Replacement Radiators in Stock?

Evan Smith · 01-22-2013, 07:52 AM

I needed to replace the radiator in my Mustang and the replacement part from any of the auto part chains sells a duplicate of the original, but with plastic tanks, rather than aluminum. The total weight savings is 3 lbs. (weight may differ from car-to-car). I recognize some older radiators may show a greater differential in weight, but capacity should be more of an issue than material.

So, let's understand this: I can remove the heavy clutch fan and replace it with a light electric one, install a $350 billet aluminum water pump in place of the stock heavier one, but the radiator is a no-go?

This is akin to the rear rule: you can install gun-drilled axles with scalloped flanges, aluminum spool, and have a back-cut gear (essentially reducing the weight of everything that turns), and, you can change out the axles tubes and ends, but no aluminum center section?

01-22-2013, 07:52 AM	#7
Evan Smith Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Tampa Posts: 400 Likes: 7 Liked 115 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Replacement Radiators in Stock? I needed to replace the radiator in my Mustang and the replacement part from any of the auto part chains sells a duplicate of the original, but with plastic tanks, rather than aluminum. The total weight savings is 3 lbs. (weight may differ from car-to-car). I recognize some older radiators may show a greater differential in weight, but capacity should be more of an issue than material. So, let's understand this: I can remove the heavy clutch fan and replace it with a light electric one, install a $350 billet aluminum water pump in place of the stock heavier one, but the radiator is a no-go? This is akin to the rear rule: you can install gun-drilled axles with scalloped flanges, aluminum spool, and have a back-cut gear (essentially reducing the weight of everything that turns), and, you can change out the axles tubes and ends, but no aluminum center section? __________________ Evan Smith 1798 STK