Bugeye Sprite Mark 1 and Sprite Mark 2 Downflow Aluminum Radiator for 948-1275 Engine Sprites

BEST SELLER!

This is THE most recommended upgrade we make. Every classic car needs optimal cooling and an aluminum radiator is the best way to get there. If you've ever felt anxiety watching your water temp gauge rise, this product will ease your pain. Run cool! We use these in our own personal Bugeyes as well as the Bugeyes we build. You can't go wrong with this upgrade.

Enjoy lower temps on hot days... and when climbing hills, cruising fast on the highway, or idling in traffic. Works great with 948, 1098 and 1275 engines. You'll wonder how you lived without one!

This is a quality two row radiator with a metal petcock. We've field tested this product in extreme desert heat with great performance! Also comes with the correct 7PSI cap, other aftermarket radiators often come with higher pressure caps that can stress your system and cause coolant leaks. Make sure to add a six-bladed engine driven fan while you are at it! It's easy to change when the radiator is out and will help move more air across your radiator.

Installation Notes:  

• After you install your radiator, make sure to confirm that the top of your radiator is not hitting your bonnet. In some situations, particularly if your car has old crash damage, your radiator may sit a little too high and can dent your nose if you don't look inside the wheel well to make sure you have an air gap between the top of your radiator and your bonnet.
• If you do have this problem, you may need to put a spacer between the uprights and bottom of the radiator as well as a spacer on the top bolts to mount the radiator with a slight tilt so that the nose will close without hitting the top of the radiator. 
  
• When removing and replacing your radiator, there are a couple of other components you should consider replacing while you're at it. These bits include: the radiator hoses (upper, lower and bypass hose), the heater valve components, and the fan blade to a plastic 6 blade; check your water pump to verify it is in good working order (if it is weeping, now is the time to replace it!), and check your thermostat.
• Occasionally there are problems with the temperature probe for your combo gauge not seating well with this radiator, thus causing leaks. We see this on a fraction of the cars we install these in, but if you're a lucky one who is experiencing this problem then you need the temperature probe adapter with the sealing washer. 

Additional Notes: 

Original Bugeye radiators are getting pretty old these days and their cooling efficiency is generally somewhat diminished. Even after a good flushing, the capillary tubes are usually somewhat coated with deposits and so they don't cool like they did when they were new. Air inside original Sprite cooling systems (unlike sealed modern designs) contributes to corrosion and reduced efficiency. Aluminum radiators work better because they offer superior heat transfer.

You'll notice we are not huge fans of electric cooling fans. We have found these to be wonderful for slow speed parades or in traffic but in most cases, they seem to block air flow at speed and REDUCE radiator efficiency. We feel that the best line of defense is the best radiator with an upgraded engine driven fan.

Your Sprite operating temp should run at about 180 degrees (or less). It may climb to 200 in traffic, sometimes a little more. Temp gauges are sometimes inaccurate... the best to verify your readings is with a handheld IR thermometer.