best radiator for the money?
- Thread starter custom89stang
- Start date
I highly reccomend the summit aluminum radiator or an AFCO aluminum radiator. I have an AFCO and I love it. I usually never run my electric fan. I only need it when its really hot and humid out. It only costed around $180 too.
I have read some BMW's and Volvo's have some ones that will work with minor mods, others bolt right in and some other import cars too. Not as easy as ordering a new one but I like to keep money when I can. I have only read this, cannot verify, I have yet to go on the junkyard hunt......but I soon will.
tell your mechanic that any large 1 or 2 core radiator will outperform any 3or 4 core radiator.by the time the air has cooled the first 2 cores it pushes the heated air into the last core and heats it back up.i have had great luck out of my griffin radiator.i also have one in my 69 bigblock nova.recently put one in my buddy's 72 smallblock chevelle with great results.
bmo37
Founding Member
yep any 2 core aluminum radiator will cool better than any 3 core brass/copper radiator, aluminum disapates heat extremely well.
My choise would be a ron davis, there great quality.
My choise would be a ron davis, there great quality.
1991vert
10 Year Member
not to try and steal the thread, but i was planning on ordering an FMS aluminum 3core radiator. should i go with a 2 instead? or will 3 cool just as good, both would be aluminum.
bmo37
Founding Member
general speaking the more cores the better the cooling, if you can get a 3 core aluminum radiator over a 2 core aluminum go for it.
Griffin has a bolt-in 1 1/4" single core aluminum radiator specifically for a 87-93 fox in Summit for something like $180-190. Aluminum core rads are definitely better than 3 core brass/copper. My Griffin 31 X 19 has 2 1" cores and when the fans are on and the engine is at operating temp the top of the radiator is cool to the touch. I highly recommend the Griffin.
Hawaii-50
Hawaii-50
$180 AFCO aluminum to your door:
http://www.secureperformanceorder.com/afcostore/getsubclasses.cfm?ClassID=70&CategoryID=6
80101FN
http://www.secureperformanceorder.com/afcostore/getsubclasses.cfm?ClassID=70&CategoryID=6
80101FN
timewarped1972
Member
glad some one posted this question as i was going to ask also. i have been considering the pep boys style 3 core, although i did see some similar on evil bay for about 143 to the door.........i have the regular 2 core in my 91 gt and it just seems like it runs hot, especially with the air on......don't know why they didnt put 3 core in standard on ac equiped v-8's........
also, i have been considering a pro form or black majic electric fan....thing is i'm not sure how much ams thiose things draw. i thing my alternator is like 80 amp.........will that cut it??? is the stock fan thermostatically controlled by the clutch????
also, a new 3 core will put my fan clser to the radiator.....how far away should the stock fan be from the radiator?? the fan on mine looks kinda far off being its got that awfull thin 2 core in it.
also, i have been considering a pro form or black majic electric fan....thing is i'm not sure how much ams thiose things draw. i thing my alternator is like 80 amp.........will that cut it??? is the stock fan thermostatically controlled by the clutch????
also, a new 3 core will put my fan clser to the radiator.....how far away should the stock fan be from the radiator?? the fan on mine looks kinda far off being its got that awfull thin 2 core in it.
i bought an aluminum two core radiator from a local mustang shop for 230 and it has 2, one inch cores and now my car runs almost too cool. my gauge never goes above the bottom of the L in normal. it was a little more money but it was worth it to know i will never have a problem with overheating even in the heaviest traffic
Matt90GT, is the AFCO a single core, double core, I checked the link and it does not mention whether it is a single core or what? I see where it states 16 fin per inch, and another question, why not use the 19"x31" (part #80102fn) instead of the 19"x27.5"? Are you running the clutch fan, or have you switched over to an electric fan set up?
Sgt.5point0
Member
50mustang001 said:
I have an AFCO too, great aluminum radiator... Looks good, lightweight, cools like a mofo.
The 28 inch in the Ford configuration fits great in the fox body, you can use the stock radiator brackets with a little modification.boomr said:
My brother has the 19''x31'', it's a bit too long for the stock radiator location. It fits in there a little sideways.
BarnStang
Founding Member
Afco product: 80101FN says it will fit 79-93 Mustang with "some fabrication"
Matt90GT, what does that involve? I am going to have to order something, this Florida weather is too much. Can't run my A/C either. But I also no longer have acces to my garage...so I can't get to carried away with an extensive mod...
Geez, I meant to put this in the existing thread, not in the one I searched on. Sorry bout that everyone...
Matt90GT, what does that involve? I am going to have to order something, this Florida weather is too much. Can't run my A/C either. But I also no longer have acces to my garage...so I can't get to carried away with an extensive mod...
Geez, I meant to put this in the existing thread, not in the one I searched on. Sorry bout that everyone...
THe upper radiator supports you have to move them farther apart. Then all the rubbers for the mounts you have to cut so they are wider. The hoses will have to be lubed up and then stretched over the radiator fittings (just like 1/8" larger).
Finally since it is a thicker unit, you will have to deal with the fan. If it is stock, you may need to make sure that it still has clearance without hitting the radiator.
Not a drop in, but works awesome!
Finally since it is a thicker unit, you will have to deal with the fan. If it is stock, you may need to make sure that it still has clearance without hitting the radiator.
Not a drop in, but works awesome!
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