ModisetteJ
SILVER Star
Current thoughts on aluminum radiators? I’ve read through some pretty old threads over the past couple of weeks and am about to pull the trigger on a new one. This is the one I’m looking at:
Aluminum Radiator
- Thread starter ModisetteJ
- Start date
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Following this I’ve been thinking about this for a bit too.
batthewmrown
SILVER Star
I’ve got this one. I found an auction for $179 shipped.
Hojack
♠️Project Snowball❄️
I bought the 3 row Champion for my 60 conversion.
ModisetteJ
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #7
You like it?
Also @ModisetteJ ...
Hi guys...yes I went with the Mishimoto, completing just a week ago. I had been on a crusade to overcome cooling issues, both engine and transmission. Upon successfully completing the installation of the B&M transcooler in series with the old OEM style radiator, I decided to go the next step and replace the radiator. It was a very wise decision. Here's why.
I was experiencing significant swings on the engine temp gauge. I wasn't sure if it was the gauge or a legit cooling system issue. I decided to bite the bullet and get the Mishimoto. I could only find one at Summit Racing. They had one at their Arlington, TX store, and shipped to me. Yeah, it's a little pricey. So we jumped in with the radiator, new OEM t-stat, gaskets, thorough water-only system flush, and new Toyota Red coolant.
It fits, but not without some minor issues. You can go here on my build site and see some images and comments. You will see that @BlackCat and @Skniper chimed in with helpful comments. Builds - Sentimental Restoration of Family 1990 FJ62
We did pressure test the radiator once installed before filling.
The fan shroud attaches okay, but with a bit too much air gap along the top arc. There is too much gap in front of the radiator that allows too much fan clutch-pulled air to bypass the condenser (and in my case, the secondary transcooler). This photo was my solution; aluminum furnace tape. This way the air is forced to pass the way it should. The gap in front of the radiator is only significant (about 1.5") along the top, not the sides.
It took a few miles (over a couple of days) for the cooling system to completely burp itself out, and I saw some of the same fluctuations during that time. I then topped the coolant resevoir to the full line.
Results? Dramatic. I took the Cruiser out yesterday on a local steep mountain highway test drive. It's an hour up to about 7500MSL elevation. 35mph speed limit held. The engine temp was rock steady at the mid-point with only +/- .25 needle width variations. We did use the Mishimoto integral transcooler. The transmission cooling with it and the B&M was also terrific. You can read more about that test drive here. Builds - Sentimental Restoration of Family 1990 FJ62
So, I guess you could say I highly recommend the Mishimoto as an alternative to OEM styles. BTW, register the new radiator on the Mishimoto site. That helps mitigate most future warranty issues.
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I've got a Champion radiator. Fit was okay and I haven't had any issues with it. Having said that, there's the CSF and the Spectra radiators that looks more factory.
I kept my old radiator and will eventually have it recored. I'm not a big fan of the aluminum radiator in my mostly stock engine bay. Looks weird to me.
I kept my old radiator and will eventually have it recored. I'm not a big fan of the aluminum radiator in my mostly stock engine bay. Looks weird to me.
They do look a little out of place, don't they. I had to get past my "under-the-hood vanity" to go with this. Like you, I'm also going to keep the old radiator for possible coring.
batthewmrown
SILVER Star
It's like an 80 year old smiling at you and having a big shiny grille, haha. Your resto on the 62 was admirable, sir. I don't think you need to stress about the look of the radiator. Gotta keep that old girl cool down there.
Hahaha....great analogy!!! Thank you for the kind words.
Hojack
♠️Project Snowball❄️
I installed the 3 row for my 4BT conversion
I did a Champion 3 row a few years ago. No complaints. Still works great.
Under recommendations from this thread I picked up a blemished champion 3 core radiator for $79 pretty awesome deal! So here is a question for you guys, what should I use to upgrade all of my coolant lines? Also, I suspect my temp gauge to be broken how do I fix this; new gauge new something else?
tmxmotorsports
SILVER Star
Are you sure it has the transmission cooler built-in? Got one for the ls swap i am doing it has no provisions for a trans cooler its made for a 60 not a 62...
It said 3 row on the listing.
I plan on adding a transmission cooler either way.
You can fish around at the box stores for aftermarket hoses and they’ll have something that will fit most of them but you’ll be running all over town and spending more than you should. I believe SOR sells a kit. Maybe cruiseroutfitters does? I would suggest getting the OEM kit and just be done with it. I think I spent 4-5 weeks tracking everything down, trying to make new ones and failing. I think I ended up spending the same if not more on piecing together aftermarket stuff.
I need other parts from cruiser outfitters anyway so they will just be getting more of my business if they sell coolant lines. I like calling them and talking to Bryce good people out there. They all have that Utah accent too.
