Upgrades radiator that’s not a 3 core??

[ChaseRoads]

My stock radiator has a crack and needs replaced. This is a mostly stock cruiser so I don’t really care to do electric fans or a huge radiator. Is there a decent middle ground? Something better than stock but not a 3 core?

Car is a 91 5.0 manual with stock fan and working ac.

 

[2000xp8]

American muscle looks to have a mishimoto that is 2 core.

 

[91AOD5.0LX]

I replaced the stock radiator in my 1991 two years ago with a stock replacement from RockAuto and it’s been great.
Not an upgrade, but if you’re open to a stock replacement keeping it all the same then this is an option. It worked out great for me…
RockAuto part TYC556.
I sprayed it with Eastwood Radiator Black before install.

 

[rednotch]

I replaced the stock radiator in my 1991 two years ago with a stock replacement from RockAuto and it’s been great.
Not an upgrade, but if you’re open to a stock replacement keeping it all the same then this is an option. It worked out great for me…
RockAuto part TYC556.
I sprayed it with Eastwood Radiator Black before install.

Stuff like that you might be better off with the local parts store, you can get those at AutoZone for around 150 plus tax with a 20% online code and have a lifetime warranty that's useable vs mail order with shipping... I haven't had an overseas aluminum one last more then a few years before a leak.. I still have a GDI brass 3 core in one car, miss those. Got to be 26-27 yrs old now.

 

[AeroCoupe]

I have zero experience with these but the reviews on Summit look promising:

Frostbite FB168 Frostbite Aluminum Radiator- 2 Row

High-Horsepower street cars and trucks can be a challenge to keep cool. A proper cooling system starts with the right radiator. Aluminum Radiators cool more effectively and weigh less than older OEM style brass units. Choose from a variety of popular application specific fitments. Holley is...

www.holley.com

 

[85GTStangGuy]

A lil bit cheaper than the Mishimoto, American Muscle also sell a 2 row SR Performance radiator that, according to their description, has "increased cooling capacity" and can "dissipate heat much faster than the stock OEM radiator". I would expect that from any 2 row radiator, versus the stock radiator, which I believe is a single row design.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I still have a GDI brass 3 core in one car, miss those. Got to be 26-27 yrs old now.

Those were the best deals around back in the day.

I still have one in my car. Think i bought it around 2000 or 2001. Don't even need to use my E-fan most of the time at it cools so well. WIll be doing my best to protect this radiator from damage.

 

[Grn92LX]

Im running a 2 core cold case aluminum radiator. Very nice piece fit perfect. It replaced my 25 year old pep boys 3 core.

 

[mikestang63]

my vote goes for a 2 core Champion radiator. All Aluminum with no plastic end caps and around $160. Cools down both of my mustangs in 90 degree South Florida heat.

 

[Noobz347]

I would take the stock one to a repair shop and get it refurbed. If it's not been an issue then I tend to think that it will continue to not be an issue.

 

[2000xp8]

Radiator repair has to be a dying trade. I haven't seen a shop around my way offer such a thing in a long time.

I did have a brass 3 row pepboys radiator that did me right for the longest time, not sure if you can get one of those anymore.

I don't think i would buy any aftermarket with plastic tanks.

Not sure what choices that leaves, but for me i don't believe there is such a thing as too much cooling capacity. I'm a bit of a gauge watcher (with a full sweep autometer mechanical gauge), so it's nice to see the needle never leave 180.

 

[Mustang5L5]

The ole Pep Boys 433138 made by GDI ( Go-Dan Industries). Best deal ever for $100 in the early 2000s

They changed the construction at some point. Was originally 3-core but was later changed to 2-core and a different construction and then discontinued.


Was a local shop that recored radiators and heater cores. When I pull my heater core out, I was going to send it to them to recore. They were a tad expensive and I came across a deal for two NOS brass heater cores for cheaper so didn’t go that route. I would consider recoring this radiator if it ever developed a leak.

 

[limp]

Radiator repair has to be a dying trade. I haven't seen a shop around my way offer such a thing in a long time.

I did have a brass 3 row pepboys radiator that did me right for the longest time, not sure if you can get one of those anymore.

I don't think i would buy any aftermarket with plastic tanks.

Not sure what choices that leaves, but for me i don't believe there is such a thing as too much cooling capacity. I'm a bit of a gauge watcher (with a full sweep autometer mechanical gauge), so it's nice to see the needle never leave 180.

They are still out there... Had a bad experience with my local one but found a better one in a town next door, appx 20 miles away....
They checked my Radiator, Brass heater core, condenser and my evaporator... Just like the " old " days......

 

[Dan02gt]

my vote goes for a 2 core Champion radiator. All Aluminum with no plastic end caps and around $160. Cools down both of my mustangs in 90 degree South Florida heat.

This is my suggestion also. I've been running one for a few years in my fox and it's a great radiator for the money.

 

[85GTStangGuy]

my vote goes for a 2 core Champion radiator. All Aluminum with no plastic end caps and around $160. Cools down both of my mustangs in 90 degree South Florida heat.

$160 sounds like a good price..... where's that from?

 

[mikestang63]

$160 sounds like a good price..... where's that from?

several retailiers... i think Steeda,, Summit, Champion web site

 

[Mustang5L5]

They have a 2, 3 and 4 core radiator

(79-93) Ford Mustang Champion radiators

www.championradiators.com

 

[ChaseRoads]

I replaced the stock radiator in my 1991 two years ago with a stock replacement from RockAuto and it’s been great.
Not an upgrade, but if you’re open to a stock replacement keeping it all the same then this is an option. It worked out great for me…
RockAuto part TYC556.
I sprayed it with Eastwood Radiator Black before install.

I ended up doing just this. I opted to use high temp engine paint and it turned out great and looks stock.

 

[85GTStangGuy]

$160 sounds like a good price..... where's that from?

several retailiers... i think Steeda,, Summit, Champion web site

I thought that price seemed a little too good.

Steeda has the Fox 2 row Champion for $220. At the Champion site, they are $225. Summit doesn't have any Champion radiators for Foxes.... the same for AM, CJP and LMR. NPD has 'em for $239 and Jeg's for $231.

 

[mikestang63]

thanks Brandon... Ibought one 3 years ago for $169