want a new one, a bigger one than the stock one that came with the 390, something that will keep it cooler, what should i get?

 

hmm, being I have little experience with FE blocks and cooling I'd just have to say I assume bigger is better. What are you running now? How many cores thick and what are the dimensions? I was recently investigating a new upgrade for my 302 equipped '65 and Summit Racing has a few inexpensive aluminum direct-bolt-in radiators for around $250 that fit later '60's model Stangs. I know because I stumbled on those before finding the smaller '65 ones. You may look into it. Aluminum works a lot better than copper due to the core sizes being larger (clog less) and aluminum disipates heat better. Talk to Summit's tech line and they can hook you up with a good one and let you know if it's sufficient for a big-block. Also, make sure you run a thermostat. Without a thermostat the water doesn't stay in the radiator long enough to let it cool the water. I learned that the hard way. Here's Summit's number. (800)230-3030 Good luck!

 

haha thanks, i think bigger is better, i tihnk im running a 3 core, and i dont know the dimesnions. ill look into there website and ill give them a call in the morning

 

Deffinately go with the aluminum radiator.. Not only will it work better for you, but you can find one for about the same price as a 2 core stock radiator.. Check ebay, there is a company that deals out quality aluminum radiators for hot rods and such and his price and feedback is great!

 

i would recomend getting one of those radiator filters, they are around 50$ but very worth it. you might want to look into a high flow water pump and a lower temp thermostat if cooling is a big issue. or maybe a fan shroud if you dont already have one, it helps for air flow through the radiator.

 

ya thanks im gunna go with an aluminum one , i search the web last night and found all the stuff you guys hvae jsut told me, and another plus about them you guys didnt mention, they look much better than the black painted copper ones. and mustangdemon, the thermostat i have in right now is a 180, and i have an edelbrock high flow water pump already.

 

i need one too, do you guys recommend cross flow or down flow?

 

Why is an aluminum radiator the best choice?

I have a 3 Row Modine that's painted black. I think it's made from copper or bronze and it's guarranteed for life. I've had no trouble for 11 or 12 years with it.

 

Actually for the same number of cores and fins per inch, copper and brass will dissipate more heat than aluminum. Not much more but copper is a better heat conductor than aluminum. AL is lighter and looks far better in hot rods. Good 4 core high fin density copper radiators do exist. Copper is also easier to repair if nicked or a pinhole develops they can be soldered, al can only be epoxy filled which seldom holds up long in heat cool cycles. Trade offs in every thing I guess but better to know the answers that you are choosing from.

 

this is the one that im going to get.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku