radiator for 390?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
radiator for 390?
Hi all. I'm looking into a radiator for my 390. Anyone have any luck with a champion radiator? I was thinking of a champion with the dual electric fan option they give.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
I have a 3 row Champion on an otherwise stock '96 Bronco. I installed it in June 2011 and until a week ago it worked flawlessly. A week ago it sprung a leak between a tube and the header. I called Champion, followed their warranty directions and have a new radiator on the way. That quick and that easy.
I wish I hadn't had a problem, but have to give Champion credit for their warranty and handling of the issue.
The Champion appeared to be a solid unit. It was a direct replacement for the original and works well. I wouldn't have any qualms about buying from them again.
Roger Carter
I wish I hadn't had a problem, but have to give Champion credit for their warranty and handling of the issue.
The Champion appeared to be a solid unit. It was a direct replacement for the original and works well. I wouldn't have any qualms about buying from them again.
Roger Carter
More Turbo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
Yes, I live in Phoenix and put a 4 row champion radiator off eBay in last month and it fit prefect and works well. I also have AC and have had no problems. I'm running a clutch fan with a stock shroud.
360FE 4speed manual.
360FE 4speed manual.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
I don't see the benefits on electric fans to be honest. With a good radiator, a mechanical fan will work just fine. The only thing I think about with electric fans is that they can quit and then you are f'ed.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
For a driver my mech fan is working great. If you go with electric fans you will need to up grade your electrical system.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Thanks for all the replies. Yea I only see the fans dying and then over heating myself haha tats what ive always questioned. But to clarify, this 390 is in my 59 f100. I have a highboy an since most people in this section of fte have a FE engine it made sense to post this on here. And this truck isn't a DD its a semi drag truck/show truck.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
Here is some info on electric fans under the tech info area.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...mpilation.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...mpilation.html
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
I've heard good things about Champion but never run one. In my '78/400M I recently installed a 3 core copper/brass radiator from AZ. This is the factory "extra cooling" radiator. No problem with 95 and occasional 100 degree temps. I don't know how it would fit your '59 and same comment applies to the Champion.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
My friend has a 60 f100 and we measured mine which the guy stated would fit in a 60 with modification and it was going to a lot of modification to make it work. It might be better to have one made for you truck instead of a champion.
I'm just curious as to fans and the radiator itself.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
I am tellin ya, dont waste your money on the fans just yet. IF you want to get them(I wouldnt) just do a swap off a thunderbird or whatever. They are cheap in a junkyard and easy to install.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
I'll toss my 2 cents worth about electric fans, based on my experiences.
A puller fan seems to work better than a pusher.
Two smaller diameter fans are usually better than one larger fan, but make the two fans as large as possible.
Use a shroud that covers the entire radiator.
A specific purpose fan, puller or pusher, works better than most "either / or depending on how they are mounted" types.
Fans require a lot of power. Make sure the truck's charging system, wiring and fan control system are up to the task.
Again, these are based on my experiences. Hope they help.
Roger Carter
A puller fan seems to work better than a pusher.
Two smaller diameter fans are usually better than one larger fan, but make the two fans as large as possible.
Use a shroud that covers the entire radiator.
A specific purpose fan, puller or pusher, works better than most "either / or depending on how they are mounted" types.
Fans require a lot of power. Make sure the truck's charging system, wiring and fan control system are up to the task.
Again, these are based on my experiences. Hope they help.
Roger Carter