Aluminum Radiator

Resurrecting this thread. I am having the same issue. I will need a radiator probably this year, and am having trouble finding one to fit a 97 3.4 5 speed.

 

Are you meaning you can't find an all aluminum one? If not RockAuto has plenty of plastic + aluminum varieties.

https://tinyurl.com/yahaqzgx

 

This says it's 2WD only. Anyone know the difference?

 

Yes. That's why I'm posting in the "aluminum radiator" thread.

 

I've had this exact experience with the radiator relocation in my V8-swapped S10.

 

Good info here, which seems to answer my earlier question.

 

Called them an hour ago. He said he had three on the shelf.

Now he has two.

255 shipped to me in Charleston, SC.

 

Following on the thread resurrection/hijack, has anyone replaced a taller radiator with a shorter one? I have a 4x4 5spd (meant for 20 3/4 height), but I'm eyeballin one on rockauto that's all aluminum for about $130. However this one is 18 5/8 height. Will this 2 1/8" difference make that much of a difference or am I just overthinking it?

 

Have you read through this thread? That question is answered several times, as well as the specific hose you will need to accomplish this.

 

Hi,
Re-resurrecting the thread has anyone found a plug and play radiator that is better than OEM. Running good with Supercharger? Looking for something without mods to fit right. 2001 3.4L v6 MT.

 

Honestly I am rather impressed with this one. I have been running it for about 8 months I think, and it is still fine. Even with my truck having been totaled in a front-end collision- no leaks. The radiator is probably going to wind up being a loss, though- it got bent in the collision. Even with that, no leaks. I am impressed.

 

Koyorad released one this year that is all aluminum and is hopefully better than the Champion ones that appear to be prone to leaking. It's technically for the 3rd Gen 4Runner, but will work with 01-04 MT Tacomas too.

I purchased it and my friend installed it last month. Here is a link to the post I tossed into another thread about it:
Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

I can't say whether it will be more effective with a supercharged 5VZ, but it definitely keeps the 1KZ cooler than the stock rad did so I'd say its a safe assumption that it will.

 

Can you get a pic of how far down the frame it comes? I'm going SAS so it can't go lower than the framerail.

 

I’ll check it out for sure.

 

So is there like a metric to look at to see if it potentially cools better than stock? Is it the size, the material it’s made of? Thanks

 

I will look for sure.

The size matches that of the larger of the Tacoma radiators. Not sure if it sticks out lower or not offhand, but it isn't a special size either.

My truck has an exhaust gas temp gauge that's mildly accurate. After installing the new radiator the gauge appeared to read 100-200 deg F cooler. Now it's sometimes even more, but that's because it's pretty much winter here at this point. The real test will come next summer.

For 3RZ/5VZ motors, I guess using a scangauge or something for coolant temp is probably the move. Honestly I never cared when I had a 5VZ. Stock cooling setup worked just fine, even with an ARB/winch/lights impeding airflow somewhat.

See size comment above. Since it matches stock, I think that the added cooling benefits come from the design- thicker core and how the coolant flows through it.

It comes with steel mounts that match the style that the stock radiator uses. I'd assume that this is better than the Champion models, which bolt onto the truck directly, but I can't be certain. Only time will tell whether it's a much "cooler" radiator. Certainly looks cooler.

 

has anyone heard of, or used the radiator in the link below. I'm always trying to stay ahead of the game with maintenance items for my 03 DC V6 auto.

https://www.carid.com/2003-toyota-t...-1302403670.html?parentsubmodel[]=ENGINE|3.4L

 

I found some bushings at Amazon:

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....

 

I just installed these bushings and a steel washer, M8-1.25 x 30mm flanged bolts with the metal washer on the core support side. Still have over an 1” between the stock fan and the radiator. Going to keep looking for a replacement to keep as a back up. Who knows it may be one of the early unicorns with no drama, another AlCan trip will be a good test. I will attach some photos tomorrow when it is light enough to get pictures

 

got pics?