best radiator for the money?

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custom89stang

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Dec 9, 2003

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Seattle, WA

Jun 20, 2004

#1

• Jun 20, 2004

• #1

i found out that i need a new radiator so i was wondering what the best for the money is? the main thing my mechanic said (he owns a supercharged 347) is that i want a 3-core radiator, doesn't necissarily mean aluminium....but i would like the weight savings. thanks for your help!

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Jun 20, 2004

#2

• Jun 20, 2004

• #2

pep boys or AZ - 3 core ~140 bucks.

 

RacEoHolic330

I like to dress like a pretty girl

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Mar 4, 2003

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Allentown, PA

Jun 20, 2004

#3

• Jun 20, 2004

• #3

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.

 

90mustangGT

I felt sorry for girls because

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Jan 15, 2002

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Dallas, GA

Jun 20, 2004

#4

• Jun 20, 2004

• #4

Griffin has one that is I think $190.

 

8

85GTlover

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#5

• Jun 20, 2004

• #5

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.

 

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custom89stang

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#6

• Jun 20, 2004

• #6

okay thanks a lot u guys

 

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ratrapp

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Apr 24, 2004

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buena vista,va

Jun 20, 2004

#7

• Jun 20, 2004

• #7

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

Jun 27, 2001

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New Jersey

Jun 20, 2004

#8

• Jun 20, 2004

• #8

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.

 

1991vert

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Feb 27, 2004

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Ludlow, MA

Jun 20, 2004

#9

• Jun 20, 2004

• #9

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

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Jun 27, 2001

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Jun 20, 2004

#10

• Jun 20, 2004

• #10

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.

 

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Hawaii-50

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Oct 24, 2003

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Wesley Chapel, FL

Jun 20, 2004

#11

• Jun 20, 2004

• #11

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

 

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RIXX93GT

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Oct 10, 2002

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Dayton, Ohio

Jun 20, 2004

#12

• Jun 20, 2004

• #12

Get the Summit aluminum radiator, I purchased the 31" for my 347 and I still use the crappy stock fan and the thing never gets over 190.

 

Matt90GT

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May 6, 2001

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Oregon

Jun 20, 2004

#13

• Jun 20, 2004

• #13

$180 AFCO aluminum to your door:

http://www.secureperformanceorder.com/afcostore/getsubclasses.cfm?ClassID=70&CategoryID=6

80101FN

 

timewarped1972

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Jun 17, 2004

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mesa, az

Jun 20, 2004

#14

• Jun 20, 2004

• #14

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.

 

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whitenblu89

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Jul 25, 2003

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westland mi

Jun 20, 2004

#15

• Jun 20, 2004

• #15

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

 

boomr

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Oct 18, 2003

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WA

Jun 20, 2004

#16

• Jun 20, 2004

• #16

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

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Jul 26, 2003

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Rapid City, South Dakota

Jun 20, 2004

#17

• Jun 20, 2004

• #17

50mustang001 said:

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.

Click to expand...

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:

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?

Click to expand...

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

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Mar 2, 2001

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Hagerstown, MD

Jun 21, 2004

#18

• Jun 21, 2004

• #18

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

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Oregon

Jun 21, 2004

#19

• Jun 21, 2004

• #19

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!

 

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cobraii74x

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Aug 27, 2003

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Altoona, PA

Jun 21, 2004

#20

• Jun 21, 2004

• #20

Not to get OT but i just ordered the Griffin Aluminum 22x19 ( its an MII small car ).. do you guys have any personal experiences on the quality of this radiator?