SVE Mustang Aluminum Radiator Install | 2011-14

In this article, we will be covering the installation of SVE’s aluminum radiator covering all 2011-2014 Mustangs. SVE is known for superior bolt-on parts for your S197 Mustang. In stock form, your Mustang was equipped with a very thin radiator that utilized plastic end tanks. After years of heat cycles and track day abuse, these end tanks tend to crack, causing coolant leaks. To eliminate these issues, SVE has designed a 100% aluminum Mustang radiator that improves heat dissipation to increase efficiency, ultimately keeping your engine temperatures in check on and off the track!

2011-2014 SVE Aluminum Radiator Installation

1. First, you will need to remove the stock radiator from the vehicle.
2. Just as a reminder, it will be in your best interest to have the vehicle on a lift or jacks and jack stands.


3. First, lay the radiator on a clean work surface and start by installing the supplied speed clips. There will be (6) of these on the forward-facing side and (2) on the rearward side. Make sure these are entirely seated and are centered on the tabs.


4. The (2) center tabs on the front of the radiator will be intended for the transmission cooler. Since we are working on a manual, these will not be highlighted within this video. If equipped, the transmission cooler will be held in place by (2) factory 10 mm bolts.


5. Go ahead and take this time to transfer over your lower radiator hose from the stock radiator.


6. Next, make sure the lower isolators are securely set into the frame rail.


7. Set the radiator in place and align the lower isolators to the mounting studs from the new radiator.


8. Align both of the upper 10 mm A/C condenser bolts and thread these into place.


9. Reinstall the lower hose to the thermostat housing.


10. Due to the increased size of the new SVE radiator, I chose to remove the upper hose from the engine. The hose simply comes off by removing the clip and pulling it away from the T-connector located by the water pump area in the engine bay.


11. Now that this is out of the way, we can set the fan back in place.


12. Slide the lower tabs into the provisions on the radiator and then thread in both of the factory 10 mm bolts.


13. Reconnect the electrical connector for the fan at this time.


14. Reinstall both of the upper mounts with the (2) 10 mm bolts on each side.


15. Reinstall the upper hose, starting with the engine side first. Ensure the clip fully seats on the T-connector, then install the radiator side with the factory clamp.


16. Reinstall the degas bottle; this one is also held in place with (2) 10 mm bolts.


17. Reinstall the overflow hose from the degas bottle to the radiator.


18. Reinstall the radiator cover at this time.


19. Reinstall the factory air box or cold air assembly. This will include the 10mm bolt on the fender, mass air connection, sound tube, PCV connection, and throttle body clamp.


20. Under the car, remove both of the lower A/C condenser bolts. These will be held in place by (2) 10mm nuts. You can use a 4mm socket to get this out of place.


21. Heading back under the car, install both of the provided 8 mm bolts for the lower A/C condenser bracket.


22. Take this time to double-check that the petcock drain is tight to prevent any leaks.


23. Now install the lower radiator air deflector. This will include the (2) 7 mm bolts on the inner fender area on each side, (6) 8 mm bolts on the front edge, and the additional (11) 7 mm bolts on the panel.


24. Get the vehicle on level ground and then fill your degas bottle up.


25. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and start the car. You will then periodically check the coolant levels and fill accordingly until all air is fully purged from the system. Verify the thermostat opens, double-check for any leaks and top off your coolant if need be.


26. That's it! We hope that this video has helped you and you have a better understanding of how to install your new SVE radiator on your 11-14 S197 Mustang.