Radiator Question

Brian95SVT · Jul 28, 2009

Hey everyone. I just got back from the shop and to determine exactly where my radiator fluid is leaking from. There is a crack in my radiator. Not a very big one which is why it isn't leaking very much but the shop owner recommended to get a new one. I have a 1996 Mustang GT, as most of you know is the "redhead step child" when it came to the radiators. I want to swap to the 97-98 radiator setup. Now Aaron stated in another thread that all I would have to do is buy the radiator and I believe he said fan/fan shroud and hoses and I would be fine. Will it bolt up to where the 96 does from the factory or will I have to drill new holes? I didn't see anything when I tried and searched for this question, but I could have missed one if there is one out there.

Anyways this is what I was looking at doing:

<a href="http://www.americanmuscle.com/mishi...-04 GT/Cobra/MACH1/Bullitt)^3^560.97">Fan</a>
<a href="http://www.americanmuscle.com/mishi...4 GT/Cobra/MACH1/Bullitt)^3^560.97">Hoses</a>
<a href="http://www.americanmuscle.com/mishi...T/Cobra/MACH1/Bullitt)^3^560.97">Radiator</a>

Let me know what you think and if all I have to do is buy those parts and it will bolt right.

Thanks,

Brian

Brian95SVT · Jul 28, 2009

Note: It is going to take me some time to save up for that radiator setup posted above so it's nothing something that will be happening soon. I just figured that if I am taking the radiator/fan out why not upgrade.

atrainsgt · Jul 28, 2009

I would buy a Fluidyne radiator. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLD-FHP20-97MU/

That Mishimoto is a good option as well. I believe they came in the 03-04 cobra's stock.

Brian95SVT · Jul 28, 2009

I have heard Fluidyne radiators have issues with leaking. Plus the one I posted about is cheaper price wise. Which is something that I have to factor.

rtgreen · Jul 28, 2009

I would save for a Fuidyne, never had leakage issue out of mine. In the meantime I would get a good 2 part epoxy and fix the radiator that you currently have. I good friend of mine owns a radiator repair shop. He uses 2 part epoxys to repair small cracks and leaks. These are his steps:

1. Sand the area or sodablast it.
2. Apply the epoxy.
3. Place the radiator in a position where the epoxy will not run, or drip.
4. Allow the radiator to sit for 24 hours before re-installing in vehicle.

Brian95SVT · Jul 28, 2009

I could try that overnight I suppose. I want opinions on the fan and also information about how the swap to the 97-98 style will be. Any write ups or how to's?

Dalamar · Jul 28, 2009

There's some other brand made in Japan that has issues with leaking. the Fluidyne's have a pretty good track record.
Mine's on and leak free for 3 years now.

Brian95SVT · Jul 28, 2009

Well dal you also have "bookuus" of money so... hahah. That nasty hellion turbo car of yours haha. Just kidding.

Anyways, I'm not sure what forum I read that a bunch of people were having leaking issues and they switched to the mishimoto radiators and are without leaks?

I figure since it's cheaper (I can afford it) I would be able to acquire it sooner.

atrainsgt · Jul 28, 2009

Fluidyne is the only radiators we will put on our motorcycles. If their car radiators are similar, they are the best for the money. Though, I've heard nothing bad about Mishimoto.

Dalamar · Jul 29, 2009

I think the mishimoozoz were the one's that leaked...?

my car would hit the L on the normal scale in the summer, the 1" pathetically thick stock radiator just doesn't cool enough.

white 98 gt · Jul 29, 2009

i put the mishimoto radiator in my car a few months ago & have not had any problems. it has worked really well.

Brian95SVT · Jul 29, 2009

There's one person haha.

What about the fan?

What about the swap to the 97-98 style from the 96. Anyone have any info on this?

Willis_98GT · Jul 30, 2009

my96gtstang said:
There's one person haha.

What about the fan?

What about the swap to the 97-98 style from the 96. Anyone have any info on this?

brian i would just go the extra step and grab a aftermarket one. new tstat and hoses and call it good. thats something i wouldnt want to revisit after i put new parts into the cooling system.

Brian95SVT · Jul 30, 2009

I know... which is what the OP was about.

I'm asking what does everyone think about the fan I posted.

And is there anything special about swapping to the 97-98 radiator setup from the 96 setup or is it a direct bolt up

Spooling2Valve · Jul 30, 2009

i also will be doing the same thing you are planning to do. the radiator out of an 97 will fit in a 96 but the mounting tabs are different and will take some modifying. the radiator in the 97 is slightly wider and taller than the 96 and the fan motor is a night and day difference between the two. im not sure about the stock fan fitment, but my buddy has a 98 and i have been looking at his to see what would have to be done. i will let u know what i find out if someone else doesnt chime in. iirc, the lincoln mark VII fan motors fit our shroud with slight modifications and push more air.