Stock radiator replacement?

Finn · Mar 20, 2024

Hello.

Sorry to bother you with this matter but:

Before I tucked in my -95 for the winter I noticed that the radiator is corroded. It is most likely original.

I would like to replace it before the season starts but I could use some advise on the different brands and their quality. Please note that this is just a stock replacement and there will be no engine modifications coming at later point.

What is a decent quality radiator these days?

Rockauto has these available but I guess any part number ending with the '1488' are the same item.

It seems that there is a Spectra CU1488 available over here for decent price. What is the Spectra quality?

cobrajeff96 · Mar 20, 2024

I'm betting that most of them with the exception of maybe the Denso are China made. They might last your 5 years, they might last you 5 months. It's all a gamble.

Best bet in my opinion is a Mishimoto with floating brackets (because the SN95 core support is very weak and flexes constantly which stresses out the radiator end tanks and eventually cracks them and they leak). I've had my Mishi for about 7 years now, zero problems.

Finn · Mar 20, 2024

With the Mishimoto floating brackets radiator I reckon you refer to this type all aluminum radiator:

https://www.mishimoto.com/mustang-aluminum-performance-radiator-94.html

and not this OEM type plastic/alu one:
https://www.mishimoto.com/1994-1996-ford-mustang-replacement-radiator.html

This latter one also carries the R1488 model number like the others above.