Radiator Question

[haroldd1963]

I have a couple of questions concerning radiators used in the MKIV Roadsters out there.

I was wanting to go with an all aluminum 2 or 3 core radiator. Budget on my build is not going to allow me to use a high dollar radiator.

My question is this: Have any of you had experience with the aluminum ones that are all over eBay in the $150-250 range?

Also, are there any drawbacks to using the stock type aluminum/plastic Mustang Radiator?

Thanks, Harold

[Cobradavid]

This is one of those "it depends...." questions, and there probably will be some different answers.

I have the stock Mustang radiator in my car (it's a donor build). I'm running the stock engine (2001 4.6L SOHC). I don't track my car - it's just for driving to work (depending on the weather forecast!), running errands, cruising, and road trips. I have not had any overheating issues, even in hot Houston summers in stop and go traffic. The stock radiator works just fine for my situation.

David

[edwardb]

You said the alternatives are in the $150-250 range. The custom Factory Five Afco Racing aluminum radiator is $299. It's a top quality piece, with all the mounting and hose locations in the right places. Personally I'd figure out how to get the $50 saving from somewhere and use the radiator designed exactly for this build. You could easily spend the difference trying to get something else to work.

[68GT500MAN]

I have the stock Mustang radiator (not from a donor) in my roadster with a 427w. I have never had any problems with overheating even in the Fresno 108* temperatures. The radiator that FFR sells is a very nice unit and if I was building today I would use it.
Doug

[AZPete]

Go back and read CobraDavid's post again. I had the same good performance with a stock radiator in the AZ desert.
If you want to improve the looks, check out stainless screens at Pegasus Racing.
Pete

[CraigS]

I'd be careful of the cheapies. I have a Summit brand replacement that has a nice thick core and is all aluminum. It was approx. $200 which was less than the FFR unit. I wish I had gotten the FFR unit. because mine weeps coolant at many joints. Just enough to see the dried pink traces but not enough to cause a noticeable drop in coolant level.

[Joee]

Find a copper core OEM stock model, I paid 100 for mine last summer. No overheating problems at all.

[howff]

You said the alternatives are in the $150-250 range. The custom Factory Five Afco Racing aluminum radiator is $299. It's a top quality piece, with all the mounting and hose locations in the right places. Personally I'd figure out how to get the $50 saving from somewhere and use the radiator designed exactly for this build. You could easily spend the difference trying to get something else to work.

X2

Howie