• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!

    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

TR2/3/3A TR3 Radiator

RedTR3

Jedi Trainee
Offline
Later this year I plan to replace my 30+ year-old TR3 radiator. I would like to get recommendations on whether to buy the Wizard aluminum radiator or the standard brass unit from Moss. Thanks!
 
I bought the Wizard set up with the fan,and like the way it fit and looks.Also has the bung for fan control temp sensor,no crank hole.It is advertised as increased cooling capacity.It is also lighter ,although that wasnt big issue for me.
TRF is having sale on Radiators,and you could save about $100 over Moss,if you want crank hole.
Have Fun
Tom
 
Is the question on the comparison fair?
I think not.
The 2 are completely different if it is a stock rad from the big 3.

I think Art's article is a good comparison if you are comparing apples of the same variety .
Not for an Al. Wizard hi flo rad versus a stock rad.
I think the decision has more to do with what you want to do and what you want to spend
just my 2¢
 
I don't see any reason to replace a radiator that's in decent shape. As long as the tanks are OK, you can get a 4-row recore w/o the crank hole for around $250-$300. Have the radiator shop add the proper modern neck for an overflow recovery tank, and solder in a bung for a future electric fan switch. And you've saved a bunch over aluminum. Use the extra $$ for some go-fast goodies.

Don't get me wrong; if someone gave me an aluminum radiator, I'd be all over it just for the bling. But for cooling, my recored original Coventry Radiator Works works and looks like new.

Just my opinion, everyone's got one.
 
I'm sure the CA people could point you in the right place to have your converted as Peter says.
Don't know cost wise on this.But check into it
 
I would suggest you start looking for a cooling fan also. If you can find an original tropical fan, get it. The yellow one works well also, but you will have to do some modifying to the mounting. Without some kind of improved fan system, a new radiator will not help enough.
steve
 
I had mine recored locally last summer. I had them put the crank hole in the new one just like the old one and the total cost was around $450. It has been great ever since even in the hot days (as hot as it get up here)
 
Living in what can be hot NoCal... when I rebuilt the engine I went stock hoping that would help keep the heat down. I had the stock radiator recored without a hole... again wanting to keep the heat down. I have battled overheating issues from day one. Have added a pusher fan...which has helped a little. The guys I run with have put in the Alum rads...and they do run cooler than I do. Gil NoCal
 
AS the owner of a Wizard rad for my 3A, I am not sure how much "bling" factor should come into the decision. Once the apron is on, you can't see much of it anyway.....

Just me 2 cents.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd
 
Right, I am not interested in bling....but since it is such a pain to replace the rad in this car, as long as I'm doing it I am willing to spend a little extra if the Wizard rad is indeed better for cooling capacity.
 
Red,

Again, just my opinion based on my experience with my TR6. I have a wizard rad in my TR6 as well. Personally, I don't think that it cools any better than a stock rad in the same condition. In a 6, the aluminum rad does look cooler though IMO.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd
 
Back
Top