Ron Davis radiator question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Ron Davis vs Dewitts for street use only
Considering getting a Ron Davis with oil cooler for my TTi Stage 1 setup. Living in Vegas we get some extreme heat issues and needless to say so does my vette. On a search Dewitt had a statement about his radiator vs Ron Davis. Seeing how i am not into drag racing how reliable are the Ron Davis just for street use in hot climates? Here is Dewitts statement:
One big difference is the fin density. R/D uses 18-20 fpi and we use 11-13fpi. Higher fin counts are typically used for full time race cars that seldom drop below 60 mph. The higher fin density blocks the air flow and it requires high speed to achive maximum cooling. The lower fin density results at good cooling performance during both high speed racing and low speed cruising.
Recently GM engineers tested Visteon cores with high fin density and the results agreed with my statement above. The 13 fpi cooled better than the 18 fpi. More isn't always better
One big difference is the fin density. R/D uses 18-20 fpi and we use 11-13fpi. Higher fin counts are typically used for full time race cars that seldom drop below 60 mph. The higher fin density blocks the air flow and it requires high speed to achive maximum cooling. The lower fin density results at good cooling performance during both high speed racing and low speed cruising.
Recently GM engineers tested Visteon cores with high fin density and the results agreed with my statement above. The 13 fpi cooled better than the 18 fpi. More isn't always better
Last edited by PUREFUN; Feb 18, 2006 at 03:46 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 652
Likes: 16
From: Upton MA
Dewitt Radiator
I do not have any data on the Ron Davis Radiator. The Dewitt radiator dropped my temp about 22*F lower than the stock radiator at highway speed. That is with an A&A front mount intercooler in both cases. Easy install, good fit.
Last edited by glennd; Feb 18, 2006 at 04:27 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 227
Likes: 6
From: Houston TX
Take care
On my TTi Stage 1 the lower output of the Dewitt built in oil cooler jams right into the tubing between the passenger intercooler and the compressor. There is just a few mil of clearance.
There may be a work around but I haven't found it yet. A right angle AN connector out of the cooler does not have the clearance required to clear.
Hopefully the Ron Davis has the oil cooler at a slightly different height.
That or consider a seperate external oil cooler
Good Luck
Dave
On my TTi Stage 1 the lower output of the Dewitt built in oil cooler jams right into the tubing between the passenger intercooler and the compressor. There is just a few mil of clearance.
There may be a work around but I haven't found it yet. A right angle AN connector out of the cooler does not have the clearance required to clear.
Hopefully the Ron Davis has the oil cooler at a slightly different height.
That or consider a seperate external oil cooler
Good Luck
Dave
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Originally Posted by maskell
Take care
On my TTi Stage 1 the lower output of the Dewitt built in oil cooler jams right into the tubing between the passenger intercooler and the compressor. Hopefully the Ron Davis has the oil cooler at a slightly different height.That or consider a seperate external oil cooler
Good Luck
Dave
On my TTi Stage 1 the lower output of the Dewitt built in oil cooler jams right into the tubing between the passenger intercooler and the compressor. Hopefully the Ron Davis has the oil cooler at a slightly different height.That or consider a seperate external oil cooler
Good Luck
Dave
We locate the transmission cooler in the exact same location as the original cooler so the factory lines will line up. If you are talking about engine oil cooling, you can get that on the right side now.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Originally Posted by PUREFUN
Considering getting a Ron Davis with oil cooler for my TTi Stage 1 setup. Living in Vegas we get some extreme heat issues and needless to say so does my vette. On a search Dewitt had a statement about his radiator vs Ron Davis. Seeing how i am not into drag racing how reliable are the Ron Davis just for street use in hot climates? Here is Dewitts statement:
One big difference is the fin density. R/D uses 18-20 fpi and we use 11-13fpi. Higher fin counts are typically used for full time race cars that seldom drop below 60 mph. The higher fin density blocks the air flow and it requires high speed to achive maximum cooling. The lower fin density results at good cooling performance during both high speed racing and low speed cruising.
Recently GM engineers tested Visteon cores with high fin density and the results agreed with my statement above. The 13 fpi cooled better than the 18 fpi. More isn't always better
One big difference is the fin density. R/D uses 18-20 fpi and we use 11-13fpi. Higher fin counts are typically used for full time race cars that seldom drop below 60 mph. The higher fin density blocks the air flow and it requires high speed to achive maximum cooling. The lower fin density results at good cooling performance during both high speed racing and low speed cruising.
Recently GM engineers tested Visteon cores with high fin density and the results agreed with my statement above. The 13 fpi cooled better than the 18 fpi. More isn't always better
The statement is true, call R/D and ask them. They are proud of the higher fin density and will tell you it's true.
I am curious as to why you feel the Ron Davis radiator is a better choice. No, I really am. I'd like to know what it is that people would pay more for virtually the same product?
Is it because R/D is associated with racing? Is it because they cost more, so they must be better? Nicer website? Be honest, feedback is what makes us a better company.
Anyway, I think we built a product that's 2nd to none. Our Direct Fit line is sold through almost every major Corvette dealer in the country. Here's the kind of comments I get all the time.
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Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 3
From: Chandler AZ
I happen to like Ron Davis... and I have built PLENTY of high performance vehicles with Ron Davis products, including my own, that need to survive in the desert. Never a problem and always perform to expectations.
Bill
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver WA
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
We locate the transmission cooler in the exact same location as the original cooler so the factory lines will line up. If you are talking about engine oil cooling, you can get that on the right side now.
Last edited by RED99; Feb 19, 2006 at 09:43 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,876
Likes: 8
From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '06 & '12
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
The statement is true, call R/D and ask them. They are proud of the higher fin density and will tell you it's true.
I am curious as to why you feel the Ron Davis radiator is a better choice. No, I really am. I'd like to know what it is that people would pay more for virtually the same product?
Is it because R/D is associated with racing? Is it because they cost more, so they must be better? Nicer website? Be honest, feedback is what makes us a better company.
Anyway, I think we built a product that's 2nd to none. Our Direct Fit line is sold through almost every major Corvette dealer in the country. Here's the kind of comments I get all the time.
I am curious as to why you feel the Ron Davis radiator is a better choice. No, I really am. I'd like to know what it is that people would pay more for virtually the same product?
Is it because R/D is associated with racing? Is it because they cost more, so they must be better? Nicer website? Be honest, feedback is what makes us a better company.
Anyway, I think we built a product that's 2nd to none. Our Direct Fit line is sold through almost every major Corvette dealer in the country. Here's the kind of comments I get all the time.
Although I think the R/D radiator is a great product, I feel it is a waste of the added expense if you are only a street car. Will it perform? Of course it will, and it will do it well. Tom, sometimes people think that if it costs more, thens its gotta be better. You just have to deal with it. If you intend on doing more racing, then the higher FPI is probably what you need, and worth the extra money. If on the other hand it is a street car, then the lower FPI radiator is what you can use.
Dell (Purefun) you can EASILY buy the Dewitts and be more than fine. Your car will probably NEVER see a track. There is no need for the added expense. People will jump on these threads and give you "Biased" information cause their either trying to chalk up points with that vendor, or volunteering wrong information with no direct knowledge.
Last edited by Jeff @ TPE; Feb 18, 2006 at 07:40 PM.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,597
Likes: 1,714
From: Converse TX
Originally Posted by glennd
The Dewitt radiator dropped my temp about 22*F lower than the stock radiator at highway speed. That is with an A&A front mount intercooler in both cases. Easy install, good fit.
My car runs much cooler with the Dewitt radiator and this is important to me in South Texas as the summers get hot with humidty and it fit perfect in my car 
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 2
From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Originally Posted by AMERICAN_HP
Dell (Purefun) you can EASILY buy the Dewitts and be more than fine. Your car will probably NEVER see a track. There is no need for the added expense. People will jump on these threads and give you "Biased" information cause their either trying to chalk up points with that vendor, or volunteering wrong information with no direct knowledge.
I can tell you once again that the Ron Davis worked fine for me. I had no cooling issues on the street. I understand the concept of fin density and for whatever reason, it didn't make a difference to me. Did my fans run longer or harder to achieve the same cooling on the street as the Dewitts? Maybe, I dunno -- I had a Dewitt's without an EOC and the Ron Davis with an EOC and didn't really notice a difference in engine coolant temps at all (the oil temps of course changed).
So the point is, sure, you can save some money with the Dewitt's. This option will work well if you don't expect to see a lot of track time. The Ron Davis seems to be a better option if you expect to track the car. Either one will work though.
BTW, for what it's worth the Dewitt's was a much better fit than the Ron Davis, which required minor modification to work in the C5.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,876
Likes: 8
From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '06 & '12
Originally Posted by diynoob
Actually, the vendor I bought my Ron Davis from is not in this thread and rarely participates on this site. So I am not trying to chalk up points.
FWIW, I run a BeCool with 0 problems, and I obviously live in some of the hottest tempratures in the country.
I personally think ANY of the big aluminum radiators will work for everyday driving.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 2
From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Originally Posted by AMERICAN_HP
Please dont misunderstand what I said. I should clarify my statement. It is directed towards a few guys here who do noothing but ride the coat tail of a few vendors. NOT you or the "Crazy Bunch" of the F/I section.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by AMERICAN_HP
Please dont misunderstand what I said. I should clarify my statement. It is directed towards a few guys here who do noothing but ride the coat tail of a few vendors. NOT you or the "Crazy Bunch" of the F/I section.
FWIW, I run a BeCool with 0 problems, and I obviously live in some of the hottest tempratures in the country.
I personally think ANY of the big aluminum radiators will work for everyday driving.
FWIW, I run a BeCool with 0 problems, and I obviously live in some of the hottest tempratures in the country.
I personally think ANY of the big aluminum radiators will work for everyday driving.
Besides, if you live in vegas then alot of driving will be stop and go. You'll need to get as much air across it as you can.
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