What those guys said, I yanked the FRPP aluminum rad out of mine and put in a NAPA 3 core ...it's made by Molidine and set me back about $135 and is the same size as stock, distilled water and water wetter help as well. The FRPP fit like crap, had an auto trans tank that I didn't need and PLASTIC ends.
3 Row Copper/Brass Radiator from Advance Auto $160
advantage $20=$9 handling fee = $29 in your pocket plus its a perfect fit.if your worried about cooling use a 180*thermostat.does the advance radiator have a 1 year or lifetime warranty if i had too i would pay a little extra for a lifetime warranty.
The 3 row from the parts store is a great unit. Depending on your application the 2 row may be sufficient and cheaper. I bring it up because I put a 2 row on my 408w as a quick fix, but it has held up for several months now.
Universal = PITA to install
I don't see a need for Al if the rest of the system is up to par.
With the 3-core, distilled water/coolant, watter wetter, a new pump, SN95 electric fan and a 180* thermostat, my cooling system works great.
It runs at a constant 188* even on hot humid days inthe summer. In the fall/spring i don't even need to turn the fan on too cool the car. Just driving is enough to keep it cool.
I got a 2 core OEM replacement for like $117 after taxes at O'Reily's and it does a great job. I too run distilled water/anti-freeze mix to cut down on the corrosion.
I have a stock thermostat, taurus 3.8L V6 electric fan and a DCC control unit and have ZERO cooling problems. This is on my stock 90 LX 5.0, but I believe it work well fine on a mildly modded stang as well.
i got an all aluminum tig welded rad off ebay for $223. looks serious and works great. i use distilled water and a valvoline brand corrosion/rust inhibitor/water pump lubricant with regular antifreeze. i have the black magic #175 and so far the setup has worked great.
I got a Summit brand direct fit radiator for around250. It fits great and is twice as thick as the stocker. drivers side of the rad. stays so cool you can put the back of your hand on it during normal opperation.