Ron Davis Radiator/Oil Cooler DIY Instructions
09-19-2011, 06:17 PM
#1
Racer
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Member Since: Dec 2008
Location: Mooresville NC
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Ron Davis Radiator/Oil Cooler DIY Instructions
Does anyone have DIY photo instructions for a Ron Davis radiator/oil cooler install? I'm debating wether to try it myself or take to a shop.
09-19-2011, 08:24 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
Please send me over your email and we can send a copy right over.
09-20-2011, 12:04 PM
#5
Former Vendor
I got my RD from Randy, no instructions, did not need them, not a tough job on my C6 with cooler. I have one from my ex track 02Z06 I am keeping for another project, RD are the best
Rick
Rick
09-21-2011, 09:55 PM
#6
Drifting
My wife's radiator got a crack recently, and since her car is a hybrid race/street car, I chose a RD radiator. Delivery was prompt, and the installation was straightforward.
The only piece I had to change was the drivers side radiator support rubber pad. Since the RD is large at the base, that had to be modified. Some work with a knife and that was it. The AC condenser and the fan assembly clipped in with no issues. I had to detach the external oil cooler from in front of the condenser, but that was trivial. I used teflon tape on the three things that needed sealing, and it's not leaking so far. Really nice radiator. Temps are topping out at 196F when ambient is 100F, under heavy traffic conditions. Can't wait to try it at the track.
The only piece I had to change was the drivers side radiator support rubber pad. Since the RD is large at the base, that had to be modified. Some work with a knife and that was it. The AC condenser and the fan assembly clipped in with no issues. I had to detach the external oil cooler from in front of the condenser, but that was trivial. I used teflon tape on the three things that needed sealing, and it's not leaking so far. Really nice radiator. Temps are topping out at 196F when ambient is 100F, under heavy traffic conditions. Can't wait to try it at the track.
09-22-2011, 01:10 PM
#7
Tech Contributor
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I installed an RD radiator in two C5s. Here are the main issues I had. 1) Getting the radiator fan shroud off the radiator. You have to lift it and slide it backwards or remove it. This turned out to be a PIA due to the amount of space. Either it was getting caught on the alternator or the big wiring harness on the passenger side. Doable but as I said a PIA. 2) The RD radiator is slightly larger than the stock radiator where it mounts in the radiator support bracket. I had to trim the stock rubber insulators to get the radiator to fit. The passenger side insulator that goes around the drain on the stock radiator has too small of a hole in it for the RD radiator so you need to enlarge the hole and make sure the insulator slips onto the stud all the way to the base of the tank. 3) Same goes for rubber insulators in the radiator cover. The cover will be pushed slightly higher and you won't get as good of a seal where it is supposed to interlock with the shroud.
While you are in there make sure the foam seals between the condenser and the shroud are in good condition and not pushed out. Most likely they are pushed out. On both of my C5s the seals were pushed out before the cars were a year old.
Bill
While you are in there make sure the foam seals between the condenser and the shroud are in good condition and not pushed out. Most likely they are pushed out. On both of my C5s the seals were pushed out before the cars were a year old.
Bill
09-22-2011, 09:57 PM
#8
Racer
What is the best replacement for the foam seals? new OEM part or some other DIY solution?
09-23-2011, 10:10 AM
#9
Drifting
The foam seals probably do not need to be replaced unless they have deteriorated and are falling apart. Mine were pushed in (rather than out). I just reglued them with some high temp silicone.
Also, if you have long tube headers and are trying to installed the engine oil cooler it is a very tight fit getting the oil cooler line adapter tightened in place at the oil filter area.
Overall the job is not confusing and does not require special tools or knowledge, just time and patience.
I love my RD radiator w/ EOC. Water temps stay below 200ish, oil stays cool too.
Dog
Also, if you have long tube headers and are trying to installed the engine oil cooler it is a very tight fit getting the oil cooler line adapter tightened in place at the oil filter area.
Overall the job is not confusing and does not require special tools or knowledge, just time and patience.
I love my RD radiator w/ EOC. Water temps stay below 200ish, oil stays cool too.
Dog
