2-row vs 3-row radiators

[Daryl]

I’m not having overheating issues at all, but I’m starting to lean towards 100k and I’m willing to bet the original radiator is in there. So, this got me to wondering: what’s the best radiator set up, 2- or 3-row? Fins? Fans? Brands??And what combo or combos are ideal for a street driven, moderately modified 5.0 with a manual transmission?

 

[cobrajeff96]

You won't be needing a full race radiator like the Kenny Brown version. Even a stock replacement will work. But if you just want more peace of mind, any aftermarket unit will work. I've found that Mishimoto radiators with the floating mounts last the longest, but that's just my experience.

 

[ttocs]

oh heck if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[Daryl]

True dat, Scott! I’m just doing some “just in case” research and info-seeking. ++

 

[Daryl]

You won't be needing a full race radiator like the Kenny Brown version. Even a stock replacement will work. But if you just want more peace of mind, any aftermarket unit will work. I've found that Mishimoto radiators with the floating mounts last the longest, but that's just my experience.

I’ve also heard good things about the Mishimoto. I already have their upper radiator hose and thermostat mounted up. The Mishimoto is a 2-row.

 

[Pallgor]

I just replaced my radiator because of torque flexing cracks. I use a mishimoto because of their flexibility bracket. So far so good

 

[Daryl]

I just replaced my radiator because of torque flexing cracks. I use a mishimoto because of their flexibility bracket. So far so good

Thanks, Pallgor! Does their flexibility bracket come with the radiator or do you have to buy it separately? Pictures??

 

[Musturd]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it . My car was fine with the stock radiator , basic heads cam intake supercharged setup . Only reason I switched out the rad is i got it for a killer price new in the box .

 

[Daryl]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it . My car was fine with the stock radiator , basic heads cam intake supercharged setup . Only reason I switched out the rad is i got it for a killer price new in the box .

What did you get?

 

[Musturd]

just the sve one from lmr . My friend who lives close to me had it so I grabbed it . 100 degree days my car might see 200*

 

[Daryl]

just the sve one from lmr . My friend who lives close to me had it so I grabbed it . 100 degree days my car might see 200*

The SVE is a 3-core, right? Now, after a touch of research, am I to understand that 3 doesn’t necessarily mean better than 2-core

 

[cobrajeff96]

The floating mounts should come with the Mishimoto radiator.

What's better than core count is surface area of the fins as well as how many passes the main jacket undergoes inside the fins. That's why the Kenny Brown radiator is probably the most hardcore out of any of them.