SHO Source vs. RCM Radiator

[gurucomputers]

I am going to be replacing the radiator in my 94 ATX before the winter comes. I have been looking at prices and have found they run around $170 local. SHO Source has the replacement for $164.00 and RCM has it for $119.00. Has anyone used RCM's radiators? If so, how is the quality?

 

[SHO Continental]

You don't really want to use that in radiator trans cooler anyways. It can go bad and leak coolant into the trans or trans fluid into the coolant. So the real price on SHO Source should be the $135.

Although (can't believe I'm saying this) skip both SHO Source and RCM and go to Autozone. Give them PN 433891. This is for a double core radiator. It will bolt right in with the hardware provided with it, no modifications, you can still use the larger FL1A sized filter, etc... everything still works. List price at AZ is $134.

 

[38SHO]

so what type of vehicle application does this cross reference to?

 

[projectSHO89]

I just installed one from an ebay vendor.

About $60 bucks shipped to my door. I'll see how long it lasts.....

Steve

 

[itwonder]

PN 432192 from AZ $120 or 2192 from NAPA $130 is the OEM replacement. No shipping fees. I have the NAPA, fits and works fine.

 

[luigisho]

I got one from somewhere on the internet. I think it was radiator.com. Cheaper than AutoZone or other chain stores, even with shipping. Same aftermarket manufacturers as the chain stores. They usually have a local vendors in their network and they ship it there for pick up or delivery. I recommend it.

 

[SHO Continental]

so what type of vehicle application does this cross reference to?

3.0 Wagon IIRC. I remember thinking it was odd that the 3.8 wagons didn't have it but the 3.0s did.

 

[SHO Continental]

For those interested I checked Rockauto. (under 3.0 OHV) They list the 433891 and a CU891 by 'Spectra Premium'. Both the '891' 'heavy duty cooling'. In the details the CU891 is 2 1/8" while the 433891 is 2" (Stock is 1"). Prices on rockauto are cheaper than autozone. $107 for the 433891 and $128 for the CU891 vs $160 for at AZ for the CU9891 and the previously posted $134 for the 433891.

 

[gurucomputers]

You don't really want to use that in radiator trans cooler anyways. It can go bad and leak coolant into the trans or trans fluid into the coolant. So the real price on SHO Source should be the $135.

Although (can't believe I'm saying this) skip both SHO Source and RCM and go to Autozone. Give them PN 433891. This is for a double core radiator. It will bolt right in with the hardware provided with it, no modifications, you can still use the larger FL1A sized filter, etc... everything still works. List price at AZ is $134.

I picked up the 433891 this morning at AZ $139.00 - $20.00 from my rewards card. :woo-hoo: Now this weekend we will see if it will fit. If not I will make it fit. Thats what GOD made hammers for.

The only thing I can see they I may have a problem with is the one AC hard line. I may have to notch the fan shroud a bit.

BTW according to the worthless install paperwork that comes with it, the 433891 crosses to the 86-95 Taurus/Sable/Continental with the 2.5/3.0 and 3.8 engines.

 

[itwonder]

The double row radiator can be made to work but why go to all the trouble? This is one case where bigger is not necessarily better, but to each his own. The stock radiator, 432192, provides plenty of cooling. I prefer to buy radiators locally because if one has to go back to Rockauto, it is an expensive shipping proposition.

 

[gurucomputers]

The double row radiator can be made to work but why go to all the trouble? This is one case where bigger is not necessarily better, but to each his own. The stock radiator, 432192, provides plenty of cooling. I prefer to buy radiators locally because if one has to go back to Rockauto, it is an expensive shipping proposition.

I chose the 2 core only for one reason. It can get really hot here in the summer. There are many times I have had to sit in traffic on a 90-95 degree day with the AC on and watch the temp guage climb almost to the top. I decided that if it is not to much work to install I would like the extra cooling.

 

[blue thunder]

If you need a radiator anyway, go with the dual core radiator. It bolts right in with not much difficulty. If you have the mtx you would just have to change the overflow bottle. I put a dual core in years ago and went with the atx overflow bottle that sits on the side of the engine bay.

 

[Racer X]

Matt, thank you thank you thank you for that part number!!

Local parts warehouse here in the city had the 433891 in stock for $113!! My local AutoFail wants $175.

Owe you a beer man.

 

[gurucomputers]

Well won't be doing the radiator change this weeend as not one damn part store has the lower radiator hose in stock. Some don't even list it.

Ordered all hoses from RCM.

So now its wait for parts as usuall

 

[Racer X]

Matt, thank you thank you thank you for that part number!!

Local parts warehouse here in the city had the 433891 in stock for $113!! My local AutoFail wants $175.

Owe you a beer man.

So, the replacement double row I bought and installed leaked right out the box.

Of course, I didn't notice this until after everything was buttoned up and I began filling it with coolant (all of which promptly made its way to the ground).

 

[Tecchie]

Hey Guru, I was wondering if this week sometime if you had any time for me to drive to your place to have a look at my beast...? As I got the starter fixed ...err well working, and am wanting to eventually do the rad swap to a dual core among other things... and possibly get you to have a look and see what I need replaced (besides the obvious tranny rebuild or replacement..) lol

Thanks dude...

 

[gurucomputers]

Hey Guru, I was wondering if this week sometime if you had any time for me to drive to your place to have a look at my beast...?
Thanks dude...

You bet, I am planning on doing my rad swap among a couple other little things on Thursday. Give me a call and I will give you directions.

 

[boat]

did you ever get your hoses? I ordered a set from RCM for my ATX, put them in this past weekend with my new radiator, thermostat, and front motor mount. I had the same problem when trying to find my lower radiator hose, no one had it in stock.

Good luck with your install... If you haven't bought them already, get some new hose clamps too.

Well won't be doing the radiator change this weeend as not one damn part store has the lower radiator hose in stock. Some don't even list it.

Ordered all hoses from RCM.

So now its wait for parts as usuall

 

[Racer X]

So, the replacement double row I bought and installed leaked right out the box.

Of course, I didn't notice this until after everything was buttoned up and I began filling it with coolant (all of which promptly made its way to the ground).

So, the replacement, replacement double row also had a crack at the drain petcock.



If I had to recommend a double row, it would NOT be the 433891 made by Ready Rad.

Not at all.

 

[the4biddendonut]

I am going to be replacing the radiator in my 94 ATX before the winter comes. I have been looking at prices and have found they run around $170 local. SHO Source has the replacement for $164.00 and RCM has it for $119.00. Has anyone used RCM's radiators? If so, how is the quality?

Here's what a RCM dual core radiator looks like in an ATX. I lost a lot of sleep trying to cram that radiator in there. If you need help, shoot me a message.