Mk1 radiator on a mk3 spit

[Ye-Gads]

Hi,

 

Was wondering if it were worth fitting a full width mk1 rad in to my mk3 spit?

 

It currently has an after market 3 core one fitted which is too tall for the bonnet and so needs replacing one way or another so 16 or 22 inch is the question

[Clive]

Can the mounting holes be re-drilled to sit the rad lower?

 

I would hesitate to use a secondhand rad, and I think the early rads had less cores too. Overheating is not an issue with spitfires, but if you are getting a new one, then for the small extra outlay getting a full width, 3 core would be my preference, after all it can't hurt. But finding a new one that is any different to the one you have will require some research.

[Colin Lindsay]

I'd agree with Clive on the first bit, if you're buying a second-hand radiator budget on getting it recored. Am I right in that they use the same as the Herald? In that case they shouldn't be too hard to find, but in any of my Heralds I use the full-width radiator and it would be my first choice of the two options.

(Mine was about £120 for a recore with a modern day four-row core.)

[Adrian Cooper]

If you want a full width radiator then the MK2 one would be a direct swap for your MK3 Spitfire. If you use the MK1 radiator you would also need to use the MK1 Spitfire expansion tank too, a rather smart black painted brass tank that mounts above the carbs, as this radiator has another outlet pipe on the inside, just below the filler neck. I believe that this system was changed because it over-cooled the engine.

[Ye-Gads]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

what do you think of a 16" 3 core radiator would this give similar performance to full width?

[Casper]

 

 

 I believe that this system was changed because it over-cooled the engine.

 

Surely, the thermostat prevents 'over cooling'.

i suspect the change may have been to save costs on extra and unnecessary parts.

 

C.