Another Taco V8 swap

Thanks for the cruise info!

Yes, fan runs when engine is running...I'm eventually going to put a thermostatic switch in the radiator hose to do that. Its a in line fitting you cut the hose and clamp the radiator hose to it for a gauge or thermo switches. Summit has them. We run one on our Chumpcar.

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/at...G30DDyY8xVglK7eE6VvBWrQHbJYRLOicpVhoCATLw_wcB

 

I had thought about tapping the water outlet right next to the other water temp sensors. I like a cleaner look. Do you recommend a specific type or brand of thermostat sensor?

 

Also, how are you running your lower radiator hose.

One more thing, I assume you are using the transmission cooler in the radiator, anything else?

Can you post a picture of your fan setup, and how tight it is to the accessories?

I know, I'm needy, but not too many of us out here.

 

That's a good idea...Early 80's BMWs have a temp sensor in the radiator to kick on the secondary fan around 183 deg if that is not too warm. I just checked my temp at 165 deg at the rear of the engine...Seems cool but may be normal?

 

Test drive! Dang oil pan is leaking so getting ready to see if I can pull it.

https://youtu.be/OVkJXnBDbcE

 

Do.younhave a scan tool? You can access the coolant temp that way. Mine will run warm on the highway running 75+. Also if I'm pulling a trailer (6x12 w/ motorcycles or 4wheelers). The highest I've seems is 235* sustained. If I slow down the temps will fall relitive to speed. Also, on days it's 90* or warmer sitting still with the AC on with both 11" spal fans on, the temps will slowly climb. Turn the AC off or start moving and they come down.

That was all with the manaul transmission, and no extra heat from an Auto. I'm a bit concerned that I'm going to have heat problems.


Fwiw, when my scan tool shows 235*, the OE temp gauge in the dash showed normal temp. It doesn't go north of half till 240+...

 

I need to get a scan tool...My gauge is slightly above half so I checked a couple key places with a temp gun to get an idea of real temps. I tow the race car on anywhere from 4 to 7 hr trips so I got to figure a way to keep it cool... Definitely doing a trans cooler

 

Clearance is tight. Staggered fans.

I used the stock Tundra hoses...It's tight but clear.
Bottom hose pic

Yes radiator trans cooler temporarily until I pickup a separate cooler.

 

Yep, your fans have about as much room as mine. You should check the temp right at the thermostat. That's where the OE temp sensors are.

I had a aluminum tube welded to my radiator to bring the lower outlet to the top.

 

Awesome!

 

I love the torque! She tows nicely. Hopefully finish up my EVAP wiring and cruise control this weekend.

 

I come down to Charlotte about once a year. Next time I come, I'll look you up.

 

Bring your truck! I have a 3.4 with a popped hg and good auto transmission if you know anyone looking.

 

Will do.


How did your temps look towing ?

 

Also, just to be sure, you are running the champion 280zx radiator, correct?

 

Yes, it's a 3 core aluminum 280z eBay radiator... Towing yesterday was fine, only 30 miles.

Today though in stop/go traffic temps moved above 1/2 to 3/4 ish. I opened the heater full blast and once moving all was good also cut on a third blower fan in front of the radiator I put on awhile back. (I sit and idle for extended periods with a/c on at work sometimes) Todays Air temps at 56deg so it is a concern.

Waiting for my OBDii reader to show up so I can watch accurately and Hayden trans cooler to take some heat load off.

Have you thought about options for further cooling?

My concern is a hot day a/c blasting and stop and go traffic especially while towing.

 

I have a pair of spal low profile fans mounted on the radiator pulling air.

Today, I found that Champion makes a radiator for the 3rd gen 4runners, which is very similar to our 1st Gen Tacomas. However, according to the part numbers on rock Auto, the Tacoma and 4runner use a different radiator. I don't know the differences.

The 280zx radiator
Overall: 23" tall 26.75" wide
Core 16.125" tall 24.5 wide

The 4runner radiator
Overall: 27.13" tall 28 wide
Core: 22.63 tall 25.25 wide

The Tundra radiator
Overall: 27.5" tall 27.63 wide
Core: 22.63 tall 27.63 wide.

The specs on the 4runner radiator don't match the specs on the picture on their site. It seems kinda big to me, but I don't know. The problem is our frame rails are too narrow for the tundra radiator, but if the 4runner radiator is a higher smaller, it might fit.



I plan to do some more digging and see if I can find some more specs.

http://www.championradiators.com/product/CC1998


Only problem that stands out with the 4runner radiator, the inlet and outlet are on the wrong side. However, they could be moved....

 

I'm thinking about installing. 160deg thermostat to see how it does.

 

If I am not mistaken, lowering the opening temp, might help on short runs, but the problem of the radiator being too small with still be very real. I personally don't think that is a very good solution, however, if you chose to do so, please keep me posted!

 

So, I think the temperature issue is close to being resolved. The problem arose when sitting still or stop and go traffic. Temps climbed until I got moving. Currently, I can sit in traffic and the temp holds steady. The range is 174-205 deg in 75 deg weather with hard driving.

Items that I've done:
Installed 170 deg tstat
Added two pusher fans
Added a transmission cooler
Added a fan on the trans cooler
Wrapped headers
Installed the exhaust manifold heat shields (this alone made a huge difference)
Sealed around radiator to force air through it.

Of course the real test is 100 deg weather while towing. We will see.