Alloy Radiator which one ?

[Keith in Norfolk]

After many issues sitting in traffic and watching the temp gauge rise to alarming levels despite both fans working i have had enough , i am considering changing the standard rad to an Alloy one hoping this will cure the problem ? question is which one ? i have seen alloy rads for E Types on E Bay from china and other far flung places with different prices etc but unsure of the quality and or reliability ? Any suggestions most welcome.
I

[mgcjag]

What's wrong with your rad....find a local rad company that can dip and flush it....and re core it if needed....note that ali rads can't really be repaired easily. ....Steve ps..have you ever properly flushed out your engine block...and what thermostat are you useing

[caveman]

Hi Keith,
I’m using Radtec alloy radiator and header tank on my S1 and the quality and attention to detail is second to none. I’ve also seen the S3 header and again you can’t really tell the difference when in powder coat. I’m sure the S2 version is up there as well. They are pricey but worth it imo.
https://www.radtec.co.uk/shop/Search?Ke ... senType=21

[DWW]

Wow how and when did radiators become that expensive Probably when a litre of coolant got to £6.40.

[abowie]

I have had a $200 EBay ally radiator in my roadster since I rebuilt it. Works beautifully with the Cool Kat fan.

As above, it's worth trying to work out why you car is overheating. None of my cars overheat and where I live maximum summer temperatures can reach 45C.

Radiators are about heat delivery and heat removal. If your block or radiator is clogged, restricting coolant flow and thence heat delivery to the radiator, you need to address that. Any radiator place can flow test your radiator and backflush your block to fix this.

Water pumps usually fail completely when they fail, but it might be worth checking your fan belt isn't slipping and the drive pulley size in case someone's messed with it in the past.

If your car overheats at rest but not while driving that can indicate inadequate fan air flow. The dual fans on the S2 cars are usually good but it's worth checking that they are working and blowing in the right direction.

[malcolm]

If you go the new rad route, I bought my ally one from SNG - about £800. Always works well.

[paydase]

Hi Keith,
Here is my present, don't miss it, it's the last one (for a 3.8):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193303186794

Not advertised as a Radtec finned alloy rad, but it is a genuine one, at a discount price, I asked the vendor and he confirmed it, the pictures are actually Radtec pictures.
Excellent Marston Excelsior repro and top quality.
I bought one from them last year and installed it in my 3.8, no issue, perfect fit.