metro rad

[Mark D]

Hi all

Have any of you used a metro rad in a round nose vtec conversion. I've found the honda rad fitted by watsons isnt upto the job when pushed hard or used in hot weather. I was wondering if you've had to cut any of the front away to get in in and any other tips would be great.

FAO FBM-Spec
Another job you could end up with Chris

Mark D

[Minimivic]

Its interesting that the Honda rad is adequate for the Honda but when in a mini its not upto the job.

I havent had my car in hot weather yet so can't comment, but I'm using a standard VTi rad and havent had any problems yet. Started driving it in September so a few hot days were left.

I would need a very thin rad that has a curve on it to follow the front panel of the mini (I believe that someone on here has curved a rad).

I'll cross that bridge when i get to it.

[Mark D]

Yeah, FBM-Specs rad is curved but that was naturally curved to the shape of the tree that the metro had hit. Hes also cut the front panel away which i want to avoid.

The other thought about the overheating is maybe the mapping is wrong and thats causing it to run hot, im using a dta system

Mark D

[VTEC]

I have a metro rad in mine. Its not bad at all, but i do have to use the heater in the car in very hot weather, or when doing track days.

The only time the car has overheated was on a rolling road, which was sorted by using an extra fan pointed at the car.

The front panel has been slightly cut away at the bottom (about 10mm) behind the grill, just to fit the electric fan in. It is possible to get a custom rad built in the same shape as the metro rad, just a few inches taller. Thats what i am planning to do as soon as i put the engine back in.

[Mark D]

yeah thats what i have to do in mine, it sounds as if the metro rad isnt going to be a lot better then considering all the hassle in fitting it

[TonyWells]

i fitted a switch to bring the fan on before the engine gets too hot. it helps cos mine only get hot in traffic so if you turn the fan on as soon as you stop it will take longer to over heat.

not an ideal solution but it helps