Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications 3.0L Duratec Spectra Premium Rad

Hey all...

Saw the part number listed that I would need in the swap, but am curious about this rad. The same part # (1719) is listed for both the SVT and the SE Contour.

Does anyone have any experience with this rad? Does it flow/cool any better than the stock rad? To the SVT level? Beyond even?

Price is right for a new rad vs. taking a chance on a beater rad from a yard that I've never seen.

Thanks,

Massiv.

Not possible to be OEM replacement for the SE and the SVT. Maybe the vendor is saying that it 'fits' both - sorta like a fabric power seat 'fits' both the SE and the SVT. Get specs, and compare to SE/SVT rads.

How does the price compare to Ford on a SVT rad?

Highly unlikely that anyone has a true replacement for the SVT rad, since only 10k or so were ever sold.

EDIT: I'm sure DemonSVT will enlighten us - I know he's guru'ed aftermarket rads in the past. Well, I'm waiting ...

Hey...

Yeah, I looked around, but couldn't find any information at all on their site. Actually, they have an office in my city, so I might be able to take a look at it before buying. They do list the same part for both SE, SVT, Cougar, etc. though...

Massiv.

IIRC, the thickness of the core indicates it is *not* an SVT replacement. I don't recall where I saw the core thickness listed, but I steered away from it due to that.

Used SVT Rads run around 65-85. I think new was a little over $200.

Best to buy used where you can see it first. The radiator from my SE, although not leaking, had probably 50-65% airflow blockage from bugs & grit etc.

It is not easy to clean between the fins, radiator shops use an ultrasonic dip tank to clean these out.

In my area, (Atlanta, Ga not many radiator shops) cleaning runs $55.

That kind of makes a new unit seem not so bad. (Given possible reliability issues.)

Prices in USD$.

This thread is RAD!

I know Roger R had an aftermarket rad. put in his SVT after an accident. I think their is one out there unless he got screwed.

All,

Called Spectra and got some info on that rad. Here are the specs:

-1 row, 1" thick, all-aluminum construction
-3/4" tubing in rad

The guy was pretty sure it flowed/cooled better than stock (SE or SVT). He mentioned it would flow/cool better than a 2-row copper rad (suggesting that is in the SE or SVT? Is it??). His reasoning is that the stock rad uses smaller tubing (5/8th" or less) vs. the Spectra rad using 3/4" tubing.

Can someone put their knowledge of the SE or SVT rad against this and add it up for me? I have no idea what the SVT rad is like since it is a Cougar I'm putting my 3L into.

Thanks!

Massiv.

P.S. It was Demon's post that I got the rad PN from, so does that stand as the D-SVT endorsement??

Hmmm,

Perhaps I stand corrected. I am on the road currently, otherwise I could take a look in the garage at the SVT unit waiting to be installed.

I would love to see some numbers on the spectra units. ie: btu/hr vs svt radiator btu/hr. (Not holding my breath though)