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MG MGA - New rad required - 2,3 or 4 core?

Hi all,
As the title suggests I need a new radiator core. I visited the radiator shop this morning and discussed my options, apparently any of the above will fit. It was suggested to me that just installing a 4 tube core would not necessarily improve the cooling situation (1800 MGB engine fitted). I know that others have experience of fitting a 3 or 4 tube core, in place of the original 2 tube one. Would anyone care to share their findings positive or otherwise? Perhaps I should add that I have dispensed with the engine driven fan and added louvres in the bonnet in an effort to help air movement - and that I intend to tow a small caravan, so efficient cooling will be imperative. Thanks in anticipation.
Tony Mitchell

The problem is that you can't fit a fat core in an MGA without cutting the front shelf. For this reason I fitted a 2-row MX core, which is a two-pass core (tube inside a tube) in my MGA, which is equipped with a 3-main 1800. You MIGHT fit a 3-row but it's really tight and I wasn't comfortable with how close my fan would be to the fins. A short nose water pump would solve this problem but the block will require machining (if it's a 3-main) and I wasn't willing to do that do a freshly rebuild engine.

In normal weather the running temps are fine, but in 100+ degree temperatures the car does run hot, and sitting in Summer traffic will take it into the danger zone. Next time around I will probably do the water pump mod and go for a 3-row core.
Steve S

This thread was discussed on 19/03/2009

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