I talked to Tom over at Ron Davis Radiators to find out what they thought about switching my radiator to an aluminum one. Here is what I presently have:

Note: This is a drag car only!


3 core copper radiator overall dimensions 30"x19", 16" hi-perf electric fan, no shroud, CSI electric water pump.

In 90°+ weather the water temperature was around 220° on the return road back to the pits. It would then take at least 15 minutes to get the thing back down to 170°

Here is there response: Since it is a drag car only, he recomennded a single core 1.25" pipes double pass unit that measure 25" x 16" overall. With fan and shroud the price is $589.00. He mentioned that this is the perfect set-up for a drag car, 1 because it is a small unit it weighs less, 2 the aluminum will allow the motor to run a lot cooler, and 3 because it is only single core it will only take 2-3 minutes to cool 20° which means I can cool to 170° in approximately 5-8 minutes if it still runs at 220°

Here are my questions:

1. Is it possible for a single core (1.25") double pass 25"x16" aluminum radiator to maintain a lower temperature than a 3 core crossflow 30"x19" copper radiator?

2. If so, what kind of temperature drop can I expect?

Sorry for the long post :(

i don't know about your setup but on my blown 509 they hit it right on the head,there radiator cooled my car 20-25 cooler driving on the street then my old aluminum radiator.

Mike,

I can't offer any advice about that particular radiator. However, I run a two 1.125" row Griffin radiator in my car with a CSI electric pump, twin puller electric fan and a medium sized water restrictor. My engine never goes above 200 degrees even when idling in the Georgia heat for 10 or more minutes without moving. Between rounds I use my electric pump and fan to cool the car down. I can drop 30 degrees in under 5 minutes on a hot day, often 40 or more. The downside is that between the radiator, overflow and engine my cooling system holds nearly 4 gallons. When I bought the Griffin radiator it was a total street car so I wanted maximum cooling.

I would think the radiator you're describing would be the best of both worlds, less weight and good cooling.

When you say "no shroud" on the current system, does the electric fan not have any sort of box or seal to the radiator? If not, this may be most or all of your cooling problem. IMO would be worth fabbing up some sort of shroud to get the fan to pull better and direct the cool air at the engine.

HTH.

kjett,

yeah...It is this fan, no shroud just brackets mounting it to the radiator supports.
http://www.perma-cool.com/Catalog/CatImages/PG17-L2.gif

This is the piece I was looking into buying $589.00
http://www.rondavisradiators.com/1130-1.gif

That's a pretty trick looking piece. I would say try the shroud route first if it's not a huge hastle and if that doesn't work go for it!

Try Northern Aluminum Radiator.

They make Summit's house brand and is a good buy, imho..

I bought one for my 496 for my First Gen. car but it's not on yet.

pdq67

I really don't know much about aluminum radiators in street cars, but I will say I've known Ron Davis for 20 years or so, used to be in his shop a lot back when it was just a radiator shop. He's a quality guy who has always produced a quality product. I'd trust his recommendation completely and have many times. He always took good care of the racers and rodders around Phoenix.

Tom

cant help on that set up. but i have used 3 of his radiators and love them. ive also used griffin and summit brand. i def prefer rons