiator, they may have one for an earlier truck. Good Luck.

 

well I am back to OEM with new hoses upper/lower.

Champion radiator is great idea and I wished it worked as designed.
Installed Feb 2019
Removed Mar 2020

Leaked at lower hose mount.
Under 10k miles.

The petcock had no holes when opened or closed (photo pending), so how are you supposed to drain/change coolant?
Seems suspect... along with questionable design - lack of design?

I'll be warranty-ing it and then selling the replacement.
Maybe someone else will have better luck than me.

 

You can get a petcock from Napa Autoparts for 10.00 brass one if you decide to keep it

 

I’ve had high hopes for my radiator, but it looks like mine is leaking from the core as well. Got under it and checked the hose connections, dried it of and ran it some more, and I’m 90% certain she’s leaking from the bottom core somewhere, As it’s seeping from the fins... not any of the bottom fittings... installed last spring around this time, so maybe 6-7k on the radiator

 

I went ahead and mounted mine with the rubber bushings, and will probably buy a Denso for a spare and commission a custom one from radiator express. That or see if one can shorten the neck on the Koyorad so it will fit my 98. Anyone have a measurement from top of the core support to the top of the cap? Sorry the photos are kinda crap, it’s pretty tight. Still about 1-1.25” clearance fan to radiator% I will confirm that measurement tomorrow.
Thanks

 

do you have more details?

Part number?
Fitment ?

 

60712527811__0EF099B5-DF94-427E-B053-998C9D740686.MOV

 

Hello, can you get a measurement from the top of the cap to the top of the core support, I keep hearing that there might be clearance issues-98-2000-but wonder if just getting the filler neck shortened could alleviate that? I’m glad it works for your application, I have contacted Koyorad about this and not heard back from them regarding either a custom build or shorter filler neck. Might get a custom one made by radiator express, they threw a ballpark quote of about $650-700 made in NY.
Time to start looking for couch change and car wash money to save up...

 

Oh forgot to ask, where did you source the radiator hoses and did you go with silicone on the heater hoses as well?

 

If you have the extra money get a custom one made where the aluminum is nice and thick.
My custom radiator weight is twice as heavy as the champion, so the aluminum is much thicker.
The mass production radiators like champion don’t have the quality control or strength over aluminum quality custom.
As long as the builder is making and using quality parts.

 

It’s beginning to look like that is the better option, since I have time and small money, it looks like more research is on it’s way. Didn’t you get yours built by Ron Davis: http://www.rondavisradiators.com/
Thanks

 

No a different company, was more expensive but Ron Davies would be a great choice

 

This link says 2WD only. I know you guys are installing this in 4WD. Are there additional mods for the 4WD systems. I have a 3.4L 2002 tacoma manual and of coarse 4WD. Not a big deal if I have to mod, I want to know what I'm getting into. Side note: Running a electric Taurus fan. I'm very happy with it. Thanks for the additional info.