MG Sports Cars

can anyone tell me what radiators are suitable for a mgb gt with a sd1 3.500 v8 without to many mods to be done?
does the rover 3.5 v8 sd1 radiator fit any info would be great thanx

the SD1 is a miss by about 10". The most obvious choice would be the MGB V8 radiator 1973-76(?), but I don't know what year car you are converting. If it is pre-1975, you will have to move the radiator mounts, not a big deal. Any good radiator shop should be able to modify an stock '75 on radiator to V8 spec, moving the inlet and outlets. You might inquire about a heavy duty core for the stock radiator along with the ou/inlet mods..

What Jim said...

In North America, the most popular non-stock radiator option seems to be the early Ford Mustang radiator. You can easily and inexpensively purchase aftermarket versions in aluminum if you prefer. They're tall, so they must be mounted forward of the anti-sway bar. Check our How It Was Done articles and you'll find loads of photos.

If your 3.5L Rover engine is modestly built (i.e. basically "stock"), you may not actually need an oversize radiator at all. The stock MGB radiators really aren't all that small to begin with. Cooling system performance depends a lot on airflow through the radiator core, which you can improve at relatively low cost. Holes in the aprons for RV8-style headers will help a lot when you're moving. Good fans, a decent fan shroud, some ducting to streamline air into the radiator core, etc., can really help at low speeds and in heavy traffic. Everything will need to be in tip-top shape, but you should want that anyway. (For example, don't run the engine too "lean". Don't fail to bleed air from the cooling system. etc.)

Diane,

If your car is 1977 or later then the MGBV8 Radiator will bolt straight in, 75/76 cars require the rad position to be moved forwards as per the factory V8 cars, but the mounting plates are available.

I would suggest that you collect all the correct parts to enable fitment of the engine and gearbox as listed below.

Engine mounting brackets and V8 rubbers.

Gearbox conversion brackets to convert the MGB g/box crossmember.

SD1 to mgb axle propshaft.

MGBV8 Radiator,

Relocator brackets to move the anti roll bar forward to clear the engine

P6 type front pulley, or modified SD1 can be used.

P6 water pump and pulley

P6 alternator cradle and suitable alternator.

All above and more should be available from Dave Vale at V8 conversions 01689 858716 and if you source the parts from him you will know the engine will sit in the correct position and all the parts will work together, no point in making life more difficult than it need be.

A set of RV8 type exhaust manifolds manifolds from MGB Hive. or block huggers but they restrict flow and power.

Kevin.