Other than OE equivalents, does anyone have a recommendation for a radiator for a 92 protege DX? I didn't see anything from the places I would expect, so perhaps I may be SOL.

 

91-96 ford escort GT

 

Don't waste your money on a used radiator, if that's what you were asking. There are new ones out there. You just need to look around some more. Expect to pay ~$110 for a new radiator. I used to be able to get all metal ones, but no more. At least the new plastic ones have a lifetime warranty.

 

if you would do a little research you would have found out that the escort rad IS all metal.

 

Tell that to a customer that's waiting on his/her car. Customers don't like hearing that you're using a rad that fits another car-even if it works. Besides, I install exactly what the repair shop boss wants and the book calls out for.

 

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I have plenty of access to OE equivalent new-manufacture radiators, and I am ready to use one if there is nothing better I can get.

What I was hoping for, but had little success in searching out, was a performance upgrade, but definately new, not used. I had looked at the Fluidyne website, corksport, etc, but didn't find anything for the model. I was just curious if anyone else had a recommendation on an upgrade since I can't find one.

Sorry about the ambiguity in my original post.

 

My apologies to you. I didn't mean to come off like an a$$. Personally have never had a cooling problem with stock radiators, but they've always been used with an unmodified engine. Maybe one of the performance guys will have an answer.

 

My '93 radiator cracked on the top behind the overflow tube just like described on this board. I just put in a NAPA Modine #2279 all metal replacement. Made in Mexico, but it was the best I could find. About $176 but I felt it was worth it compared to the half plastic one from Advanced Auto/Auto Zone/Murrays/etc in my area.

 

there are not "performance" rads for out car unfortunatly. the ATX EGT rad is the largest all metal rad. if you want new, and larger... get that, then plug the ATX connections. .

 

I found a 2-row all-metal radiator described as an upgrade, and ordered it from www.radiatorexpress.com yesterday. I did inspect the incumbent radiator (which is being replaced for leaking around the crimped seal at the top tank), and it is in fact a one-row tube style, so the replacement should amount to at least more efficient cooling.

I'll report the results once the part comes in and I get it installed (maybe in about a week).

Thank you everyone for the advice; I never would have questioned a plastic tank on a radiator because I see them everywhere!