aluminum radiators

[kcbugeye1275]

My friend John and I this last winter installed SC motors in our BEs. They are a blast to drive but we have been looking at heat issues. Johns is worse than mine, but after all the time and effort, we have made the decision to seriously consider an aluminum radiator. Speedwell has one that they sell that bolts in. Another shop recomended will build one to conform to the one we would ship. Any thoughts and experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Morris]

I have some thoughts, but no experience... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Have you considered some creative ducting to bring more airflow over the SC?

I have heard that a GEO Metro radiator is a near bolt-in swap and it is an aluminum core radiator.

 

[Glen_B]

With the turbocharger and California central valley summers, I'm pretty familiar with intense under-bonnet temps in a bugeye. I got the Speedwell aluminum bugeye radiator and am entirely happy with it. Its beautifully made, fits perfectly, and cools much better than the original. Pricey? Yes. High quality, YES!

Glen Byrns

 

[68Sprite]

On Pops bugeye he bought the speedwell aluminum radiator. It looks awsome and we'll be bolting it in soon.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I'm in the process of converting my '68 Sprite to a Bugeye Bonnet. No temp issues at present but will be curious to see what happens once Bugeye Bonnet is installed.

 

[GB1]

I'm in the process of converting my '68 Sprite to a Bugeye Bonnet. No temp issues at present but will be curious to see what happens once Bugeye Bonnet is installed.

Jim:

I have a 1275 in my BE, with the Original radiator. All is in good working order and I do not have a cooling problem.

Patrick

 

[mccalebr]

I have no experience, yet, so based on recommendations from others I ordered the Ron Davis unit for my '62 Sprite project. I can say that it's well made and will look good when installed. It is a full core unit with no reservoir. I intend to use a 2-4 quart expansion tank with a pressure cap; I've not decided which one yet but like one from Moroso and another from Canton.

The radiator came from Dave at The Winner's Circle: https://www.spridget.com/

Ray

 

[kcbugeye1275]

I actually went to Autozone and got a Metro radiator. If it was all aluminum new, the reproduction has plastic upper and lower tanks and is brass elsewhere. It appeared to be an easy fit, but I'm not going to put that rad in my car. Now, the interesting question, would that raditor have the same cooling abilities as an all aluminum radiator. The speedwell radiator is pretty and expensive.

 

[kcbugeye1275]

8:15 Monday night and I've just talked to my buddy John. He brought up that I should mention everything that we have done to try to avoid the cost of an aluminum radiator. An oil cooler in front of the heater duct. I have had my rad. cleaned, John has had a three row core installed. Both are running the heater box(a little more cooling capicity). We have compeleted the ducting on the BE by adding an isulation(at any home improvement store for about $2.00) you would use on a half inch line for your AC. It makes a nice fit on your shroud and fits very well against the rad. supports. The air in your grill is going through your rad. Lastly, water wetter, John is running a 25/75 antifreeze mix, I am running a 50/50 mix. I am running an overflow tank, John isn't, I think he should add it, but he hasn't. So, all this info, because we need to improve our system, and we'd appreciate any of your experiences. Thanks!!

 

[Monark192]

Which year(s) / model Metro radiator will fit? Has anyone actual done this swap.

 

[JPSmit]

electric fan?

 

[Glen_B]

I did all the things you did, including the Metro radiator. In the end, I felt the Metro looked like sh** and finally got the Speedwell rad. All the guys in cooler climates and with lesser builds will tell you how you shouldn't have a heating problem cause they don't. Well, they also don't have a super or turbocharger. Making more HP makes more heat.
If price is the big stumbling block, the alum. Metor rads can be had cheaply and will work as well. An overflow tank is a good thing. I had to cut away one rad support and fab-up a bracket to hold the 'other' side. I also installed it with a noticeable tilt to clear to bonnet. It did the job well, but as mentioned, it was too bodged looking for me.
As for water wetter, its best used without anti-freeze. As I recall, it says so on the bottle.

 

[kcbugeye1275]

Electric fan. A friend suggested Saldana racing and we think we can get the same rad for less money from them. I do agree and appreciate your imput Glen. Thanks everyone.