Replacement Radiators in Stock?

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

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?

What? You were expecting a common sense rule?

Of course, there will be someone come along and tell us how 5 pounds is magical, when their car won't repeat any closer than 2 hundredths. Then we'll see another post about "Oh my GOD! It doesn't LOOK stock!!!!" when they have headers, braided hose, a billet water pump, and aftermarket valve covers.