Aluminum radiator question...

Bad89stang · 03-22-2002, 10:21 PM

Has anyone used the Summit Racing Aluminum radiator? They have one that is 27" x 19". I think it is the same size as the Mustang radiator. I need a new one and theirs are pretty inexpensive. I don't want to buy another brass/copper radiator or spend $400 that most companies want.

Mach 1 · 03-23-2002, 01:44 AM

Spend the $400.00

you get what you pay for when it comes to radiators.

Do you want to end up with a rad that doesnt cool enough or doesnt fit? Do you want to have to make it fit?

A nice Fluidyne can be had for around $350.00, custom fit for a stang with two 1" cores.

call BB&T racing...they advertise in MM&FF

drudis · 03-24-2002, 10:51 PM

I got the the Griffin 27x19...
See my engine link for further details.

Mustangbelle306 · 03-25-2002, 10:47 AM

Mach 1: What you say IS true, about getting what you pay for, but do you know for sure that the Summit brand one is a bad buy reliability-wise? Summit does make some crappy products, but some are just cheaper generic-brand style, not necessarily poorer quality.

Just curious, because I need a new radiator too

Bad89stang · 03-25-2002, 01:02 PM

I finally decided on the Griffin radiator that was $10 more than the Summit brand. Looks to be a nice radiator and several members use the same one with no problems. I just can't justify spending 400 on a radiator when the name is probably the difference. There are a lot of companies who make their house brand and they are exactly the same as the expensive ones. A perfect example is the Professional Products 5.0L intake. It is an exact copy of the Performer RPM but it only cost $299. I think aluminum radiators have come a long way and most companies are now making quality units that are welded with no epoxy.

Mach 1 · 03-25-2002, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mustangbelle306
Mach 1: What you say IS true, about getting what you pay for, but do you know for sure that the Summit brand one is a bad buy reliability-wise? Summit does make some crappy products, but some are just cheaper generic-brand style, not necessarily poorer quality.

Just curious, because I need a new radiator too

No, I dont know for sure. I havent even looked at the summit radiators in question.

They might be a good value, however, when it comes to radiators, you dont want to get something that doesnt fit (generic type fit all style) and you dont want an epoxied aluminum as they cant be repaired. Aluminum welded can be repaired.

Just be sure what your getting thats all. Will it cool your car and will it fit good. If you have to pay more to get those two things, I think its worth it. if you can get by with a cheaper radiator, thats great also.

Mustangbelle306 · 03-25-2002, 03:57 PM

ok, great points, I'll try to do some research, but if I can't find any info, I'll be safe and go with a tried and proven brand. Thanks for the help Mach

84LX89GT · 03-25-2002, 11:00 PM

There is a Ford Racing plastic/aluminum 3 core radiator for about $240 or so dollars and the part # is M-8005-C. It requires very little modification to the stock system (you have to bend the upper radiator brackets a little, very easy and file off excess plastic pole sticking off the radiator. other than that it's a no brainer. You may also have to find another way to mount shroud up to it, but it's no big deal. I had mine in my '84 and i'm swapping it to my '89 in the next couple of days.

If you have the 2001 Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog it's on page 106 in the top right, next to the '94-'95 Cobra radiator and blue silicone radiator hose kit.

BLWN327 · 03-26-2002, 02:26 AM

get a fluidyne 307 from absoluteradiator.com http://hapygas.stangnet.com

Bad89stang · 03-26-2002, 02:41 AM

I bought the Griffin 27x19 already! Thanks for the help! Good to know I can always get responses here at Mustangworks.

WADS56 · 03-26-2002, 02:49 AM

That is the Griffin that I have in my 79. It fit perfect and cools it down great.
I also have the autozone one in my 93. It also fit perfect and cools it down great.

I almost forgot. The griffin is not all welded they still use epoxy. I have had no problems with it but just wanted you to know.

Mach 1 · 03-26-2002, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WADS56

I almost forgot. The griffin is not all welded they still use epoxy. I have had no problems with it but just wanted you to know.

Thats why I recommended the fluidyne, but too late, since you bought the Griffen.

Bad89stang · 03-26-2002, 01:19 PM

I would have loved to buy the Fluidyne, but I don't have $400 to spend. That is why I was trying to get info on others that might work well. Maybe someday I can upgrade, but I think the Griffin will suffice for a few years. Working on a budget here guys. Thanks for the help.

Mach 1 · 03-26-2002, 02:02 PM

How much did you spend on the Griffen? I believe the griffen and the fluidyne can both be had for around the same money...$350.00 ish...not $400.00

p.s.-

I just checked, the manual trans fluidyne is $330.00. Do you have a manual shift?

03-22-2002, 10:21 PM	#1
Bad89stang Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Ft. Worth, TX Posts: 456	Aluminum radiator question... Has anyone used the Summit Racing Aluminum radiator? They have one that is 27" x 19". I think it is the same size as the Mustang radiator. I need a new one and theirs are pretty inexpensive. I don't want to buy another brass/copper radiator or spend $400 that most companies want. __________________ You're gonna need your seatbelt

03-23-2002, 01:44 AM	#2
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	Spend the $400.00 you get what you pay for when it comes to radiators. Do you want to end up with a rad that doesnt cool enough or doesnt fit? Do you want to have to make it fit? A nice Fluidyne can be had for around $350.00, custom fit for a stang with two 1" cores. call BB&T racing...they advertise in MM&FF __________________ 2002 GT 1993 GT (SOLD) '93 Mustang GT RHC member #142

03-24-2002, 10:51 PM	#3
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	I got the the Griffin 27x19... See my engine link for further details. __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

03-25-2002, 01:02 PM	#5
Bad89stang Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Ft. Worth, TX Posts: 456	Thanks for the help... I finally decided on the Griffin radiator that was $10 more than the Summit brand. Looks to be a nice radiator and several members use the same one with no problems. I just can't justify spending 400 on a radiator when the name is probably the difference. There are a lot of companies who make their house brand and they are exactly the same as the expensive ones. A perfect example is the Professional Products 5.0L intake. It is an exact copy of the Performer RPM but it only cost $299. I think aluminum radiators have come a long way and most companies are now making quality units that are welded with no epoxy. __________________ You're gonna need your seatbelt

03-25-2002, 11:00 PM	#8
84LX89GT Mustangs Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 1,938	There is a Ford Racing plastic/aluminum 3 core radiator for about $240 or so dollars and the part # is M-8005-C. It requires very little modification to the stock system (you have to bend the upper radiator brackets a little, very easy and file off excess plastic pole sticking off the radiator. other than that it's a no brainer. You may also have to find another way to mount shroud up to it, but it's no big deal. I had mine in my '84 and i'm swapping it to my '89 in the next couple of days. If you have the 2001 Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog it's on page 106 in the top right, next to the '94-'95 Cobra radiator and blue silicone radiator hose kit. __________________ 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300-R 1980 Ford Thunderbird - 255 V8 ported heads, 5.0L ported stock headers, O.R. H-pipe and Flowmaster 2-chambers, dual roller timing chain hi-po Mack Truck hood emblem 1985 Mustang GT 5.0L T5, F-303, GT40p, headers, off-road h, flowmasters, MSD stuff, etc. Sold 02/06/04 1989 Mustang GT ET: 13.304@102.29 mph (5-24-03) Sold - 1998 Mustang Cobra coupe, 1/4 mile - street tires: 13.843@103.41 (bone stock)

03-25-2002, 10:47 AM	#4
Mustangbelle306 Yay for Chickys Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,532	Mach 1: What you say IS true, about getting what you pay for, but do you know for sure that the Summit brand one is a bad buy reliability-wise? Summit does make some crappy products, but some are just cheaper generic-brand style, not necessarily poorer quality. Just curious, because I need a new radiator too

03-25-2002, 03:57 PM	#7
Mustangbelle306 Yay for Chickys Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,532	ok, great points, I'll try to do some research, but if I can't find any info, I'll be safe and go with a tried and proven brand. Thanks for the help Mach

03-26-2002, 02:26 AM	#9
BLWN327 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: fair haven,mi,u.s. Posts: 34	get a fluidyne 307 from absoluteradiator.com http://hapygas.stangnet.com __________________ BLWN327 My Web Site 1994 Mustang GT - All forged 327 stroker from CCM,check out the extensive list of mods here

03-26-2002, 02:41 AM	#10
Bad89stang Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Ft. Worth, TX Posts: 456	O.K. I bought one already! I bought the Griffin 27x19 already! Thanks for the help! Good to know I can always get responses here at Mustangworks. __________________ You're gonna need your seatbelt

03-26-2002, 02:49 AM	#11
WADS56 gear banger Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: CHICAGO Posts: 1,144	That is the Griffin that I have in my 79. It fit perfect and cools it down great. I also have the autozone one in my 93. It also fit perfect and cools it down great. I almost forgot. The griffin is not all welded they still use epoxy. I have had no problems with it but just wanted you to know. __________________ 79 Hatch: NA 347, Stage 2 Canfield Heads, Victor JR. Intake, Blueprinted Holley 750 HP, Solid Roller Cam, Shooting for 10's on motor 93 LX: Tremec, dual friction clutch, fms flywheel, Hedman shorties, O/R H-pipe Ricer hater's club member #49

03-26-2002, 01:19 PM	#13
Bad89stang Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Ft. Worth, TX Posts: 456	Thanks anyways... I would have loved to buy the Fluidyne, but I don't have $400 to spend. That is why I was trying to get info on others that might work well. Maybe someday I can upgrade, but I think the Griffin will suffice for a few years. Working on a budget here guys. Thanks for the help. __________________ You're gonna need your seatbelt

03-26-2002, 02:02 PM	#14
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	How much did you spend on the Griffen? I believe the griffen and the fluidyne can both be had for around the same money...$350.00 ish...not $400.00 p.s.- I just checked, the manual trans fluidyne is $330.00. Do you have a manual shift? __________________ 2002 GT 1993 GT (SOLD) '93 Mustang GT RHC member #142

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Aluminum Radiator	red	Classic Mustangs	6	08-21-2006 06:54 PM
will aluminum bend?	1965GTO	Blue Oval Lounge	5	01-04-2002 10:20 AM
Aluminum Flywheel Help	buck95	Windsor Power	6	12-02-2001 07:29 AM
Tremec 3550, aluminum fly & clutch INSTALLED!	302 LX Eric	Windsor Power	3	10-01-2001 04:05 PM
got my FMS aluminum driveshaft	todd95GT	Windsor Power	9	09-06-2001 09:27 PM