The Cooling Upgrades & Alternatives category brings together the improvements that extend the MGA's cooling capacity for modern driving conditions. The original cooling system was designed in the late 1950s for the fuel formulations, ambient conditions, and traffic patterns of the time. Modern driving, more frequent idling in traffic, higher-temperature fuel burn, warmer summers, and sustained motorway use, places different demands on the system than those the factory optimised for. The factory's own recognition of this came with the radiator pressure cap upgrade from 4 lb to 7 lb at chassis 71832 (July 1959), introduced specifically to address boiling under hard use.
Four sub-categories are available: Aluminium Radiators, Cooling Hose Kits, Forlife Coolant, and Revotec Cooling Fans & Accessories.
Aluminium Radiators
An aluminium radiator offers improved thermal efficiency compared with the original copper-and-brass unit, providing additional cooling capacity and better resistance to internal corrosion. The aluminium radiator is designed to fit the original radiator position, connecting to the standard top and bottom hoses, though precise mounting provisions may vary between the pushrod radiator layout and the Twin Cam's forward-mounted arrangement with remote header tank. For the Twin Cam, confirm the specification matches the Twin Cam's radiator position and remote tank before ordering.
Cooling Hose Kits
Silicone cooling hose kits provide a complete replacement set of coolant hoses in silicone rather than rubber. Silicone offers superior heat resistance, longer service life, and greater resistance to the hardening and cracking that affects aged rubber. It also maintains flexibility across a wider temperature range, reducing the risk of bottom-hose collapse under vacuum. Kits are typically available in blue, red, or black to complement the engine bay appearance, with all hoses in the set matching in colour and specification.
As with all MGA cooling components, specify pushrod or Twin Cam when ordering, hose profiles and lengths differ between the two.
Electric Cooling Fan Conversions
MGOC stocks two brands of electric cooling fan kit for the MGA. The Kenlowe fan kit is listed in the MGA-specific catalogue as part G111, and includes the fan, mounting hardware, and thermostatic controller, a separate thermo-switch kit (G118) can be added for owners who prefer the sensor fitted into the top hose. Revotec fan kits are available through the wider Accessories range and offer an alternative thermostatically controlled electric fan conversion. Both replace the mechanical engine-driven fan with an electric unit that provides full airflow regardless of engine speed, particularly effective in slow traffic where the mechanical fan's output is limited by idle RPM, while eliminating parasitic drag at cruising speed.
The MGA has a positive-earth electrical system as standard; when ordering an electric fan kit, confirm whether the car retains its original positive-earth wiring or has been converted to negative earth, as the fan motor and controller must match the car's polarity.
Long-Life Coolant
Forlife is the advanced classic-car coolant stocked by MGOC for the full MG range. Unlike conventional antifreeze, Forlife is supplied ready-to-use and remains effective for at least ten years, with corrosion inhibitors compatible with the lead-solder joints, brass radiator cores, and cast iron blocks of classic cars. Full detail is covered in the dedicated Forlife Coolant sub-category.
Ordering Notes
When ordering cooling upgrades, specify the variant (1500, 1600, Mk II, or Twin Cam) and whether the car retains its original copper-and-brass radiator or has been converted to aluminium, this affects the electric fan kit's mounting provisions. For the electric fan conversion, confirm the car's electrical polarity (positive earth as standard for all MGA variants). The aluminium radiator, silicone hose kits, Forlife coolant, and Kenlowe or Revotec fan kits can all be fitted individually or combined into a comprehensive cooling system upgrade depending on the owner's objectives.