Radiator Options

[Padawan]

All,
I'm looking for Radiator options...sound like Factory Five won't be getting any Radiators in stock till Mid-January, then they have to fill all the back orders.

What are some cost effective Radiator Options?

What are the pro and cons to these options?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Please keep in mind I've never done this before...really any of it...

Thanks

302
AFR 165 Heads
E303 Cam
Racing Oil Pan
Power Brakes
Power Steering
Hydraulic Clutch
AC/Heater
IRS
15inch Wheels

[steno]

Fox body radiator. 14 years and83k without a problem on my roadster!!

[Padawan]

The dimensions of the Factory Five Radiator is: 27.5"x19

I searched the Foxbody and the standard dimension is,19-1/8" x 29-1/4", https://www.cjponyparts.com/radiator-2-row-aluminum-mustang-1979-1993/p/RADA38/

Did you have to modify anything?

What dimensions work, any you want to stay away from?

[GoDadGo]

Try reaching out to AFCO.
They made the radiator that came with my kit back in 2015 so I think this one is quite similar:

Possible Radiator But The Water Neck May Need To Be Removed:
https://www.afcoracing.com/store.aspx?itemid=3416&prodid=22588&pagetitle=Aluminum-Radiator-Circle-Track-27.5-Inch-Single-Pass-Ford---

Suggested Shroud:
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/radiator-fan-shroud/

I'll measure mine in the morning if you want to go down that path.
Just hit me with a private message.

[Dave Tabor]

https://www.radiatorexpress.com/product/RADIATOR/FORD/1965/THUNDERBIRD/base/64l-v8390cid/221913/1333505

Works for me in my 302 Coupe with some hose-end changes to accommodate the in/out diameters.

Dave
Gen III Coupe #17

[Sdonnel]

I went with the Michimoto Radiator and Fan assembly. Part numbers are MMRAD-MUS-79A & MMFS-MUS-79. It fits perfectly in our Roadsters and has a lifetime warranty, not the 90 days from AFCO. Filler necks are perpendicular to the radiator and not angled like the FFR. I believe the top in inlet is 1 1/4" and the lower is 1 1/2". I simply bought a transition elbow from hpsperformanceproducts.com and it's been leak free for 2 years. The fans move more air than the AFCO units and in hot summer driving, the fans usually stay off. When they do come on, they work great with the FFR sheet metal and Breeze radiator cover. I bought the radiator with the trans cooler in it in case I ever want to hook up an external cooler. I simply plugged the ports. My engine is a 351 with AFR185 heads running 10.5:1 compression.

Scott

[ggunter]

I went to Rock Auto ordered a radiator for an 81 Mustang, It was $95 with a double row core. Mounts perfectly. Had to go to NAPA and look through their hoses to get a top hose to fit but at this point I don't care when they send the backordered radiator.... Well not really but this one works for now. I apologize for the crooked pics.139319139320139321

[mike223]

I caught this one on sale from Summit for ~$150: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-380424/overview

Used this shroud: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-381213/overview

Didn't need the shroud until I put the kevlar on to keep the rocks out: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all30158?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-allstar-performance&gclid=Cj0KCQiA14TjBRD_ARIsAOCmO9Y9Xr1wCnLtgPtHLCdT 2RuZeb8Nx7qXGCyFLH41GUu9fo6kjeFuKRkaAvotEALw_wcB

While you're at it, aluminum radiators are well served by sacrificial anodes: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-32060

Lastly, get a good clean full size ground to your engine block or you'll dissolve your anode + pin hole your (aluminum) radiator in short order due to electrolytic corrosion: http://www.super7thheaven.co.uk/aluminium-radiators-galvanic-electrolytic-corrosion/

[rich grsc]

On a new engine, use DEX Cool antifreeze, or the new universal pink colored antifreeze. DEX Cool is formulated to protect aluminum, radiators, heads, intakes etc. It greatly reduces the problem of aluminum corrosion. DON"T mix either with 'green' coolant. If you have been using 'green', do a complete coolant flush then switch to DEX Cool.

[Fman]

On a new engine, use DEX Cool antifreeze, or the new universal pink colored antifreeze. DEX Cool is formulated to protect aluminum, radiators, heads, intakes etc. It greatly reduces the problem of aluminum corrosion. DON"T mix either with 'green' coolant. If you have been using 'green', do a complete coolant flush then switch to DEX Cool.

Interesting my engine builder specifically told me to use Green 50/50. Hopefully I am not in for a surprise down the road. He has been building engines for 25 years so I am assuming he knows what he is talking about. The green does say protects "aluminum" on the bottle so hopefully all will be good.

[rich grsc]

Sounds like someone stuck in old habits and preferences. DEX cool was specifically designed to protect aluminum block engines and radiators.

[Fman]

Sounds like someone stuck in old habits and preferences. DEX cool was specifically designed to protect aluminum block engines and radiators.

I have a Dart block so maybe that has something to do with his recommendation.

[swwebb]

What about adding an anode to the radiator?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-32060

[ggunter]

All modern anti freeze have corrosion inhibitors in the chemical makeup which are designed to prevent corrosion from galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals. An annode won't hurt but probably not needed.