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Aftermarket Radiators

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MGBGT_noob

MGBGT_noob

Jedi Hopeful
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I finally got Igor's engine out yesterday.

While setting up for the "main event", I removed the radiator, support, and oil cooler, all together, just like the manual says.

I remember thinking "this radiator looks awful small".

Since I intend to drive this car in Texas, I'd like to know how best to get more cooling capacity into a Mk III (late chrome-bumper) MGB, without resorting to such extremes as retrofiting a Mk IV radiator.

Who makes an aftermarket, or modified stock radiator, that will provide better cooling than the stock chrome bumper unit?

I already intend to replace the engine driven fan with a modern electric "pull" fan.

What have others done to improve the cooling performance of chrome-bumper cars?
 
You can have the original radiator disassembled and install a high efficiency 5-row core. That should make a big difference. I did this in my '67 BGT. I can drive in 110-degree weather and the gauge sits at 190. Even in traffic it doesn't typically go above 200.
 
Brian,

If you do replace the radiator, I would be interested in buying your old one...mine has had a series of holes that I can't seem to stop and I will be ready to replace or recore mine this coming winter.

Bruce
 
Hey Steve,
How thick is your 5 row core?
2.5 or 3"?
I would like to do the same thing to my MGA. Any info, part number etc, you can give me would help since my radiator guy can only find me a 3 core unit.
thanks,
Liam
57 mga
 
I took the old radiator to my local guy, Gary at Bill's Radiator & Muffler in Plano TX (The Best Place In Town To Take A Leak).

He recommended against a 5-row, because it might restrict airflow, and would require tubes so small that they would probably plug up quickly. He told me that a modern "VT" type 4-row core would offer more improvement over the old core than a "staggered" 5-row.

He also recommended going from the stock 10 fins per inch to 14 or 16.

I told him that I planned to install a thermostatically controlled electric fan, in place of the engine driven fan. He endorsed the idea whole-heartedly.

I'll let everyone know how it works out, when I get the radiator back.
 
marinmg said:
Hey Steve,
How thick is your 5 row core?
2.5 or 3"?
I would like to do the same thing to my MGA. Any info, part number etc, you can give me would help since my radiator guy can only find me a 3 core unit.
Click to expand...
The 5-row went into the '67 BGT so I don't know if it would fit an MGA tank. Sorry I was unclear on that. The problem with fitting a larger core in an MGA is that you have to cut down the front shelf. This is why I went with a 2-row MX core in my MGA. It's adequate, but just barely. A 3-row would have been better but I just wasn't willing to cut the shelf.
 
marinmg,

Speaking of MGAs and radiators....

My A was constantly overheating soooo,

I had the radidator in my '57 recored with a double row and have been more than pleased with the result. It warms to 190 and purrs nicely. I drove in a 3 mile, creeping along, Independence Day Parade on the 4th and it never went above 210.... even in the heat of the day...

By the way, I also added a radiator shroud that I bought from Moss.
 
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