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Need Advice On A New Radiator

  • Thread starter Thread starter xplo89gt
  • Start date Start date Aug 29, 2012
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xplo89gt

Founding Member
Jul 14, 1999
945
0
16
Boston, MA
Aug 29, 2012
#1
  • Aug 29, 2012
  • #1
My stock radiator is finally done. I have a 180* thermostat and it creeps up to 195 easily and can get up to 210 with heavy traffic / hot day out. I took a look at it and it looks corroded. I have been away from the scene for a long time. Did most of my mods between 99-03 and have not driven the mustang much since then. However, my primary vehicle went last year and I have been relying on it since (until I get a replacement, but I'm being a bit picky). Long story short, I have three questions.

1) What's the best radiator to get for it? Back then the top pick was usually a Fluidyne 2 or 3-core aluminum radiator.
2) My current setup is stock block, TFS street heads, intake, stage 1 cam. If I end up getting a bigger NA motor or end up getting a blower, would this radiator also cool it properly?
3) What's a good site to order one?

Thanks,
Paul
 

Exile

Active Member
Apr 3, 2012
128
5
29
Dallas, Tx
Aug 29, 2012
#2
  • Aug 29, 2012
  • #2
I have actually done quite a bit of research here lately on the best radiators for fox body mustangs. But it really boils down to how much money you were looking to spend on a radiator? $100-$400?

If your on a budget (like me) this is the radiator that I would suggest.

Griffin - $185
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRI-1-26242-X/

Or Summit/Jegs universal aluminum radiators for around $160-$170.
 

Sharad

ALWAYS choose the V over the P!!! Wait... what?
Jan 5, 2011
1,562
480
94
Fort Myers, Florida
Aug 31, 2012
#3
  • Aug 31, 2012
  • #3
xplo89gt said:
My stock radiator is finally done. I have a 180* thermostat and it creeps up to 195 easily and can get up to 210 with heavy traffic / hot day out. I took a look at it and it looks corroded. I have been away from the scene for a long time. Did most of my mods between 99-03 and have not driven the mustang much since then. However, my primary vehicle went last year and I have been relying on it since (until I get a replacement, but I'm being a bit picky). Long story short, I have three questions.

1) What's the best radiator to get for it? Back then the top pick was usually a Fluidyne 2 or 3-core aluminum radiator.
2) My current setup is stock block, TFS street heads, intake, stage 1 cam. If I end up getting a bigger NA motor or end up getting a blower, would this radiator also cool it properly?
3) What's a good site to order one?

Thanks,
Paul
Click to expand...


Fluidyne has a new style Fox radiator and it is excellent. I have one on my '89. It's not the cheapest, but it's the best!
 
Reactions: fiveohwblow

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
214
In the garage
Aug 31, 2012
#4
  • Aug 31, 2012
  • #4
Griffin and Modine always made a good radiator. I'd stay away from crap Chinese made or Ebay 'specials'. Also, just because it has more cores doesn't mean it cools better. From what I remember, the size of the core is more important. I also remember reading that copper rads transfer heat better than aluminum ones, are easier to repair, and actually last longer. The negatives are they weigh more and the older ones used solder to hold them together and didn't transfer the heat as well and cause the corrosion around the tubes. The alum rads are all the same metal and don't have the "blooming" issues and also have larger tubes which help dissipate heat better. The reason I chose theGriffin is most alum rads use a 1" tube and mine used 1.25"

IMO both cool equally. If you get a quality copper rad it would cool just as well as an alum one and last longer. The alum one will be about 30% lighter and look nicer under the hood.
 

RacEoHolic330

I like to dress like a pretty girl
15 Year Member
Mar 4, 2003
4,014
1,698
203
Allentown, PA
Sep 1, 2012
#5
  • Sep 1, 2012
  • #5
I have always been impressed with the Griffin radiators I've seen.
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,023
1,615
194
NJ
Sep 1, 2012
#6
  • Sep 1, 2012
  • #6
Believe it or not the mishimoto radiators are a pretty good bang for your buck. Of course i'd prefer a Ron Davis or other high end rad, but if funds aren't unlimited, that's a bit tough sometimes.
 

fiveohwblow

Official Member
15 Year Member
Jul 21, 2005
2,169
145
155
Sep 1, 2012
#7
  • Sep 1, 2012
  • #7
Sharad said:
Fluidyne has a new style Fox radiator and it is excellent. I have one on my '89. It's not the cheapest, but it's the best!
Click to expand...
Another vote for fluidyne here. Have the 2 core aluminum model. Over spinning the chit outta my vortech (13 lbs), non intercoooled and I've sat idling in traffic for 30 minutes in a 100 degree day... Never got above 190
 
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