Dewitts Radiator install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
From: brandon florida
Dewitts Radiator install
Will begin my project this weekend, new radiator with dual SPAL fans 
Got a question, there is an aftermarket transmission cooler installed on the stock radiator and was wondering if it is really necessary with the radiator and fan upgrade?
What does everyone think?
Got a question, there is an aftermarket transmission cooler installed on the stock radiator and was wondering if it is really necessary with the radiator and fan upgrade?
What does everyone think?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
If you have an automatic transmission, it must be cooled down. It doesn't matter what type of cooling system you use. The easiest way to do this is to use the internal TOC in the radiator but you could go with an external (air type) if you like, or both.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
We use a Black Gloss epoxy paint which sticks the best to aluminum. I could go on and on about how it is a special formula which helps reduce the heat, and many would believe that, but truth be told no paint can improve cooling no matter what it says on the can. Nor can paint ruin a radiator unless you dip coated it in a pan of paint.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,235
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
We use a Black Gloss epoxy paint which sticks the best to aluminum. I could go on and on about how it is a special formula which helps reduce the heat, and many would believe that, but truth be told no paint can improve cooling no matter what it says on the can. Nor can paint ruin a radiator unless you dip coated it in a pan of paint.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
For normal driving it is not necessary and with A/C I don't know where you would put it (the condenser is already there).
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Basic heat transfer principles state that a 'black body' will transfer heat faster than any other surface. Ideally, that would be a flat black surface...without any paint thickness for a boundary layer. That isn't really possible, so a black oxide coating would probably be better than paint...but this isn't practical. So, a thin coating of black paint is probably the most practical alternative. You can choose the 'sheen' that you like; theory would say that 'flat is best'. But the difference in actual heat loss from a gloss black or a flat black radiator may not be significant. Maybe Mr. DeWitt can do a heat rejection test on identical radiators painted differently to wise us up?
