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Ford F-250: Radiator Reviews

Should you go with aluminum, plastic, or brass? Here is a breakdown of the most popular radiator brands for your Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty.

By Jeffrey Smith - November 20, 2014

This article applies to the Ford F-250, F-350 super Duty (2005-2014).

Your radiator is the one item that is keeping your engine from melting down. Given the heavy duty nature of your Ford Super Duty, the last thing you want is to cheap out on your radiator. The most expensive isn't necessarily the best; in fact the less expensive option could turn out to be the best option for you. How do you tell which radiator is going to get the job done without taking you to the bank? Here are four popular radiators for your Ford Super Duty to help you navigate through the sea of aluminum, plastic, and brass to help you decide what is right for you and your wallet. The four radiators we're comparing are made out of aluminium, because it reduces the risk of corrosion. Aluminum has a protective oxide layer that forms on it and is exceptionally strong.

Ford Super Duty Replacement Radiators
Mishimoto
Flex-A-Lite (Flex-A-Fit)
TYC
Silla
Construction All aluminum All aluminum Plastic/Aluminum All aluminum
Fitment

Direct

Direct

 Direct OEM replacement direct fit
Warranty Limited Lifetime Limited 1 Year Lifetime Limited Lifetime
Average Price $685 - $950 $570 - $1000 $250 - $475 $175
Best Quality: Mishimoto

Best Value: TYC

Mishimoto

Price: $685 - $950
Looks: Clean lines, very sharp
Size: 45.7" x 28.7" x 8.9"
Performance: All purpose
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Mishimoto has a very high quality product that comes with a higher price tag than the other radiators we reviewed. The quality and workmanship is outstanding, and the lifetime warranty means that this should be the last radiator you need to purchase. Mishimoto's radiator is drop in ready and comes with twice the coolant capacity as the OEM radiator. This is a really nice feature as are the factory-style quick disconnect inlet and outlet. If money is not a factor, you really cannot go wrong with a Mishimoto. Recommended if you are looking for top quality radiators and you don't mind spending the money.

Flex-A-Lite

Price: $570 - $1,000
Looks: Industrial, traditional
Size: 33" x 30.5" x 5.75"
Performance: All purpose, heavy duty with additional fans
Warranty: Limited 1 year

Flex-A-Lite has a couple of nice options for your 6L Super Duty. One comes with dual pre-mounted electric fans, variable speed and clutch fan emulator. This means that a massive amount of airflow (up to 6,800 cfm) breezes over the fins. That model comes with a hefty price tag, almost doubling the price of their standard product without the dual mounted fans. Overall, this is an excellent radiator but at a similar manufacturer-direct price point as Mishimoto, there is really no comparison considering Flex-A-Lite has a limited one year warranty. Recommended if you are looking for great quality and you don't mind spending the money.

TYC

Price: $250 - $475
Looks: Industrial
Size 122" x 87" x 34
Performance: All purpose
Warranty: Lifetime

TYC is by far the largest radiator of the group being similar to OE construction for number and placement of fluid tubes and cooling fans. For those radiators with transmission oil coolers, TYC radiator tanks are molded using super heat-resistant, high density polymer plastic for added protection against extreme engine temperatures. Recommended if you are looking for a performance radiator without spending too much much.

Silla

Price: $175
Looks: Basic radiator design
Size: 34" X 34" X 6"
Performance: All purpose
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Silla radiators are a necessary choice if you are on a tight budget. Their low price point combined with a limited lifetime warranty will get the job done. They are an OEM direct-fit; however, some complaints have been lodged about needing to drill out the holes in the flanges a little larger to get a correct fit. There also may be no installation documentation, so this may not be the best choice for the novice installer. Check fittings before the install as there might be issues with leaking transmission fluid. Overall, the extra money for one of the other options would be money better-spent. Recommended if you are looking for a cheap, basic, radiator.


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