Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: Sick86 on May 08, 2020, 08:55:04 AM

Title: Radiator Hoses/Cooling
Post by: Sick86 on May 08, 2020, 08:55:04 AM
This seems like kind of a dumb question, but I can't seem to find the answer and thought I'd double check. Should a radiator hose kit meant for a 1986-1993 5.0 fit on a 1986 Thunderbird 5.0 SO? Also what heavy duty thermostat would you guys recommend for replacing my stock unit? Mine has worked flawlessly and I've never had any cooling issues, but I'm in the process of tearing my engine down and doing some mods so I thought I might as well buy a new heavy duty one.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Radiator Hoses/Cooling
Post by: mcb82gt on May 08, 2020, 04:20:22 PM
I cant think of any reason the hose kit wouldn't be the same.  Thermostat, not sure.  Cant go wrong with Motorcraft.
Title: Re: Radiator Hoses/Cooling
Post by: Sick86 on May 09, 2020, 04:58:37 PM
Yeah I was thinking motorcraft as well since the mishimoto ones are a little more than i wanted to spend. Anyone else got recommendations on the hose kit and thermostat?
Title: Re: Radiator Hoses/Cooling
Post by: thunderjet302 on May 09, 2020, 05:10:25 PM
The hose kit for an 86-93 5.0 Mustang fits an 86-88 5.0 Thunderbird perfectly, as long as you have manual heat and A/C . The Electronic Climate Control has a slightly different heater hose as it has a sensor for the system in one of the hoses leading to the heater core. The rest of the hoses are identical.

For thermostats I've always run Motorcraft or Stant without issue. 180°-190° is fine.
Title: Re: Radiator Hoses/Cooling
Post by: Haystack on May 10, 2020, 01:44:35 AM
All that sensor does is keep the heater from turning on before the car is warm. If you clip it then you can use the regular mustang style hoses and then the heater still functions perfectly normal, except the heater runs in winter when you turn on the defroster while you se the windows. I consider that alone a worthy upgrade.