Replacement radiator

[rjakrali]

I'm looking to replace my stock radiator with an Aluminum one... any suggestion? I want to use either a 3 core of 4. I'm not wanting to have to ever worry about an overheating problem. I'm running a 351C 4V auto w/AC in a 71 Mach I and almost everytime, the temp gugus will peg in a real big hurry. This is a concern to me. I know the water pump and thermostat is working fine, I just don't want to damage the engine.

Thoughts... experience... suggestions... all are welcome. By the way, cost is also a factor.

[Klutch]

For the street, you probably don't need an aluminum radiator. I think you'll be fine if you install a factory-type 4-core radiator. Those things can keep a 428 cool. A Cleveland should be no problem. Other considerations:

- Make sure the fan shroud is in place and in good condition

- If you have a clutch fan, make sure the clutch is working correctly. The fan will still spin, but not fast enough when the clutch is bad

- Don't run a "racing fan". Those have very small fins without much angle. They're designed for high-speed driving and won't keep an engine cool driving around town and sitting at stoplights
.
- If you haven't had your radiator recently serviced by a shop, do so. As I mentioned in another post, old Mustang cooling systems get clogged. It's very common. The radiator can look fine from the top, but still have clogged coolant passages. You can beat your head against the wall for months trying to figure out why the engine overheats. Or, you can just pull the radiator and take it to a shop for a hot tank and rod-out. It's really not very expensive. You may be able to keep your current radiator and still keep your Cleveland cool.

[Steven Harris]

I believe that Klutch is spot on with his advice and recommendations. If for some other reason an aluminum radiator is still your desire I have used this company for my son's 1971 Maverick with 5.0 EFI and had great results and the best price I could find at the time. http://www.championcooling.com/

[rjakrali]

Thanks a bunch. I will follow your suggestion.

[Klutch]

Not sure if it was you, but someone posted a question about a 4-row radiator in another forum today. Rick from NPD chimed in and said modern 3-row radiators actually have more cooling capacity than the old 4-row radiators and this is why you can't find the 4-row radiators anymore.

I found that to be useful info and just wanted to share it. And I think I'll go with a 3-row for my Mach 1.