Radiator question - 1995

[maxford]

My 95 is a 2.3L with 5spd. Replacing the radiator soon. I've read a lot on this site about optional radiators available from other Ford vehicles and the aftermarket. But is there anything available that is either plug-and-play, or dang close to that? I don't need a 100% improvement, but a 20% improvement would be great.

And, I'd love to keep my factory hoses and shroud.

thanks,
Max

 

[telsar]

My 95 is a 2.3L with 5spd. Replacing the radiator soon. I've read a lot on this site about optional radiators available from other Ford vehicles and the aftermarket. But is there anything available that is either plug-and-play, or dang close to that? I don't need a 100% improvement, but a 20% improvement would be great.

And, I'd love to keep my factory hoses and shroud.

thanks,
Max

Got my last radiator from Ebay and it was exactly the same, but the unit was not painted so I think it works better than a coat of paint on the fins. Cost around $60 with free shipping.

 

[Mark_88]

You can get a direct replacement for that engine and improvements are not usually needed unless you have problems with the original equipment. Are you having overheat issues like standing in traffic on hot days?

Before I go into a 400 word post on why everything should be checked, cleaned, or replaced it's probably more efficient if you state what is happening and what work you've already done.

That way others can follow and give proper suggestions instead of going down what paths you might take...

 

[tomw]

If you get one, and it is unpainted, it will transfer heat better if you leave it that way. If you insist on painting, don't use regular spray paint as it will inhibit heat transfer. Radiator shops(are there any ??) use special paint from what I read recently. I think it is a lot 'thinner' than normal rattle-can spray paint.
tom

 

[maxford]

I am fine with a generic auto parts store replacement, but it would be nice for an upgrade.

And I won't go into a 400 word explanation detailing "why", rather I was just curious if there was swap option for a plug-n-chug upgrade.

I had hoped I could just have a parts guy look up an aftermarket "new" radiator to fit some other year/make/model/eng rather than the standard single core, but I assume that is not the case and will press ahead as i had planned. Thanks anyway.

 

[Mark_88]

OK...well it's better to know if there's a problem because I'm guilty of explaining things before I know specifically what the problem is...

I've learned my lesson and trying to probe a bit before rattling on...

 

[maxford]

no worries, thx anyway.

 

[RonD]

And just as a heads up

When a vehicle gets to a certain age you will only find new Automatic trans Radiators, i.e. with trans cooler built-in.
It won't be listed that way but when you get it it WILL have a trans cooler.

This is because it can be used with manual or automatic, so only one model needs to be built and stocked.

Doesn't hurt anything, doesn't reduce cooling or capacity, you just have a couple of unused ports, if you have a manual trans