Where should I buy a radiator?

[Racer65]

Do you know if the OEM Toyota one is a 3 core or 4 core? My performance radiator one is a 3 core and the SBC runs a little too warm with just the 3...

4 core.

 

[Vintij74]

/this\

I have seen so many leaky aluminum radiators come thru the shop on customers rigs that I flat out would not install one if a customer brought one to me.

And @Landpimp is right too. Current cost of a recore here is much more than OEM. But if you need a real high efficiency core, you gotta pay. Ask @Vintij74 about the difference.

My radiator history: when my 1974 FJ40 needed a re-core, I went to Hoffman Radiator in Orange, CA he's a one-man shop, usually works on hot rods 12-28-10 $300 no issues since.....Experiences with Champion radiators during 2013-14 on my FJ45: first one developed a split at top driver's side corner where top cap meets the core vanes....they honored their warranty, but it was a PITA .....the 2nd Champion radiator, cracked in the SAME SPOT after only a couple months....so I contacted Mark Algazy and bought THE LAST reconditioned, with reinforced brazing at all usual spots where radiators usually fail (over $700, but $ well spent) Also got a nice cadmium dipped radiator shroud from mark as well. Using a 7 blade fan w clutch....NO issues at all

 

[Racer65]

Just put one in:

 

[C6H12O6]

16400-49356

I just bought one of the 16400-49356 radiators for my '74 project. No overflow bottle in '74, as I'm guessing it used the older-style cap that didn't vent until high pressure (at overheating temps) was reached, as explained here. Since the later 16400-49356 radiator came with a cap, I'm guessing it's the later type vented cap, as the trucks it came in came stock with an overflow bottle.

Do I need to add an overflow bottle on my '74 with this radiator? I'm guessing yes.

 

[toyotaspeed90]

I think the better/first response should be a question -

Is the radiator in your vehicle stock, and what engine is in your vehicle?

 

[C6H12O6]

Sorry. '74 FJ40 with a stock everything - F engine, 4 speed. Stock radiator was full of gunk and the overflow barbed outlet was broken off. $400-500 quote to fix the stock radiator, so I replaced it for $350 with the 16400-49356 OEM replacement from a later FJ40, still available at Toyota.

My '74 didn't have an overflow bottle, nor any kind of hose hooked up, since the barbed hose outlet was broken off. I've got it all torn apart waiting for the water pump and some assorted cooling pieces to arrive from CruiserParts.net. Pretty much everything else has either been cleaned out and tested, or replaced. Radiator is sitting in the box in the garage.

 

[Landpimp]

I run a the stock cap from a late model 40 (not really sure there is any difference ) on the original radiator in my 64, no over flow, just a hose that that comes out and down the side of the radiator. Never had any issues, it cools perfect, nothing come out the overflow tube, I am sure if over heater it would.

 

[C6H12O6]

Here is the part number 16400-49356

I just ordered one when I heard they only had one in town and only another couple available locally. My uncle just ordered one from his buddy at Toyota and found out there are only 21 left in the US. Not sure if any more are coming along, but might be worth a look if you're on the fence. Probably shouldn't wait too long if you want one.