Anybody upgrade to "heavy duty" when replacing the radiator in a first gen? Didn't the R/T get a heavy duty radiator different than the ones used on other models? If so, did it have the AT cooler? Apparently the same standard radiator with the internal AT cooler is used on both manual and AT versions of non-R/T cars.

Was trying to find one for a US built '96 Highline with SOHC, AT, and AC. A couple hours talking with both local and on-line shops left me surprized at the general lack of knowledge about the Neon cooling system variations. The local radiator shop won't touch a heavy duty re-core because they can't match the price/warranty value of the standard aftermarket units that can be had with lifetime guarantees for well below $200.

Found one Modine unit labeled "heavy duty" for $91 at one of the web houses, filled out the order form, then called "customer service" to request the specs and confirm it had the internal AT cooler before hitting the submit button. Of course they couldn't find the part number I was looking at on THEIR web site, they had to call Modine to confirm the fit, then raised the price on the web database to $158 before my eyes. No explaination, apology, negotiation - just take it or leave it.... so I left. Probably still a good price for the unit IF it is actually heavy duty, but just couldn't bring myself to reward the incompetence with more business.

Thanks! b_s_d

 

Yes, the R/T did indeed get a bigger and better radiator, as did the ACR.

 

Thanks for the confirmation. So...... where do R/T owners get their replacment radiators? Dealer only? I got nowhere with my initial approach of asking for a replacement for '96 R/T . Nobody I spoke with listed anything for this submodel. The key variables were 1) US vs Mexican build and 2) AC vs non-AC. Apparently the internal AT cooler is provided even on manual cars.

** Correction: It was the '98 R/T aftermarket radiator I was asking about. I was after the dimensions/connections to see if I could make it fit a '96 highline, but didn't find anyone that carries one.

 

^Those are the only options at Napa I know I work there . I would also like to know were to get a radiator for an r/t cause project neon is going to need one in a few months. Are there any companies that make a true high performance radiator or am I going to be forced to make one fit?

 

The A/C radiator should be the larger of the two since it causes an engine to run hotter, mine had A/C if that helps any.[sm=smiley20.gif]