Pinto Car Club of America

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: datazz on February 19, 2006, 07:01:15 AM

Title: radiator problems
Post by: datazz on February 19, 2006, 07:01:15 AM
Hi.I was needing to know whether a mustang II v8 radiator will fit in my 80 pinto wagon without a whole lot of work?
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: 77turbopinto on February 19, 2006, 08:16:57 AM
NO.

The MII radiators mount in front of the support, the pintos are behind. It will "fit" in back, but not without making a full custom mount. This did not bother me, I knew about the mounting before I got it, and fab.ing it was not a big deal to me.

I have seen some on ebay, and the sellers SAY it will bolt in to a pinto, but they WON'T.  I think there is one on there now like that.

If your car has the 2.3, you will not be able to use the stock fan (I don't know about the 6), and there is very little room for an electric one. I have two small puller fans.

I would look at ranger ones and a few others that are talked about here before I would install a MII v8 one again.

Bill
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: datazz on February 19, 2006, 08:50:25 AM
Hey Thanks alot Bill. I'm always going out and buying things that won't work. I bought 80 pinto sedan about a year ago (already sold it to my brother).It had a 302 in it and the radiator was slanted at the top toward the motor,that way it had plenty of room for a double electric fan.I just want this one to look as original as possible.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: 77turbopinto on February 19, 2006, 10:13:02 AM
If you look on page 3 of "carbed turbo" in this section, there is a photo of my engine bay with the MII rad. installed. You can put a big pusher fan in front of it if you re-work the hood latch mount.

Bill
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: datazz on February 19, 2006, 04:26:28 PM
Hey Bill,It's datazz again.I just got done looking at the way you did your radaitor and you done a fantastic job.I hope mine looks that good.Thanks again you've been a great help.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: ford guy on February 24, 2006, 02:25:46 PM
all you guys  hello listen up

jegs/summit get a chevy alloy radiator cross flow 17x23 i think   just meaure the opening.

they are cheaper  and spend   money for a rotating  water neck.
griffin #475-125182-x22x19 --125202   23 1/2x19  both 189.99

you all have a little more space  in that width area if needed  old jegs book page 60v
universal alloy crossflow 1 inch tubes 2 rows  should cool any small block ford.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: datazz on February 24, 2006, 09:25:18 PM
Hey Thanks alot FordGuy for the info.I'll be in Columbus in a couple weeks and I'll check Jegg's out.Thanks again.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: fast34 on February 25, 2006, 10:25:41 PM
Look for one out of a mid 70's to early 80's Mazda or Ford Courier pu.  Diminsionally fit well and cool really ,really good. Radiator hoses hook right up.  Just be sure to get it from a 2.0L auto or a stock 2.3L truck, as they are 3 rows thick.  I run these in my circle track car, and have found nothing, even aluminum, that will out perform them.  Runs 180 or less on a 100 degree day.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: datazz on February 26, 2006, 07:14:14 AM
Thanks alot for the info.I know where there is a ford courier at so I'll check it out.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: dirt track demon on March 03, 2006, 11:43:38 AM
There is a post in the parts for sale.  Some guy has a bunch of new pinto radiators for sale, very reasonably priced. I talked to him personally, and he seemed legitimate.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: datazz on March 03, 2006, 06:01:27 PM
Thanks.I'll check the post,parts for sale also.Will they handle a 302?
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: dirt track demon on March 03, 2006, 08:00:39 PM
Maybe, maybe not. depends on your 302. is it built, stock,or slightly modded???  Stock it should, built no, slightly modded-toss up.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: ford guy on March 22, 2006, 11:21:51 PM
give your self a break. if you are installing a small block ford eng in your pinto take measurements.
go to jegs/summit get your self an alloy radiator



warning ues only green antifreeze in it.
corrosion and electrollises.  this will prolong the life of the radiator.
plus a low pressure rad cap.
Title: Re: radiator problems
Post by: turbopinto72 on March 24, 2006, 08:01:08 PM
Quote from: ford guy on March 22, 2006, 11:21:51 PM
give your self a break. if you are installing a small block ford eng in your pinto take measurements.
go to jegs/summit get your self an alloy radiator



warning ues only green antifreeze in it.
corrosion and electrollises.  this will prolong the life of the radiator.
plus a low pressure rad cap.

You can have the biggest Aluminum radiator you can shove in there but you still will need adequate fans to draw/push the air through it ( unless you never stop).