The absolutely best radiator for a tuned engine

[100BUR]

Hi all as it says on the ti what is the absolutely best radiator for a tuned engine? 100BHP+
No expenses spared
Radtec extreme looks promising
Though expensive
?

[360gts]

MS sell this one (which is made by Radtec)....could be the same one!
https://www.minispares.com/c-ara4441-al ... r-pre-1990
There has been a discussion here before on what is the best. 2 core...3 core...alloy versus copper etc.

[Exminiman]

I think an expansion tank is well worth considering, assuming you have “Roundnose” bonnet, be a bit careful as some rads wont fit under the bonnet…………ask me how i know

[100BUR]

Thanks for the info
This is the Radtec extreme
https://www.radtec.co.uk/shop/radiators ... ide-mount/

[100BUR]

I have an Elf bonnet

[kit of bits]

I’ve used this one on several projects and been very happy with it.
I’ve just opened the box on one I bought about 6 months ago and I’m not sure I can live with the plastic look and shape of the top.
D

https://www.minispares.com/arp1106-radi ... -race-road

[Fanfaniracing]

I have the Minispares C-ARA4444 fitted on my mini with a lot of HP and since I swapped to Weber Carbs and setting them spot on never had a heat issue again. Even with the deleted Fan o the Waterpump.
It's now running on this engine for 6 years without issues...

[wantafaster1]

Mini spares 2 core, full spec engine with thermostat fitted too.

[imack]

The standard Radtec radiator is working well for me on a 140bhp 5 port.
Acid cleaned block, semi dry decked, narrow bladed plastic fan, expansion tank, old Unipart water pump and 82° stat. Heater still fitted.

[Spider]

Factory 4 Core I found the best.

[swifty]

I’ve used the Minispares rad tec radiator , same as the MED one . If fitting in the two piece cowling it’s really tight if you also have the rad shroud and rubber on the inner wing . Also I’ve found that they are not as wide as the Minispares 2 core , so will need a length of steel or alloy to make up the gap if fitting in a 2 piece rad cowling . I used a strip of alloy wrapped in rubber . Images will be self explanatory. That said they certainly keep my mini cooler . … Shirley

[imack]

Weird that your two piece cowling needs packing out with the Radtec rad because mine fits perfectly.

[swifty]

Yes you can see that yours has an extra section on the side of the rad . So definitely different rads . I purchased mine from Minispares last summer . I’ve been sold a wrong un …. Shirley

[imack]

I'd just been comparing the photos myself and realised they're both constructed slightly differently. I bought mine from minispares in 2016.
Mine has that same "box" section on the rear of the rad too.

[100BUR]

Thanks for all the replies info and pictures.

A little context....

I've recently got my Elf home after being converted to SC 7 port head and throttle bodies.

The engine is putting out 125BHP, I've only had a couple of short blast out,as I've had finishing jobs to do and some still to do.

The conclusion I've come to on dual carriage driving or speeds of 50+ with plenty of air keeping things cool the temperature is fine just above normal, but any type of town driving with traffic lights and waiting at junctions the temperature gauge is heading towards hot and my electric fan is kicking in.
I feel the radiator is most probably not good enough now it was OK with no issue on the previous engine spec of 91BHP.,it is the MiniSpares ***** 4442 the two core spec.

If I understand correctly the Radtec radiator that MiniSpares and MED sell are the same, and the MED extreme and Radtec extreme are also the same.

So I'm assuming one of the above is the way forward.
Cheers

[Allen Brzeczek]

A bit belatedly perhaps but I will contribute my experience,I have a 66 S with a lively 1380 motor which I would consider produces some 100+ or so bhp at the wheels.I struggled with overheating at speed and in traffic queues especially in warmer weather but have had no problems since I fitted the Minispares CARA 4442 radiator mentioned.

For info I have no bypass hose, but I have 5 or 6 6mm holes drilled in the collar of the 88 degree thermostat. This time of year the temperature gauge sits 3 or 4 mm to the right of C but even on the hottest days and with some enthusiastic driving it generally sits more or less around the N.