Definately doing it yourself is way better than paying for someone else to do it, regardless of the price. if *I* was able to change my radiator, then ANYONE can
I paid $65 for it. It looks better than mine, and from a visual inspection, I can say that it was full to the top with water/antifreeze, which can only be a good sign. When the guy cut the hoses off (He didn't bother with undoing the clamps - More interested in speed than grace) of course all the fluid came rushing out - I saw no rust - Another good sign.
As far as I know, all radiators for 4-cyl Mustangs, from 87-93, at least on automatics, are identical. Can anyone verify this? The guy that pulled it doubted it, but to my eye, it was.
From what very little research I did the part number for www.partsamerica.com your local shucks and Kragen website had the same part number posted for those years of 2.3L as well as the 87 Turbo coupe wich I took my radiator from when I pulled the TC Engine. After calling performance radiator he told me that the only way to get a 2.3 radiator from them with out the tranny cooler was to special order it. You can usually fine a 3 row for around 130-160 brand new. Why take chances that you will have to replace the cosmetic damaged radiator especially if it is lil more on the damaged side then they say.
Junkyard folks... lol I got my radiator with 2 free hose clamps and 2 peces of 1" long radiator hose. I also asked them to hack off the radiator crossmember to replace mine, and it came with about 2" of transmission cooler lines still attached.
I'll never forget the time I bought a junkyard windsheild. If you have ever tried to replace a windshield, you know it's possible to get the old one out without smashing it... just not by those kind of people. 2 weeks and 4 windshields later they called up all excited about getting one out and only scratching it.
lol.. I like this junkyard. They're only about 3 miles from my house, and their prices are good. The people are friendly, and they warranty most of their stuff for 90 days (exceptions do exist, of course) for replacement or refund, at the discretion of the yard.
They even have a fun little Escort hatchback to romp around the yard in - Someone smacked it in the rear, and wiped out all the bodywork there, but it still runs good, and for what it is, hauls butt. Getting to the Ford secion on the far side of the yard is half the fun.. lol