Hi Everyone,
I recently purchased a 76 Clubman and the previous owner has cut away an area under the front bumper (will post pics tonight) to make room for what I believe is a Subaru radiator.

Essentially the section under the number plate and down has been cut away (see attached pic for an example).

I hadn't really thought about it but a forum member mentioned this may impact the structural stiffness of the car? Is there any reliance on the body (specifically that part) for chassis stiffness?

I had been looking to do the odd hillclimb and although I don't expect to be competitive I dont want to run with a bendy car

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Dean

The rigidity at the front is mainly from the subframe that holds the engine. The two holes near the bumper underriders bolt to the subframe, so I don't think it will effect the stiffness or steering of the car. But it would make the front skirt shake around.

Why the change in radiator?

Thank you for the reply!

Not sure why, it was done by the previous owner and there is some bracing for the radiator so its not just hanging.

It seems to drive really well..........great fun!

Well you have space for a front-mount intercooler now...

My only concern is that the previous owner may have put it there to stop an overheating issue. The standard mini cooling system is just fine provided everything is in good condition - this may be covering up a problem. On the other hand it might have replaced a stuffed radiator.

There has been overheating issues, thermostat was busted and plugs popping off the engine

Remote the thermostat for now and everything seems to be running much nicer!

I have an old 1098 that I am hoping to build up for the car in the next few months anyway.

As in your welsh plugs were popping off? That's some serious heat then, and probably a blockage! I'm amazed the engine still runs!

So, the new radiator - does it have an electric fan? If it does and you're still overheating, you'll want to flush everything out (flush with water, then run with a radiator flush and flush again), and at least inspect the water pump and probably replace it.

If there's no side-radiator, the water pump will be a walk in the park to replace.

Yeah the whole experience has made me love the little thing even more! Twice now a welsh plug has popped, the last time we pulled off the thermostat and noticed it was busted.

Radiator does have a fan but its manual and I probably missed it the first time.

No overheating anymore and after a tune the engine seems fine.

If you are popping welch plugs, check the rad cap is the right length for the neck. If too long it won't open, @ 13psi or whatever.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I will also check that out, is this a simple measuring exercise? Just check the length is the same? (sorry I am a bit of a rookie)