Roadster Radiator Upgrade

[bwwooster]

Maybe I haven't searched properly, but what has anyone done to increase the cooling capacity in the Roadster? I've got a Mk II and finally got to run it around a track last weekend and had the temp ratchet its way up on each lap. What I'd like to do is find a higher capacity radiator that's a direct fit replacement for the stock '87 Fox unit I've got. There look to be a LOT of replacements out there-- anyone have any experience with any of them?

It probably shouldn't surprise me that the stock radiator, designed to cool a 225 hp engine, has trouble doing the same for the (rated) 340 hp SVO crate engine I've got.

Thanks!

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've used the FFR radiator on a few cars:

http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/aluminum-roadster-radiator/

Fits well and works great, especially if you couple it with a Breeze upper cowl so that at speed everything that goes through the grille opening passes through the radiator:

http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=165

And a shroud so that the fan works effectively when you're stopped or moving slowly:

http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?
prod_id=500 (http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=500)

Cheers,
Jeff

[CraigS]

The only problem w/ the FFR radiator is that the top inlet is positioned so the top hose no longer goes through the "F" panel so you might need a different hose and would probably want to cover the hole in the panel. You would have an easier time looking for a direct fit replacement. I would recommend any of the major brands including also Mishimoto. I got a Summit house brand when I did the same you are doing and it didn't fit properly and also leaks. Not enough to really even need to top it up but enough to have pink/white crap at most of the factory joints.
http://www.americanmuscle.com/search?keywords=+radiator&generation=1979-1993

[edwardb]

The only problem w/ the FFR radiator is that the top inlet is positioned so the top hose no longer goes through the "F" panel so you might need a different hose and would probably want to cover the hole in the panel. You would have an easier time looking for a direct fit replacement.

Depends on which Mustang radiator is used. My Mk3 had a Mustang radiator, and the top hose didn't go through the F panel. It was a straight shot similar to the FFR radiator. Put a cover plate over the F panel hole. No big deal. I never had any cooling issues with the warmed up 306 in that car. But then it's not all the hot here in MI compared to other parts of the country, and I never pushed it, e.g. track time.

I highly recommend the custom FFR AFCO Racing radiator. Installed one in my Mk4 build, and it's night and day different from the stock Mustang radiators. A quality piece. I know it's not cheap. But I've seen many threads where guys have tried other options trying to save a buck, and had issues. The fit and long term health of your engine is at stake. Not worth it IMO. Agree also with Jeff. A shroud makes it that much better.

From my Mk4 build:
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2005012013/th_IMG_2089_zps460f6447.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2005012013/IMG_2089_zps460f6447.jpg.html)

[bwwooster]

Thanks for the info, guys-- I'll have to take a look at that F-panel thing, but like anything on these, I'm sure anything I get will require a bit of tweaking, especially considering no two FFRs are alike under the hood! Yep, I've got the Breeze shrouds and yep, those took some tweaking too, but until the infield and going up the hill at Laguna on Monday, never any temps near 100 ºC, even stuck in sunny traffic, unlike my Sprite...

[Gordon Levy]

I have a properly designed big cooling system. It was designed to cool 800hp with AC on a 120 degree AZ day.
http://levyracing.com/store/levy-racing-big-radiator-with-dual-fans-ffr-roadster

[bwwooster]

I'm liking that angle on the top outlet on the FFR unit. I'll have to move some stuff, like the temp sensor for the radiator fan, but it looks like it would also allow me to mount the coolant overflow tank on the F-panel. It needs to be higher in the engine compartment anyway.

[bwwooster]

O.K., so I'm finally getting around to installing the FFR radiator, but the outlets are larger than the stock Mustang radiator. The one on the upper right (to the thermostat housing) is 1 1/2 inches in diameter compared to the Mustang's 1 3/16" and the lower outlet (from the water pump) on the FFR unit is 1 3/4" compared to 1 1/2" stock.

Can anyone save me a bit of frustration at the auto parts store and tell which hoses will work?

Thanks!

[R8er]

I bought a mishimoto radiator from Summit because it came highly recommended from user testimonials and it is a direct bolt on to 87'-93' mustangs. I have not installed yet. Will I be ok with this brand plus a shroud?