28 replies to this topic

[stuart bowes]

the alternative option I'm considering that others have mentioned on here in the past is the additional heater matrix with a little electric fan on it, at least with that there's a couple of options for the location

 

I've actually just realised having said all this we're probably going to have the grille with spots set into it so the fan won't really be an option there anyway

Edited by stuart bowes, 09 April 2024 - 08:57 PM.

[mab01uk]

The original factory fitted electric fan is the neatest and the best and will fit earlier Minis (without cutting a hole in the inner wing) but is expensive unless you can find a good secondhand one like I did.

 

This radiator electric fan was fitted as standard on Minis with the large round hole cut out in the inner wing from 1991 on the last carb models through to the SPI:-

https://www.minispar...29.aspx|Back to

 

 

Edited by mab01uk, 09 April 2024 - 09:50 PM.

[68+86auto]

I have read on here previously that the reason they moved the radiator to the front was simply to pass a drive by noise test. Too much noise was coming out the side.

If you are having cooling issues it is unlikely to be due to the factory design. Make sure your timing and fuel mixture is correct throughout the rpm range, don't just guess.

 

 

If you do want to add an additional radiator you don't even need a fan. In Australia the factory found that the autos needed some additional cooling capacity so they added a heater in the engine bay (other minis had no heater as standard). No fan or anything.

Edited by 68+86auto, 09 April 2024 - 11:25 PM.

[IronmanG]

For me the electric fan made a decent difference. The cowling between the rad and inner wing made a similar difference. Put both on and mine simply does not overheat

[mab01uk]

I have read on here previously that the reason they moved the radiator to the front was simply to pass a drive by noise test. Too much noise was coming out the side.

If you are having cooling issues it is unlikely to be due to the factory design. Make sure your timing and fuel mixture is correct throughout the rpm range, don't just guess.

 

 

If you do want to add an additional radiator you don't even need a fan. In Australia the factory found that the autos needed some additional cooling capacity so they added a heater in the engine bay (other minis had no heater as standard). No fan or anything.

 

This is correct Rover moved the radiator to the front on the later MPi Minis simply to pass the latest 'drive by' noise test regulations in Europe.

 

The Japanese export Minis retained the side mounted radiator with some other MPi features, as the standard fit air con compressor would foul the front mounted radiator.

 

A/C fitted to any MPi Minis is an aftermarket system and quite rare, which uses a bracket that reversed the compressor, so the pulley faces towards the engine, with the back of the compressor facing the wing. Astro Air in the UK, are believed to have made the majority of these kits. (see A/C compressor photos in link below)

 

A/C for 1998 MPi Mini:-

https://www.minimani...r_1998_MPI_mini

 

Back in the day many 1960/70's race Minis used to fit a heater matrix rad plumbed in under the bonnet for additional cooling capacity.

Edited by mab01uk, 10 April 2024 - 07:05 AM.

[stuart bowes]

If you are having cooling issues ..

 

 

not as yet

 

 

I was just asking a couple of questions that'd I'd been wondering about, and to be honest it's just a 998 (with the potential to possibly end up as a 1100 ish) and no real intentions of sitting in slow moving traffic if I can avoid it at all

 

lots of interesting replies and info on the topic though thanks all

 

apologies to OP for taking over but I believe their question was also answered in the process

Edited by stuart bowes, 10 April 2024 - 03:42 PM.

[brivinci]

I love these types of informed discussions! 

Question if I could get confirmed something. I have a UK SPi, still running the plastic yellow fan and factory electric fan in the wing. Was there meant to be a shroud between the rad and wing? Would one have come from new or were these only on early cars? I'd image it could greatly aid the effectiveness of the electric fan as well as keep the hot air flowing out of the engine bay.

[IronmanG]

I love these types of informed discussions!

Question if I could get confirmed something. I have a UK SPi, still running the plastic yellow fan and factory electric fan in the wing. Was there meant to be a shroud between the rad and wing? Would one have come from new or were these only on early cars? I'd image it could greatly aid the effectiveness of the electric fan as well as keep the hot air flowing out of the engine bay.

I don't onow which model they are on but as I said previously and many times on this forum, for me the shroud and giant rubber band were a game changer.

[brivinci]

We are talking about something like this, right? 
https://classicminis...adiator-shroud/

I was on this site awhile back, saw this and thought, now that makes sense! My cooling system is in very good nick, but I am always happy to make it even more efficient! 

[IronmanG]

We are talking about something like this, right?
https://classicminis...adiator-shroud/
I was on this site awhile back, saw this and thought, now that makes sense! My cooling system is in very good nick, but I am always happy to make it even more efficient!

Mine is this 1

https://www.minispar...|Back to search

With the rubber band that goes between it and the rad.
Prior to fitment the gauge went past H in traffic. Fitted the shroud and fan and now it just stays central no matter what. I have manual control over the electric fan but I could tie it into the ECU. I don't really use the fan that much. The shroud made a massive difference. The wing becomes hot to touch which it wasn't as much before.
It's the same as any extraction system. Sealed ducting will be nth times more efficient

[KTS]

if you don't fancy fixing a cowling to the inner wing, this setup also works well for improving the efficiency of an inner wing mounted fan

 

https://www.theminif...ckup/?p=3753752

[brivinci]

As I just had my motor out, and can only imagine trying to fit that back in! Even the fully rubber one that ClassicMinisJapan sells says to take out rad to fit. 

 

LOVE your design KTS! Making it in pieces is a great idea. What are those captured nuts you used? I was thinking, why not use rib-nuts...but they don't sit flush.

[KTS]

As I just had my motor out, and can only imagine trying to fit that back in! Even the fully rubber one that ClassicMinisJapan sells says to take out rad to fit. 
 
LOVE your design KTS! Making it in pieces is a great idea. What are those captured nuts you used? I was thinking, why not use rib-nuts...but they don't sit flush.

They're aircraft fittings - I found a selection when I cleared my dad's garage out

https://skycraft.ltd...68-3-nas1473-a3

If you're interested, a couple of post later in my build thread you'll find the drawings if you want to make up your own set

[brivinci]

I am TOTALLY interested and downloaded the drawings. Really clean looking bit of kit...but of course it is. Your build is pristine!