Stock radiator replacement?

[Finn]

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]

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]

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.

 

[dalpoas83]

Also had a mishimoto for many moons with zero problems.

 

[cobrajeff96]

Yes, that's the one. Mine's slightly different (1996) but same concept.

 

[Wmac]

Spectra rads are of good quality. I have had one in my 4th gen 3 valve Explorer for the last 5 years.

 

[RAU03MACH]

do you see any champion radiator's around there
i have 4 of them in 4 of my mustangs
pretty well built one is going on 5 years

 

[Finn]

Unfortunately Champion radiators don't seem to be available here. They look quite nice products.

 

[Wood's 5.0]

I put a 4-core aluminum Fluidyne in mine and it has been great. A little tight going in but has been a great addition.

 

[oz95gt]

I've been using the Denso rad 8 years