Has anyone modified their 67-70 mustang core support to accept a larger 26x18 or so cross flow radiator? I am wanting to put as large as radiator as possible with at least 12" fans. Any info would be great.
While I don't have that exact radiator in my '65, and I'm not sure the exact dimensions of my larger Griffin radiator with integral oil cooler sold by Cobra Automotive, I did as was done on the original '65 R-models. More specifically, I cut out the support [with the original mounting holes] to make a wider opening and allow the radiator to sit almost flush against the upper bend in the panel.
Well, considering the large stock 68-70 radiator was 24", I would suggest no cutting is needed to use a 26" radiator. Even if you do decide to cut, a 1" ribbon off each side is the most you'd need to remove. Likely, though, you'll find there's a gap at each side already, eliminating the need to cut.
I'm in the process but won't have answers for at least a month
I have a Summit 27"(?) - I did another thread here on it and mounting options, but don't have time to look right now. You need to watch the height, though. Keep in mind that a radiator that wide will probably be sitting on the frame rails and your battery will need to go to the trunk, which I had planned to do anyway. My fill cap is going to be very close to hitting the hood - I measured with a tape measure from underneath and my girlfriend closed the hood on the other end of the tape measure. I think I posted the measurement for a '70 on that thread from frame rail to hood. Depending on where any interference is, I will either notch the hood structure underneath or the frame rail, if there is any interference at all.
I did that exact thing, I sawzalled it larger and to move the radiator further forward to fit an elec fan and also bent it flush, I deburred the sharp edges and covered it with stock style snap on black windlace which seals the support to the radiator, I used universal lower brackets and made my own upper brackets out of modified 4" L brackets and glued rubber to them. Ill try to take a pic....It looks pretty factory and added enough clearance for a single elec fan BUT the fan didn't cool enough so I installed a reg fan and a modified 289 shroud (my 408 is dropped 1") so it was a task, I used a dual pass 26" radiator with in/out on the pass side like stock and bent some coathangers in the shape of upper and lower hoses. I went to 5 diff autoparts and found hoses from different cars and cut to fit and they fit perfect, I kept the part#'s of the hoses if you need them. This was on my 67 vert, I measured and I could still fit the battery there but its in my trunk now.
As it sits right now with only 6" of clearance(due to march pullies) if I trimmed the support I may be able to fit the higher output fans which require 7". I plan to take quite a few more measurements and make some phone calls today. 70Vert, is there anyway you could get me your radiator dimentions? Thanks for the replies.
Travis, here's the thread - I have low-profile dual fans
Ok, check out this thread. It has links to the Summit/Northern rad and flex-a-lite fan I used. Measurements should be on the Summit site. My goals with this setup were:
1. Dual fan with 2,500cfm or more - I think it's about 2,700
2. Low profile so March pulleys would clear
3. As big of a radiator I can practically fit with that fan.
4. Best price/performance combo
The fan shroud fits perfectly over the 26" core (just covers the whole thing) but the 30" width sits on the frame rails, which I didn't anticipate. If I can get it all to just clear and not require any mods to the core support or the hood, I'll be pretty proud of the kit I put together myself and saved $500-$1k off a matched kit. I don't mind notching the frame rails, either - there's not much they do up there structurally - it's all aft of the shock towers - and maybe it will help create a crumple zone up there.
I have the Northern 27.5x19 on my 70 and it barely fits between the frame rail. Any wider of a radiator and I'd recommend going with the shorter 16" tall radiator and sit the radiator on top the frame rails.
I'm using a 3 row Fox body Mustang radiator in my 68 Coupe and it works great. I didn't modify my support in any way, just made some brackets for it. My battery is in the trunk, and I believe that is necessary for that radiator to be there. I don't have a shroud, and even here in 100 degree TX summers I've never seen it over 190.
It is the perfect size though, as the actual core size is exactly the same width as the opening in the support, so ALL air that goes through the support hits the radiator. If you have a trunk mounted battery you should definitely look into this.
Plus I can always stop at any parts store and pick one up if I have to.
Here's a couple of engine bay pics so you can see how it fits.
Anyone put one in a mustang? I have pretty much decided to go with a PRC 27x18 crossflow dual pass. I am wanting to have the inlet/outlet on drivers side though. Has anyone installed hoses this way? Motor is a 351W block.