Radiator for Bugeye with 1275

[pbraun]

I got a 1275 for my bugeye, but the radiator from the 948 was really beat up - lots of ugly work, etc... and I want to replace it maybe with a nice aluminum radiator. I am worried about fitting one, and which one to choose.

Suggestions or advice welcome! Thanks!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

On ebay there are aluminum radiators that are made in china. There is a three row version. I have installed one in my car and one in another person's bugeye. They are a drill/file to fit application, but so far they have been working well. Mine cools my 1275 superchagered bugeye.

 

[bugedd]

I'm all about USA made stuff with a warranty. Check this one out.
https://wizardcooling.com/1958-1960...MI4PyKub2B1QIVQxppCh0cDAZWEAQYASABEgLB7vD_BwE

 

[Trevor Jessie]

No doubt, that wizard cooling radiator looks well made. It simply didn't fit in my budget at the time.
Do you have one in your car? Did it fit without issues?

 

[pbraun]

I like the looks of that wizard set up. Bugeyeguy does have something similar at about 100 bucks less. Somehow seems more attractive to me.

https://bugeyeguyparts.com/collections/cooling-system/products/aluminum-radiator

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I do not know anything about the radiator that bugeye guy sells, but it looks very similar to my ebay special.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

BTW, bugeye guy claims that aluminum transfer heat better. Better than what? It is actually less efficient at conducting heat than copper. However, because of its strength the cores of aluminum radiators can be designed to cool more efficiently than many copper core radiators.

 

[nomad]

Trevor, being in Louisville with a rad that will cool a supercharged engine is saying something! Is that at speed on the freeway? 100 degree's plus??

Kurt.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Definitely keeps it cool at speed. Last weekend I ran between 70 and 75 mph in sunny 90 degree weather for about an hour and it never got above 185. Even at stop lights. the electric fan would kick in at 190 and the car would never reach 195.

Since installing the aluminum radiator the car has not hit 195. Even in stop and go traffic in 95 degree august weather. When the car had a reproduction "stock" radiator it would regularly hit 205 in similar conditions. Prior to that radiator I had a recored 3-row radiator that worked almost as well as the aluminum at speed, but suffered in stop/go traffic.

 

[BlueMax]

I like my Serick Motor Sport. It's a single row with an 11" Spal electric puller fan. I run a 1380 with many mods.

https://www.serckservicesmotorsport...e-aluminium-radiator-803844-187508-733174.php

 

[pbraun]

The Serick Motor Sports unit is interesting, but at 365 pounds sterling plus shipping, why not go with the bugeye guy piece that looks very similar.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Looking similar does not make the radiator perform similar. There are a multitude of different cores that could be used in these. The gauge of aluminum, the type of connection between the core and the tank, the tank design, the type of radiator cap, drain plug, temp fitting, and general quality control.

The Serick unit is obviously a bespoke item and no doubt they would stand behind their work. I'm guessing wizard cooling would also stand behind their work. An ebay special is just that and nothing more. I have no idea about "bugeye guy" radiator. If I had to guess I would say that he is selling the same radiator that you see on ebay that he has already drilled and filed to fit. But I'm just guessing.

 

[pbraun]

This is a tough decision I need to make. Quality of construction is difficult to determine over the internet. Not all specs are called out for each radiator.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

This is the one I have used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ALUMINUM-R...ash=item4d5e9cd34b:g:4T8AAOSwR5dXRR2p&vxp=mtr

I think it was a bit cheaper when I purchased them. They look nice, but are no work of art. They do require drilling the mounting holes and possibly filing some edges and corners. The drain plug is plastic, but you could replace it with a stopcock.

I purchased it because I was low on funds and time. I was pleasantly surprised. Not craftsman quality, but certainly not a hack job either.

 

[Gerard]

There is also the Speedwell unit. More expensive, but American made and top notch.

https://www.speedwellengineering.com/engine/speedwell-aluminum-radiator/

 

[BlueMax]

Yes, my Serick was a bespoke radiator as well it incorporated turbulators to in enhance its efficiency. I needed the core moved as far forward as possible in order for the 11" fan to clear the steering rack. As well I needed the temperature bung larger for the thermo fan switch to go. No fiddling was required, bolted right in and the quality of craftsmanship was a work of art!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

BTW, It is possible to fit a 10" fan behind a stock radiator. It just needs be low profile.

 

[BlueMax]

Yes, I knew the 10" would work but felt that the 1380 would need the extra CFM's...

 

[HealeyRick]

No experience with the bugeye radiator but I have a Wizard for my V8 Healey. Quality product that works quite well. It needed to be a custom build due to inlet and outlet placement as well as a shroud that would work with my electric fan and they were very good to work with.

 

[bugedd]

There is also the Speedwell unit. More expensive, but American made and top notch.

https://www.speedwellengineering.com/engine/speedwell-aluminum-radiator/

I think I'd get a Speedwell just based on what they say about their radiators! But they sure have gone up in price, seems like last year they were $500