Hey, I was doing some searching and found the common talk about 2 row vs 3 row, short vs tall. I have an s5 t2 motor (street-ported, will have ~375-400rwhp) I'm having a tough time on what intercooler/radiator setup to go with. This is going to be a street car only, and I want to keep the a/c. If I were to go fmic I was thinking about getting a short, early fb radiator (3-row) and putting the fmoc right under it like the behive. This is all because I want to use stock mounts. Just wondering if this will get it done or not?? Remember not a race car..the biggest beating it will take is on the dyno.

 

I still run my factory GSL-SE radiator on my TII swapped SE and I have no cooling issues at all. I do not run a thermistat though, my builder removed it and plugged the hole in the water pump housing, stating that it keeps it cooler. I have an electric fan but no A/C and the cars water temp gauge never exceeds the half way mark in good ol S. Florida heat....

L8R

 

thanks.. I have an se as well and was wondering if the radiator cools better or worse than a shorter 3 row (mine needs to be replaced)? also anyone know how an fb radiator compares with a fd radiator. I know I always hear about their cooling problems

 

my old turbo FB has a street ported s5 13bt with a stock 83 12a radiator and I never saw a temp over 190 with the stock thermostat.

 

i did measure this a couple years ago, and i think the short FB rad was about the same size as the FD.

the cooling problems of the FD's have a lot to do with the 2 turbos attached to the engine, and the small radiator opening in the bumper.

the FB has a much larger opening for air to the radiator, and a better flow out too.

 

Either option works well. However, the short 3 row, with the FMOC bolted directly under will receive better oil cooling (especially with a fan/shroud). Plus will make your intercooler placement and piping easier and neater.