Vertical vs. Cross-flow radiator

[WALTER]

I have the choice of the two styles of radiators to put in the '62' Sprite I'm reviving. Is either one significantly better than the other. I'm not overly concerned about stock and it will have a 1275 engine in it.

Thanks,
Walter

 

[Bugeye58]

Walter, the early 1275 cars used the down flow radiator, and I never had any cooling problems with them. The crossflow requires a different shroud, and you will have to run the crossover tube that bolts to the steering rack, as well as the separate expansion tank. The 1275 had two different water outlets, depending on which radiator was used. The crossflow setup is also marginally lighter.
If you do go with a downflow type, living in Santa Rosa, you may want to look into having a thicker core installed.
Do you have the '62 radiator to work with?
Jeff

 

[WALTER]

Yes Jeff, I have two of the '62' style. I figured I could take them both to a radiator shop to get checked out. If they didn't like one they could go to the next. Have them set it up for the new shallower caps while it's there.

Thanks for the help.

Walter

 

[Bugeye58]

Walter, just for informational purposes, I've got a '65 Sprite, with an extremely built 1098 in it, that lives just east of Lake Berryessa. It still has the downflow radiator in it. I've never had a cooling problem, and you know how hot it gets in the valley.
Jeff

 

[WALTER]

That's encouraging. Thanks.

Walter

 

[Tullamore]

I have a Midget with the downflow and a sprite with the crossflow. The Midget NEVER overheats and the Sprite ALWAYS overheats. The sprite even has an electric fan on it. The radiator may need to be recored but in my experience the downflow works best.