Hello,

I am in the processes of getting ready for a heart transplant for my truck. I just got a 1998 explorer 5.0 with 88K and have been tearing into it. I am going to be making separate threads for each question. My goal is to do my best to have high quality parts that don't break the budget. I want to buy from US manufacturers when possible even if it comes with a premium.

My first question is regarding the Radiator Express radiators. Does anyone have any experience with them and know the story behind them? They seem to be incredibly cheap for what they appear to do. It appears to be a nice blend of the OEM shape with a modern look and fit the stock brackets.

https://www.radiatorexpress.com/prod...aia_id=1487312

What do you think?

I always appreciate your responses and feedback.

Thanks,
Steve

 

ordered one and a month later still didn't have it.

They are made in china and possibly the tanks are welded in the US.

I ended up canceling my order because they were backordered for 2 months.



PS I ended up using a 22" core 70s mopar radiator that fit with very little modification and was a lot cheaper.

 

I use champion aluminum radiators, made in CA, good prices on ebay. All welded, no epoxy.

 

Howe Racing Radiators are made in the US and are pretty much bulletproof. They make an aluminum radiator for the F1 that fits the stock mounting but is a more efficient crossflow configuration.

 

Chuck,

Not to hijack the thread what are your thoughts on radiators for a 53-56?

 

Don,

I used an American Eagle for my '55 with a 429 behind it. It has an integrated oil cooler and I have had absolutely no problem with heating. My engine runs at 180 degrees and it is a fairly radical engine build.

Pat

 

I have a Midfifty-sourced 4-layer core brass radiator in one of my trucks and it works very well in cooling a built 460 engine. In the 56 I am building right now I am using a custom Mattson dual-pass crossflow (see pic) but this sort of design requires some creative fab work to get it mounted.
The second pic is the Howe Racing Radiator for the F1...this one has the outlets configured for a SBC.

 

Thanks for your help. I knew that I would get great information here.

Steve

 

I have a brass radiator from Mid-fifty which I have been pleased with. Have no idea who makes them.

 

Thanks for the input. I have decided to just take my existing radiator and have the outlet moved to the driver side. I have had no cooling issues with my '68 302 and don't expect that there would be issues with the '98 302.

Thanks again,
Steve