Replacement Radiator

[Jay93]

I'm looking for a good aftermarket radiator for my SVT. Unless the stock radiator is sufficient? My family's mechanic (ASE certified and a Ford specialist) recommended aftermarket over OEM. I figured with all the upgrades on the Bondurant Contours I might as well step up radiator too.

Anyone know a good place to find an upgraded radiator for our vehicles?

 

[Beans]

Doesn't exist. Svt rad is much thicker.

 

[Jay93]

so ive gotta go with a Ford replacement radiator? This wouldnt work?:

http://www.andysautosport.com/ford/1998_9999_contour/performance/radiator/radiators/tyc/

 

[Jay93]

apparently my formerly broken laptop saved my old profile... i thought it was lost. I started the Bondurantour profile so i could ask about a performance aftermarket radiator

 

[gmorrell]

The SVT radiator core was thicker than any of the regular Contour V6 cores, 2-row, and near 2" thick IIRC, and thicker SVT replacement rads went obsolete long ago. The ready-to-go aftermarket is only thinner core rads for the 'plebeian' Contours, and this includes the Andy's AutoSport parts you linked.

Perhaps you could talk Griffin, Fluidyne or Mishimoto into a custom, drop-in, thick-core radiator with Aluminum tanks and all welded construction, but one-off, it's going to cost you plenty, and probably won't perform any better than the stock SVT rad. If somebody makes enough thick-core custom SVT rads, the price will get better and you might get a group purchase going to snag the performance folks here with 3.0L motors and/or forced induction, tho most here, including me, would question the necessity for it.

Genesis Auto Parts has an all Aluminum rad for the Contour, welded tanks and all, but it's only a 1-row, 1" thick core.
http://www.genesisautoparts.com/all_aluminum_radiator-ford-contour-1999.htm
I have one sitting on the shelf at home, the TIG quality is passable, but I've seen better.

 

[Jay93]

so would you recommend finding a parts car for an original or the aftermarket?

 

[Beans]

Something wrong with the one you have? Super not needed

 

[BrApple]

There are cars with 3L engines that are running on a stock non-SVT radiator. I have a SVT radiator for my 3L turbo and the temps are in range. However I did drop the fan turn on points in my tune to help with the cooling.

As noted there are no drop in aftermarket options. Anything would be custom. So what is your need for more cooling?

 

[contour_r_us]

I had to share this - the BIG FORD TRUCK BOYS are using our Contour dual fan set-up!! Makes for some interesting reading regarding cooling.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1050703-i-love-my-new-radiator-an-electric-fan-2.html
and here is the reference made to the $70 Electric Fan Upgrade http://www.truebluetrucks.com/contents.html#7

 

[gmorrell]

Funny, the Lincoln Mark VIII fan used to be desired for Mustangs being open tracked.

 

[Jay93]

I don't need more cooling. My radiator has a broken bracket and is cracked and leaking coolant. So I figured since I have to replace it and the car is already track oriented I might as well step up radiators while I'm at it. But ill just get a standard replacement from AutoZone or O'REILLY's

 

[ContourGuy9817]

you need an svt contour rad, itll have to be found used however.

 

[contour_r_us]

Funny, the Lincoln Mark VIII fan used to be desired for Mustangs being open tracked.

I didn't know this - Mustangs. These articles should provide enlightenment for some, not all. Does deviate from the posters original question, which I apologize for. Maybe I should have put this under a new topic?

 

[CSVT#49]

Find one at the bone yard. Otherwise Griffin will make you one for ~$450 based on the quote they gave me a while back.