Are oversized radiators a good investment for a C4?
Only if cooling is actually the limit. Speedway's view is that bigger isn't automatically better:
| Core | Where it fits |
|---|---|
| 1 row | Stock, light duty; the thin parts-store replacement |
| 2 rows | Worthwhile even for stock engines; good for a performance car |
| 3 rows | More capacity for real power; a thicker core |
| 4 rows | Extreme heat: big power, boost with intercoolers, towing, racing |
More rows isn't always better: each row adds thickness (measure the space, including fans and shroud — thick cores have hit pulleys and steering boxes), and a thicker core is more restrictive to airflow, so the rear rows do less and the fans work harder. You reach diminishing returns.
Before upsizing, check the shroud, fans, water pump and tune — those are more common causes than radiator size.
Confidence: medium — sources disagree or are limited; check the sources below.
Community discussion
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Sources
- Does a Fan Shroud Make a Difference? — Speedway Motors
- Mythbusting: 1 Row vs 2 Row vs 3 Row Radiator Cores Explained — Speedway Motors