how much radiator do I really need???

[russ1979]

my $250 radiator that i have had for about a year creaked and now i need a new one.
buy do i really NEED the 20 core alum radiator that everybody seems to get.

right now the 5.0 is almost stock. but soon i will be getting a h/c/i

Will the stock radiator work with a h/c/i car or should invest the cash AGAIN in a pricey one.

thanks for the help guys

 

[Mustang5L5]

Copper is actually a better thermal conductor than aluminum. So I wasn't one to hope on the aluminum radiator bandwagon. I run a copper 3-core I got from parts store and it works so well my e fan barely turns on.


Of course, al is more than capable of cooling. Plenty of oems use aluminum

 

[Chrome_Rust]

I have a stock copper Rad and my fan hasn't turned on in days.... It idled for about an hour today and it never came on. Running a 3.8 SN95 Fan with a thermal switch.

 

[Shaolin Crane]

Copper is actually a better thermal conductor than aluminum. So I wasn't one to hope on the aluminum radiator bandwagon. I run a copper 3-core I got from parts store and it works so well my e fan barely turns on.


Of course, al is more than capable of cooling. Plenty of oems use aluminum

What brand? Just the stores house brand?

 

[Notchbck93]

I've read the study that Copper offers better dissipation over aluminum, yet Ford Racing, in their catalogue, advertises the the two row aluminum to be better than the three core copper.

I just ordered the FMS unit.

1979-93 Mustang 5.0L/5.8L Ford Racing Aluminum Radiator, M-8005-C at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

This claims to be three row from CJ Pony parts

RADIATOR 3 ROW 1980-1993 FORD MUSTANG


P.S. 500 hp small block and my car doesn't over heat with the stock radiator, but given its age, I found it best to replace it as a PM measure.

 

[Stever89]

I know many here are wary of those Ebay radiators, and rightly so.

I took a chance on this one, a two core all aluminum, each core is 1" in diameter, $228.00 shipped.
The company was called Engineered Products, out of Chicago.
I see this company doesn't have any foxbody rads up right now though. I've only had it in for 2 months, so I don't know how long it'll hold up, but so far I'm happy with it.
View attachment 198847

 

[russ1979]

looks like a stock replacement is in my future

 

[Shaolin Crane]

check out radiator.com they offer a 3 core stock style with free NDA shipping, last time i saw price was $159

 

[NIKwoaC]

I picked up mine from a local mom and pop repair shop. I have NO idea what brand it is, all I know is that the shop has a really good reputation locally and never steered me wrong before. It's copper, but supposedly "heavy duty" and "better than stock". Couldn't even tell you how many core it is, or how thick it is. I CAN tell you that it cools the car great.

I think there is a lot to be said about a strong electric fan...

 

[bmo37]

I pretty much think they are equal in terms of cooling, although copper has better thermal capabilities the process in their design limits their cooling to that as about the same as an aluminum radiator due to the solder in the fin area restricts cooling. I'd go with whatever you like better look wise.

 

[No.11]

what about weight? is there a lot to be lost off the nose of the car by switching to an aluminum radiator?

 

[NIKwoaC]

what about weight? is there a lot to be lost off the nose of the car by switching to an aluminum radiator?

Have you ever picked up an empty copper radiator? It can't weigh a whole lot more than 10 lbs. Even if an aluminum radiator is half the weight, we're talking maybe 5 lbs savings...?

 

[No.11]

Have you ever picked up an empty copper radiator? It can't weigh a whole lot more than 10 lbs. Even if an aluminum radiator is half the weight, we're talking maybe 5 lbs savings...?

gotcha! I had not... figured they were heavier. so i guess the bigger worry is a good electric fan as you said.

 

[Shaolin Crane]

Have you ever picked up an empty copper radiator? It can't weigh a whole lot more than 10 lbs. Even if an aluminum radiator is half the weight, we're talking maybe 5 lbs savings...?

Every pound counts