Pinto Car Club of America

 A search of the site has given me a little more insight regarding radiators. I likely wouldn't go the Mustang II route.So, I'll rephrase my question.

I searched out radiator vendors and they are listing two radiators for the '74 and up Pinto's.  One is listed as a 17" core and the other as a 20" core.  These were listed for both the 2.3 and 2.8 engines and it made no distinction to I-4 or V-6 (or air conditioning for that matter). I was wondering if anyone can describe the difference?

Is the 20" used in A/C cars only?

How is it bigger (20" vs 17")  - height or width?

Last time I was in the J-yards I saw a 1972 Pinto with a 2.8, V-6 conversion.  I was half tempted to pull what looked like an oversize radiator (I assumed it was a V-6 radiator) but a blade scuff on the core made me hesitant.  This radiator seemed to extend beyond the cradle opening (2-3 inches or so in width), but still seemed adaptable to the early model Pinto (though I wouldn't have hacked it in the way they did).

  Anyway, I guess my real question is; did some Pinto's come with an oversize radiator, if so how was it oversized (height or width) and would this be suitable for cooling the 2.3 Turbo motor.  I realize my '73 might not fit a 74-up radiator just right, but it has the general size and fittings and should be an improvement over the 2.0 radiator I have.

Thanks, Tom

I'm not sure if the larger radiator ( 20" ) was used in the V6 cars, but it was used with the AC cars. The 20" is WIDER than the 17" radiator. Not sure if the 74 and up radiators will fit the 71-73. I am running the 20" AC radiator in my 1980 turbo Pinto and it never over heats. I run the car at the track and in stop and go city driving in the summer with NO problems. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,10200.msg63905.html#msg63905

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