Need to purchase a new radiator!

[Vyx]

Hi all,

Today I found out that I have a leak in the radiator and will need to get a new one. As of this moment I don't really have any hp mods to speak of. However, I plan to do some in the future and figure I might as well get a nicer radiator while I'm at it instead of having to replace it twice. The people at brakes plus told me it would be $575 to replace it!!! I decided I should be able to replace the radiator myself...

I've been reading over threads and have found that some people have take to the viseton radiator from autozone. I also came across a mishimoto radiator while I was looking around at americanmuscle.com for ~ $40 more. The other once I found was the Fluidyne one at summitracing.com however, this one is considerably more money.

Would one provide better cooling over the other once I start adding things that will increase the horsepower? Is the mishimoto one even any good?!! lol Finally, should I decide to order it, is americanmuscle.com a good/reputable place to order from? Any other suggestions on places/parts to order?

Thanks,
Vyx

 

[parchisi]

I have a 3-row aluminum Fluidyne and I'm pretty happy with it. Replacing the radiator is very easy and straightforward if the radiator is designed for your car. I know that a lot of people around here have the mishimoto, so I wouldn't be afraid of that one either. And yes, American Muscle is a reputable site to buy from. Bought my wheels from there.

 

[BlackPearl955.0]

The Mishimoto will do great. I have one and it is able to handle everything. My stock exploded when the heater core started leaking. They are cheap and I think most if not all owners are satisfied with the quality. The radiator is an easy part to replace.
1. Drain coolant
2. Remove hoses from radiator.and unplug fan wires.
3. Take off radiator cover and unbolt radiator supports.
4. Slide the radiator and fan assembly out and unbolt fan from radiator.
Just reverse directions for install
It is about a 10 min job 30 if you are not on a deadline.

 

[Vyx]

Alright, thanks for the responses, I just have a few more questions. I think I'm set on getting the mishimoto radiator. BlackPearl laid out a pretty simple set of instructions and I have the manual that tells you how to remove/install virtually everything in the car so I think I should be ok on that end.

My question is: Will I need anything extra to do the install? ie new hoses, clamps etc.? I'm pretty sure I should have all the tools to do it but I've never really done any work myself before so I'd just like to be prepared.

Thanks again,
Vyx

 

[BlackPearl955.0]

The new radiator is all you will need make sude you order for what you have though, whether it be Manual or AODE. AODE has some extra crap that needs to be taken off and put back on. Take time to tighten the clamps also, you do not want pressure to drop within the system. (or a leak) I do not know if you already have screw clamps but if you dont I suggest getting some, they are alot easier to work with then the clamps that they come with.

 

[Vyx]

Alright thank you. Yes, it is a manual (95 5.0) so that should make things a bit easier.

 

[Blackened302]

add another for the mishimoto!! i've had it for a few months now and i'm lovin' it!

 

[BlackPearl955.0]

add another for the mishimoto!! i've had it for a few months now and i'm lovin' it!

Ba da ba pa baaaaaaaa
(Mcdonalds)

 

[Al J]

Good time to replace those 14 year old radiator hoses.

 

[94Silverbullet]

I have a 3-row aluminum Fluidyne and I'm pretty happy with it. Replacing the radiator is very easy and straightforward if the radiator is designed for your car. I know that a lot of people around here have the mishimoto, so I wouldn't be afraid of that one either. And yes, American Muscle is a reputable site to buy from. Bought my wheels from there.

another vote for Fluidyne. I also have one and had no problems with it.

 

[frcefedlx]

My fluidyne is currently at Fluidyne under warranty due to leaks on both sides of core on endcaps. Works good but I have not had it for very long and hope they make it right for me. especially since it was twice the cost of the Mishimoto one.

 

[SVTtripleblack]

I just installed the Mishimoto rad this weekend. It took me about 3 hours because I've never done it before, but it fit great and seems to work just fine. You don't need anything extra like screws or bolts. You reuse all your stock hardware. I had to take out my battery box and battery so I could get the radiator in. Once I did that it fit great and I could put the battery back in with no issues. Just take your time with the fan wiring harness and you will be fine. You will be suprised how little is holding your fan on your radiator.

 

[S351Saleen77]

Mishimoto is what I'd do, 1/2 the price of a Fluidyne.

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

Mishimoto FTW. I have it and I love it. I also advise you to replace both upper and lower radiator hoses while you're there. Good opportunity to install a Mr. Gasket 180* t'stat.

 

[Venom351R]

I plan on getting a Mishimoto soon, seems to be enough good feed back on it to know its a good product.