Recommendation for new core in original 1967 Austin Healey radiator

[dmorris1]

I'm restoring a 1967 original BJ8 radiator and want to get as much cooling as possible. What core would you recommend and where can you buy it to fit an original radiator.
David

 

[BJ8Healeys]

I just took my stock radiator to a reputable radiator shop (North Raleigh Radiator) and had them install a core with more tubes and more fins to fit the radiator. They have their own sources for the core. Doing this was the major thing that fixed my "overheating" issues, but I think installing a 190-deg. sleeved thermostat also helped.
If you are restoring the radiator yourself, then the radiator shop can advise you on where to get the core.

 

[Keoke]

I Think these uprated cores as defined by David are referred to as serpentine cores.

 

[vette]

Yep, took mine to a local shop and they installed a 4 row core. Works great. Last year I installed a high perf 383 cu in engine in my 1970 Vette. I took the radiator to the same shop and told them I was concerned about keeping things cool. They said they could put a 5 row core in it. I said go for it. Dang thing keeps it too cool. Runs around 170 * A good local radiator shop can build you anything you need.

 

[Randy Forbes]

At the time I did mine__don't ask, had to be >35 yrs ago__it was referred to as a "competition TX core."

Essentially, you're looking to get the most fins per sq/in that they can fit within the fore/aft depth of the stock tanks. All the recored ones I've seen have had four (4) rows of tubes (I've seen OE MKIII radiators with 3-2-3 staggered rows of tubes).

The radiator shop guy will know what you want, when you explain that you NEED the maximum amount of heat-transfer/surface area available within the confines of your OE tanks and sides.

Here's a truly 'orrible stock MKIII 3-2-3 rad:

I replaced it with this:

 

[TimK]

I also went to a local radiator shop and asked for a re-core. Their core supplier had the Healey radiator core as a standard item and had a 14 fins/inch version -- which is the one I got. My old core was 12 fins/inch and 1/3rd or more of the tubes were clogged with a clay-like substance. The new core is the stock 3 rows of tubes. It works great.