Radiator re core or Replacement?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
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Radiator re core or Replacement?
My 88 with 5.7 TPI has a older style radiator with I'm assuming brass or copper side tanks. After looking online I see all the direct replacements have plastic tanks. Am I better to have my original re cored or just go with the plastic replacement? I'm looking for a direct replacement and not having to do any modifications. Car is all stock. Thanks for any help.
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 196
From: Jackson NJ
Car: 1984 T/A
Engine: LQ4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Ford 8.8 4.10 gears
Re: Radiator re core or Replacement?
The newer plastic tank radiators are just fine. My daily 92 TA 5.7 is at 305k and chugging along fine.
On Probation
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 18
From: Syracuse NY
Car: 84 Z-28
Engine: 305 HO
Transmission: r-700
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: Radiator re core or Replacement?
Most plastic re-core rads will leak after time IME.
Better to have your existing brass and copper re-cored.
IF you can find a shop that will even do it now a daze !
Better to have your existing brass and copper re-cored.
IF you can find a shop that will even do it now a daze !
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,508
Likes: 201
From: Hawaii
Car: 89' Firebird / 87' Formula
Engine: 3.4 / 5.0
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 3.42
Re: Radiator re core or Replacement?
Werent they plastic from the factory?
I got one for a 3.1 and its all brass... that was years abo from redline though
I got one for a 3.1 and its all brass... that was years abo from redline though
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,219
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From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Radiator re core or Replacement?
The 88 should have had a aluminum/plastic radiator from the factory. Go with that if you're looking for a more "correct" looking unit.
I've seen some parts cars with early replacements that are all brass/copper.
I've seen some parts cars with early replacements that are all brass/copper.
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