3 Core vs 4 Core Radiator

[Red66GT]

My radiator recently sprung a bad leak and I'm considering getting a new 3 core radiator. I currently have a 4 core and the car barely runs 180 degrees in near 100 degree weather.

If I switch to a 3 core (since they're much much cheaper and I'm on a budget) how much hotter do you think my car would run?

I may also just try to get mine repaired if 3 cores suck, any thoughts?

 

[D.Hearne]

It might just run cooler with the decreased airflow resistence of the 3 row over a 4 row. A 3 row will allow more airflow thru it over a 4 row. And running 180 in 100 degree weather is PERFECT. Wish my V8 Ranger would do as much. It runs 200-220 in 90 degreee weather.

 

[2nd Mustang]

I'm really happy with my 4 core radiator, that I have another spare one (needs bottom tank re-soldered). I don't like to have my Stang down for too long.

 

[WORTH]

A new rad is gonna be more efficient than an old one anyway, I would think the 3 row would be fine.

 

[geegee]

My radiator recently sprung a bad leak and I'm considering getting a new 3 core radiator. I currently have a 4 core and the car barely runs 180 degrees in near 100 degree weather.

If I switch to a 3 core (since they're much much cheaper and I'm on a budget) how much hotter do you think my car would run?

I may also just try to get mine repaired if 3 cores suck, any thoughts?

I ran a 3 core with a 5.0L with a/c in my '65 with no problems even in +100 degree heat. That said, the larger the engine overbore the more cooling you need.

 

[steelhorse]

I have a "new" 3 row (purchased 2 years ago new from radiator shop but is an actual ford part) in my 67 289 and it never runs over 1/4 way up in the Texas summer with a 180 thermo in it. I would do it again in a hearbeat

 

[Valaraukar]

Why not just fix the 4 core if it still works fine? It will probably be cheaper to have the leak fixed than to buy a new.

 

[mustangdave]

Sometimes a three row will run cooler than a four row not only due to better airflow but they may have different size tubes inside. It depends on the design.