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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 18 of 39
  1. Feb 24, 2019 at 1:48 PM
    #341
    Blackdawg

    #341
    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    keep an eye on your coolant levels.
     
    Blackdawg, Feb 24, 2019
    #341
    burntkat and 1997tacomav6[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  2. Feb 24, 2019 at 7:47 PM
    #342
    Yetimetchkangmi

    #342
    Yetimetchkangmi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    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
    Completed install today!

    Thanks to @Adude , @BlackPearl , @Blackdawg , @Digiratus !!!

    Some pointers to share:
    remove the grill - to access the 4 bolts that hold the radiator to the core support.
    use 3/8" or 1/2" bolts to stuff into the trans cooler lines to reduce leakage.
    have hose clamps ready in case the OEM clamps won't cooperate.
    fill engine side first from top coolant hose.
    fill overflow tank.
    get burping kit.
    test fit the lower shroud before mounting the upper shroud.
    trim the shroud to fit the transmission cooler lines bigger than you think.

    As Monte stated, the nutserts are questionable. If you have time and ability, change them in advance.

    Corner marker lights - casualty of install - both sides - broken top tabs just looking at them...
     
    Yetimetchkangmi, Feb 24, 2019
    #342
    Adude, BlackPearl and 1997tacomav6[OP] like this.
  3. Feb 25, 2019 at 10:00 PM
    #343
    pullingin

    #343
    pullingin Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately I have decided to return the Champion and replace it with an OEM at $240. After reading some of the experiences members have had it started to make me ill looking at it in the garage. I do not want to worry about it failing. The OEM will go at least 100k.

    I wish this beautiful radiator didn't have the issues reported in this thread.

    I wish everybody who has one installed a super long life! ...and please keep us posted.
     
    pullingin, Feb 25, 2019
    #343
    cruiserguy, Yetimetchkangmi and BlackPearl like this.
  4. Mar 5, 2019 at 8:06 PM
    #344
    pullingin

    #344
    pullingin Well-Known Member

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    Just found out the OEM radiator for a 98 3.4 4x4 manual is discontinued... Anyone know where I could get an authentic OEM replacement?

    I have read some say the Denso was the OEM manufacturer but the reviews of the Denso could be better.
     
    pullingin, Mar 5, 2019
    #344
  5. Mar 5, 2019 at 8:20 PM
    #345
    1997tacomav6

    #345
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

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    First Name:
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    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,
    There's no shortage of aftermarket radiators at 100-125, at that price they are disposable if they last you three or four years,
    The plastic parts are what failed for me
     
    1997tacomav6, Mar 5, 2019
    #345
  6. Mar 5, 2019 at 8:24 PM
    #346
    Blackdawg

    #346
    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    So I got an RMA for mine. Hopefully I'll get it replaced whenever they are back in stock
     
    Blackdawg, Mar 5, 2019
    #346
    xtremewlr likes this.
  7. Mar 5, 2019 at 9:24 PM
    #347
    Phessor

    #347
    Phessor Well-Known Member

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    I received one as well, mailed it off last week. Was told they are on back order till???
     
    Phessor, Mar 5, 2019
    #347
  8. Mar 5, 2019 at 10:31 PM
    #348
    Blackdawg

    #348
    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    The Trifecta of Taco's
    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Yeah no idea how long it will be..
     
    Blackdawg, Mar 5, 2019
    #348
  9. Mar 5, 2019 at 10:59 PM
    #349
    TacoJohn4x4

    #349
    TacoJohn4x4 Captain Save-A-Ho

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    Central Valley
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    So your out of a radiator until they have more in stock with no ETA. Now what, either buy a replacement or have your truck out of commission? Hopefully you kept your old one. Good luck to everyone. Keep a spare just in case ;)
     
    TacoJohn4x4, Mar 5, 2019
    #349
  10. Mar 5, 2019 at 11:13 PM
    #350
    Phessor

    #350
    Phessor Well-Known Member

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    I kept my old one and that is what I am currently using.
     
    Phessor, Mar 5, 2019
    #350
  11. Mar 5, 2019 at 11:19 PM
    #351
    Blackdawg

    #351
    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Same back on the original
     
    Blackdawg, Mar 5, 2019
    #351
  12. Mar 6, 2019 at 9:58 AM
    #352
    Shortman5

    #352
    Shortman5 Well-Known Member

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    ..
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    Supercharged TRD
    TRD S/C, ADS coilovers.
    I’ve had this radiator on backorder since the end of January. Called Champion today, they said they won’t arrive in the states until the end of this month.

    Might cancel this shit with the long as fuck backorder, lack of communication, and failures.
     
    Shortman5, Mar 6, 2019
    #352
  13. Mar 20, 2019 at 5:51 AM
    #353
    burntkat

    #353
    burntkat Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Phillip
    Charleston, SC
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    97 Extracab Tacoma
    I installed mine recently, the nutserts were just fine. Same type I used in my bed to install the rack. -shrug-
     
    burntkat, Mar 20, 2019
    #353
    Yetimetchkangmi[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Mar 20, 2019 at 5:52 AM
    #354
    burntkat

    #354
    burntkat Well-Known Member

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    I rolled the dice with this. Worse comes to it, I am keeping a spare at the auto parts store. It'll cost me a couple bucks to get it, but I don't think I will need it anytime in the next few years.
     
    burntkat, Mar 20, 2019
    #354
  15. Mar 26, 2019 at 6:43 PM
    #355
    BYJOSHCOOK

    #355
    BYJOSHCOOK Mr. Mojo Risin

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    Woodstock and Alpharetta Ga
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    2000 SR5 4WD Lunar Mist
    Check Out My Builds
    So just ordered this thing from eBay, will post up what it looks like when I get it. Also is the only place to buy the gates 22120 is from O'reillys or Walmart? Just curious. Going to flush the entire system because it's never been done since I've owned the truck
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    BYJOSHCOOK, Mar 26, 2019
    #355
  16. Mar 26, 2019 at 7:17 PM
    #356
    tony2018

    #356
    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    won't arrive in the states? fuck that...
     
    tony2018, Mar 26, 2019
    #356
  17. Mar 26, 2019 at 9:58 PM
    #357
    Yetimetchkangmi

    #357
    Yetimetchkangmi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2013
    Member:
    #106605
    Messages:
    3,543
    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
    Amazon, super low pricing...
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    Yetimetchkangmi, Mar 26, 2019
    #357
    BYJOSHCOOK[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Mar 28, 2019 at 11:23 AM
    #358
    Phessor

    #358
    Phessor Well-Known Member

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    Look what showed up on my doorstep.
     
    Phessor, Mar 28, 2019
    #358
    xtremewlr, 1997tacomav6[OP], Yetimetchkangmi and 1 other person like this.
  19. Mar 28, 2019 at 11:27 AM
    #359
    Speedytech7

    #359
    Speedytech7 Toyota Cult Ombudsman

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    It's less Tacoma and more mod
    They aren't robo welded, they're welded by hand in the same Chinese factory that does all the other aluminum radiators that are under $300 haha. I've bought Champions before and within the last couple years they must've upped volume or something. Last one looked like Ray Charles welded it with his feet.
     
    Speedytech7, Mar 28, 2019
    #359
  20. Mar 28, 2019 at 11:35 AM
    #360
    BYJOSHCOOK

    #360
    BYJOSHCOOK Mr. Mojo Risin

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    Check Out My Builds
    Mine should be here by the 1st! Hopefully it isn't an April Fools joke :(
     
    BYJOSHCOOK, Mar 28, 2019
    #360
    Phessor[QUOTED] likes this.
Page 18 of 39

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