I had some radiator problems a month or two ago and decided to upgrade. I was looking at either the universal aluminum summit racing or griffin. Theres a few choices when it comes to different sizes. I was searching other posts about which one to get and finally went with the summit one, i think the part number was: SUM-380431. I was also looking at the griffin, part number:GRI-1-25272-X . The sumit one is $179.95, and the griffin is $189.95. If you go to summitracing.com or jegs.com, and search for ones specifically for mustangs, they are over $250 bucks. The reason why they are so much more is because they are alot easier to install. SO, this is where i hope my experience helps you...... the two part numbers i listed were for radiators that others on stangnet helped me decide on however, i had issues with fitment. Im still not too sure how i got it to fit. The measurements for the summit radiator are: 30.875(basically 31) inches wide and 19 inches high, and 2.875(basically 3) inches thick. Measurements for the griffin one are: 31 inches wide, 19 inches high and 3 inches thick. When i went to install this beast, i realized it wasnt just going to slide in, but i expected some issues seeing how its a universal radiator, which i saved alot of money buying over the ones specifically for a mustang. I had to do some bending and the good old hammer came out to play.
Long story short, i dont know how it got in there but its in. If it were just a tad smaller, it would have worked beautiful! After the install i checked out summitracing.com where i got the radiator and sure enough, they have a smaller one. The part number for the summit one is: SUM-380428. The part number for the griffin is: GRI-1-26242-X . Both of these are aluminum and dual row. Measurements for summit are: 27.3775 inches wide,19 inches wide, 2.875 thick. griffin measurements: 27.5 inches wide, 19 high, 3 thick. The difference between the two is that the summit ones are fully welded while the griffin uses epoxy to help seal the radiator off from any leaks. You might want to do some research on this, everyone will have a different opinion on which is better. I called a few mustang places around where i live and they feel that a fully welded radiator will last longer. The only other issue your going to have is fitting the hoses to the the new radiator.The inlet and outlet are much bigger than stock, the stock hoses will work though. The outlet at the lower drivers side was a pain to get on, i used some vasoline on the outlet tube and alot of muscle, also have to add in the fact that i was on my back, laying on the street. The other hose should be alot easier to get on, i had to trim it maybe a inch or two because the radiator is thicker than the stock one. Also, because the new radiator is so much thicker, the fan shroud, assuming you still have the stock one will move closer to the fan belt, which isnt a big deal. You will have to drill holes for the shroud to hook up, at the top. Then drillholes at the bottom of the radiator for the shroud, i used zip ties to hold it together at the bottom. The only othere suggestion i have is if your planning on using an electic fan, think about installing it with the new radiator, cause it will mean alot more work later. Of course things might work out differently with the smaller radiator. That was my plan and a reason why i got a cheaper radiator, but i didnt have the money at the time for a fan. The only thing is that if you ditch the stock shroud, im not sure how to or where to put the overflow tank because it hooks onto the shroud. The larger radiator i got also made things seem a bit more crowded too. I just had to replace my alternator the other day and during the install, it was hard to turn the belt tensioner because the top of the shroud was jut enough in the way. The only option i had really was to cut some of the shroud, the top lip of it. It worked and it doesnt look like anything was done.
I know this was long, but you should have no problems with your install and i might have saved you some money here. Like most things, its better to do it right the first time. I learned a lot from my experience and i hope all this helps you.
Getting ready to install electric fan (out of a Taurus) and may just save up and get new radiator as well, since my old stocker is looking pretty rough. It's an 89 GT, basically stock except exhaust, with future plans for a mild to moderate street car--hopefully in mid 300 hp level. Any recommendations for brand/type? Any pros/cons for 2- vs. 3-row? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
