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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Air scoop for bottom of radiator

Per some of this group's earlier postings, I measured carefully and had a sheet metal shop fabricate a duct to seal the bottom of my radiator (I have the extended type that hangs down to the bottom of the x-member) to the rear of the valance (CB car, standard valance with the two holes in it). I put it on and voila, no more overheating at idle/heavy traffic (it stops 1/4 of the way between N and H now, instead of going up and up). Phew. Makes no difference at speed; only at idle/stop & go. Why does this work so well? I can't figure it out. Anyhow, spend the $30 and get one made, for sure.
Rich Bain

Thanks for the tip, Rich. Someone else has gotten good results on that too, I recall. I can feel confident that's time well spent when the time comes.
Regards, Joe
Joe Ullman

Hello Rich, sounds very good, I have the same Problem, engine is overheating at idle in heavy traffic.
Can you make a picture from the duct to give us an idea how this looks and how it sits between cooler and front valance?
Thank you very much for your help.
Thomas
Thomas Assmann

The reason that panel helps is because at speed your car moves past the hot air that goes through the radiator and at idle the air that goes through the radiator can cycle under the radiator and reenter. Each cycle of that air it is hotter not only because it has passed through the radiator, but also because header heat is also cycling around. Sealing the radiator to the valance panel moves the air source farther from the hot engine compartment.
George Champion

You may be interested to know that the RV8 has one of these as standard. In plastic and a complete panel listed under part number ZKC 6634. However last time I had any dealings with an RV8 wanting one they were NLA. However this does help promote the effectiveness of the principle of ducting air here.

Rog
Roger Parker

I have mentioned before on this BBS how effective I have found ducting the vaalnce holes to the lower portion of the radiator-you can see my version at:

www.mgcars.org.uk/v8_conversions

Definitely worth it.

JB
John Bourke

The stock B has a panel behind the radiator that seals the raciator back to the crossmember. This performs the same general purpose as well as forcing air to pass the sides of the engine and exit rather than swirling in the engine bay.

Thank for the ideas guys, I will likely incorporate all thses things to make sure I have no problems..
Larry Embrey

This thread was discussed between 13/10/2001 and 16/10/2001

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