I want to put in a larger radiator for my 2002 June ranger with the duratec 2.3 217k miles, can I put in the 302 or 351w radiator preferably 351w since there's a guy I know who has one in stock new condition still in unopened box, with the receipt and all, I know I would probably need an E-fan to keep the temps up at normal temp and not freeze the engine because I want the best of both efficiency and longevity from heat. What do I need to do to get either of the larger radiators to work. Money is not an issue

 

Not sure it's worth the effort, and money.. I wouldn't do it. Especially on a truck with 217k on it.

If anything, I'd just located a radiator from a 4.0 Ranger and bolt it in.



GB :)

 

The person only wants 30$ and there's a Taurus with a donor 3L v6 duratec 2002, trying to mod in money will not be an issue

 

More coolant storage can't hurt anything

You won't "freeze" the engine, even with a Mack truck size radiator.
Radiator is used to dissipate extra heat generated in the engine, often not even used in the winter in far north

The Thermostat will keep engine coolant at 190-200deg for best power and MPG, regardless of radiator size

2.3l Duratec uses a lower radiator hose thermostat, rated at 180degF, usually there is a 15deg difference from lower to upper engine
Which is why upper rad hose thermostats use 195deg rating

E-fan is a good upgrade on any engine, you get more power and better MPG so win win, it ain't much but ain't 0 either
E-fan is only used when vehicle is not moving or moving very slowly, when at speed air flow thru rad is more than any fan can supply
Mechanical fans draw power all the time, e-fans only use power when extra cooling is needed

Radiators for vehicles with automatics and AC are always "larger" in capacity than those for manuals, so get a radiator for automatic with AC regardless of current vehicles setup

 

Thank you, do you think the 351w will fit because 30$ box new is hard to pass up, but if not will the 302 and then the 4.0 then if not I'll get the auto trans 2.3 23ns radiator

 

I was exaggerating with freeze but meant like 175F 180f with the mech fan

 

Can't tell you if it will fit, I would say no, just because 351 was only used in larger vehicles, 302 was used in explorer so it should fit

Also watch hose outlets, they are not the same on all radiators, upper right lower left is not a "standard" just more common

Upper engine coolant needs to stay close to 200deg for best engine operation and longevity, at that coolant temp the oil traveling through the engine can dissipate contaminants, i.e. water and fuel , better, that's from the SAE(society of automotive engineers) study done back in the late 1970s, that's when Ford and most other automakers switch from the 180deg to the 190deg upper hose thermostats

 

Thank you for that info, I will look into the 302 sizing of the upper and lower hoses and see if I can make it work, my goal is a flat 200F all around the rpm band because of frequently freeway driving and in the summer time temps around 125 degrees without humidity to 60%

 

How is this going ?

What did you buy for a Radiator ?

 

I did the 351w, I'll get picks in a month when I start cutting the frame and bumper to fit it, but the hoses match and I made a custom taurus fan mount for it

 

Deleted by OP.

 

I'm still looking at what its gonna take but the 351w is a 5.8L v8 and I want to have the engine run the fan as little as possible so I get more power and better econemy, turbocharging will also really benefit considering I'm only doing 6 pounds Wich will help this motor a lot after I rebuild the other one I have Wich is from an 08 Mazda 6 non turbo Multi port fuel injection not the disi