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Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

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

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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%
  1. Jul 27, 2018 at 9:47 AM
    #141
    OneWheelPeel

    OneWheelPeel Well-Known Member

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    Phoenix, AZ

    What lower radiator hose did you end up using?
     
  2. Jul 27, 2018 at 10:58 AM
    #142
    1997tacomav6

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

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    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,
  3. Jul 27, 2018 at 12:42 PM
    #143
    1997tacomav6

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

    Joined:
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    Gender:
    Male
    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,
    To make it easier make sure you have some silicone spray lubricant for the hose and Lube everything up because that lower hose is going to be really really tough to get on either side as its 1/8" smaller then the pipe size and water pump outlet, if you are using OEM clamps the silicone will help with these 2 clamps also get a new radiator cap as the champion ones are no good and they'll end up leaking on the top where they fit together
     
    Dalandser likes this.
  4. Jul 31, 2018 at 4:12 AM
    #144
    Texasdynaryder

    Texasdynaryder Well-Known Member

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    How much additional coolant is required when swapping to this radiator?
     
  5. Jul 31, 2018 at 6:26 AM
    #145
    1997tacomav6

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

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,391
    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,
    Don’t remember maybe half a gallon more
     
  6. Jul 31, 2018 at 2:04 PM
    #146
    Texasdynaryder

    Texasdynaryder Well-Known Member

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    Thank you.
     
  7. Aug 8, 2018 at 7:10 PM
    #147
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Empty Wallet Mod
    Anyone know where one of these might be in stock - I'm waiting patiently. Gotta call Champion tomorrow...
     
  8. Aug 8, 2018 at 8:07 PM
    #148
    1997tacomav6

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

    Joined:
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    #113940
    Messages:
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    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 talked to them a month ago or so and they were out of stock but he said in a few months would be
    back in stock
     
    Dalandser[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Aug 8, 2018 at 8:12 PM
    #149
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    lol he told me a few weeks a few weeks ago
     
  10. Aug 8, 2018 at 8:16 PM
    #150
    1997tacomav6

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

    Joined:
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    Gender:
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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,
    That’s probably right then, it was at least a month ago when i talked.

    After I started the how to thread I think
    they all flew off the shelves:)
     
    Dalandser[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Aug 8, 2018 at 8:19 PM
    #151
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Empty Wallet Mod
    Waited too long. Last thing I need - then my setup will look like yours minus the meth injector (which is in my bedroom). Hopefully they'll be back in stock soon.

    :turtleride:
     
  12. Aug 9, 2018 at 8:38 AM
    #152
    Texasdynaryder

    Texasdynaryder Well-Known Member

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    Will post pictures later but the 4 Cyl install is a breeze. Notch the lower shroud like the OP did then slap her together. No special hoses were needed for me.
     
  13. Aug 10, 2018 at 8:44 AM
    #153
    SilverGhost

    SilverGhost Well-Known Member

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    #junkyardparts
    Ain’t that the truth...
     
  14. Aug 10, 2018 at 12:37 PM
    #154
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Early September is when I heard the crates will come in :)
     
  15. Aug 16, 2018 at 11:17 PM
    #155
    Anthony250

    Anthony250 Ex Fabricator

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    LSK Race Kit, King Shocks, Methods, Glassworks, Baja Designs, Built by myself.
    Looks like good quality with that radiator. I bought the one from Radiator Express, forgot the brand, quality was good not great. Its leaking on me near the core gonna have the warranty exchanged thou. Shoulda got this champion
     
  16. Sep 28, 2018 at 10:11 PM
    #156
    970btu

    970btu Well-Known Member

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    Las Vegas
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    99 Tacoma 3.4 5spd ext limited TRD 55K and counting
    OME, SPC UCA, ARB w/warn 10K winch, TG Rock Defense Rear, Marlin Clutch, Custom hi clearance under bed spare mount. 285/75/16. A ton of repairs done and a list up to come modifications.
    I read this post back in may.
    I immediately went to get one, out of stock.
    I called 2 times, next mont.
    I placed an order with Jegs that showed shipment September 24th, that cam and went and was cannceled with no estimate for availability
    I called Champion now they say :sadviolin:hopefully by the end of the year but not cretin. :(

    Then this happened. My condenser bracket broke slaming into the radiator down this rough 60 something miles from pavement.
    It ripped the radiator. I did a trail fix, pulling out the aluminum on each side of the damaged tubes crimping the damages tubes shut and then using the egg trick to get back the 200 miles to the nearest radiator.

    So now I will be tuck a stock aftermarket one for a while.

    But im going to weld this one up for a spare in case of another freak incident in the middle of nowhere.


    20180915_155526[1].jpg
     
    1997tacomav6[OP] and Dalandser like this.
  17. Sep 29, 2018 at 5:52 AM
    #157
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    wow, looks pretty ghetto rigged...what works for you bud.
     
  18. Sep 30, 2018 at 12:26 AM
    #158
    TacoJohn4x4

    TacoJohn4x4 Captain Save-A-Ho

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    Glad you got home safe. How bad was the crack, do you have pictures? I want to know how the egg solution works and how big of a cracker it can fill.

    As for the radiator being out of stock, if Champion doesn’t have them in stock ordering from Jegs is not going to help since they don’t stock those radiators and pretty much ship them from Champion. I need one as well to better fit with my allpro plate bumper. I’ve talked to Champion and they said hopefully in October-November but next year should be expected. If these are container orders from overseas who knows when they’ll get them especially if they haven’t filled the “container” yet.
     
  19. Sep 30, 2018 at 10:48 AM
    #159
    Anthony250

    Anthony250 Ex Fabricator

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    LSK Race Kit, King Shocks, Methods, Glassworks, Baja Designs, Built by myself.
    Yep that's why I didn't wait I just mine from Radiator Express they have their alimunum one. Working great.
     
    1997tacomav6[OP] likes this.
  20. Oct 28, 2018 at 10:53 AM
    #160
    Arctic Taco

    Arctic Taco Firefly, Serenity Ed. -Arctic Taco, a slow build

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    Steve
    Denali Park, Alaska
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    98 Tacoma Xtra Cab DLX, 85 Toyota LWB 4x4
    dents and missing bits, built in the Gravel garage, hillbilly trained mechanic…
    Update- replaced the engine and got everything sorted out and hit the road- 2500 miles later no muss no fuss.
    Wear item my ass....
    Go Champion, it rocks!
     
    tony2018 and SilverGhost like this.

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