21 replies to this topic

[johnR]

While preparing my engine bay for the new 1291 with SW5, ported head, lightened flywheel etc I noticed that many of the fins on the old standard rad were bent or missing. What is the recommendation for a replacement for road/occasional track use?

[DeadSquare]

Go for a copper replacement, not alluminium.

[Anthony30]

Most people use a minispares 2 core radiator.

[nicklouse]

before you change get some cleaner in the engine to get an crud out of the engine. then after flushing fit new rad.

[harrythehat]

out of interest why copper against alloy, longevity?

[Minigman]

In all the minis I’ve had I’ve fitted the Minispares 2 core. Never had a single overheating issue after fitting.

Copper dissipates heat better than alloy I think?

Edited by Minigman, 18 November 2018 - 09:11 AM.

[Shep76S]

I’m guessing better heat transfer

[Spider]

Some info here on this topic

 

http://www.theminifo...radiator-fluid/

[Chris.Williams]

There are a lot of cheap alloy radiators out there, they seem to spring leaks for no real reason, maybe it’s the ‘cheap’ part......2 core minispares copper.
The more I looked into it, the more I found this answer, from 850 to 1380 turbos, 2 core.

[cal844]

I have a Fletcher alloy rad in my estate, it doesn't get hot like it used to.

[Midas Mk1]

Thermex alloy rad for me, (think minispares now sell these, british made) .  Minispares 2 core just didnt cut it in traffic (even with leccy fan) on my hot spec 1312 & 1380. 

[Magneto]

Here in the Midwest US where we can have temps over 100* (40*C ) in summer on a regular basis, a 2 core just won't cut it. I've had terrific luck running an inexpensive ($60, shipped) 2 core aluminum Chinese made radiator. I've had them for 4 years now with no issues, and my car never runs above "normal" even on long runs on the highway on 100* + days. 

 

I'm sure it's different in England where it doesn't get as hot as here.

[imack]

I've been very happy with the performance of my Radtech alloy rad.

[mikal]

I have a Chinese alloy radiator in my car (high performance 1293 engine). It coped with the heat in Indonesia for 2 years as well as Australian summers (+40 C on occasions) with no problems at all. There is nothing wrong with a good quality aluminium radiator...

[DeadSquare]

I have a Chinese alloy radiator in my car (high performance 1293 engine). It coped with the heat in Indonesia for 2 years as well as Australian summers (+40 C on occasions) with no problems at all. There is nothing wrong with a good quality aluminium radiator...

 

I fully agree with you.

 

Unfortunately, probably through ignorance and maybe lack of skill, quite a lot of poor quality alluminium radiators have been sold, claiming to be superior to traditional copper ones.

 

What is wrong with the poor quality ones?  The material can be an incorrect gauge or specification, the workman ship is pretty good these days, but if you get a duff one, it means a replacement, and too many of them were made by enthusiasts who didn't know about, or get right, the water / air flow ratio, which they got away with in cool climates or at speed, but under perform in heavy urban traffic.

 

While we are on the subject:-

 

If you have the time, gurgle "honeycomb radiators".  There a couple of jolly interesting videos of an Australian guy making a replacement 1930's radiator.