Ron Davis radiator vs. Dewitts
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 2
From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Ron Davis radiator vs. Dewitts
Does anyone have any information to suggest that the Ron Davis radiator would cool a motor better than the Dewitt's radiator?
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
All I can say is the Ron Davis radiators have cooled the badest machines we can build. Hot days at the track, no problem. Traffic, AC on, no problems. I guess this didn't really answer your question.
Randy
Randy
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 2
From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Originally Posted by Randy@DRM
All I can say is the Ron Davis radiators have cooled the badest machines we can build. Hot days at the track, no problem. Traffic, AC on, no problems. I guess this didn't really answer your question.
Randy
Randy
"AlohaC5" Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 44
From: Madison, AL
I installed the DeWitts Radiator w/ 160 T-stat and noticed a significant reduction in water and oil temperatures. I'm very pleased with the quality and that it's a "direct fit" for stock. Plus the price is better and they support this forum!
Last edited by Gray Ghost GS; Jun 8, 2005 at 11:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 2
From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
I have a Dewitt's now, and I like it, but it's just not keeping the motor as cool as it used to now that I have twin turbos on the car. It seems there are a few guys running around with the Ron Davis and modified setups like mine that keep their coolant temps pegged to the thermostat, but I'm not sure if they are the exception or the rule.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I just pulled the trigger on one of those Davis radiators with the engine oil cooler built in... I sure hope it works because Man was it expensive, however if it does its job and protect my motor .. it will be worth it.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Originally Posted by diynoob
Does anyone have any information to suggest that the Ron Davis radiator would cool a motor better than the Dewitt's radiator?
I can answer that question! Neither is better...they're the same. You see, they both use two rows of one inch wide tubes, the same height fin, and furnace brazed cores without epoxy.
Ron Davis radiators tend to cater more to the hard core racers that run track and high speeds. They standardize on fin spacing of 18-20 fins per inch (fpi) when the industry standard is somewhere between 11-14 fpi. While 20 fpi works great at 100mph, it doesn't work real well at cruising speeds because of the density of the core.
The Ron Davis radiator cost a lot more than ours, they have fabricated tanks (box) and we use custom made press-formed tanks. We also offer a superior 7 plate engine oil cooler, built off-set, so it doesn't block the coolant flow. Ron Davis doesn't pay the light bill on the Forum either, we do.
So if you want to spend a little more money and exceed all federal speed laws, the RD radiator is the way to go!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Great info.. Wish I had that info earlier. I am going to check with my installer and see if my order can be canceled. It appears your product will be more in line with my use rather than a Davis radiator plus I always whenever possible make my purchases from a supporting vendor.-O'Neal
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,469
Likes: 716
From: Black Forest CO
Your radiators are now available with an oil cooler? I missed that on your web site. What is the upcharge over the standard radiator?
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
I can answer that question! Neither is better...they're the same. You see, they both use two rows of one inch wide tubes, the same height fin, and furnace brazed cores without epoxy.
Ron Davis radiators tend to cater more to the hard core racers that run track and high speeds. They standardize on fin spacing of 18-20 fins per inch (fpi) when the industry standard is somewhere between 11-14 fpi. While 20 fpi works great at 100mph, it doesn't work real well at cruising speeds because of the density of the core.
The Ron Davis radiator cost a lot more than ours, they have fabricated tanks (box) and we use custom made press-formed tanks. We also offer a superior 7 plate engine oil cooler, built off-set, so it doesn't block the coolant flow. Ron Davis doesn't pay the light bill on the Forum either, we do.
So if you want to spend a little more money and exceed all federal speed laws, the RD radiator is the way to go!
Ron Davis radiators tend to cater more to the hard core racers that run track and high speeds. They standardize on fin spacing of 18-20 fins per inch (fpi) when the industry standard is somewhere between 11-14 fpi. While 20 fpi works great at 100mph, it doesn't work real well at cruising speeds because of the density of the core.
The Ron Davis radiator cost a lot more than ours, they have fabricated tanks (box) and we use custom made press-formed tanks. We also offer a superior 7 plate engine oil cooler, built off-set, so it doesn't block the coolant flow. Ron Davis doesn't pay the light bill on the Forum either, we do.
So if you want to spend a little more money and exceed all federal speed laws, the RD radiator is the way to go!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Originally Posted by VortechC5
Your radiators are now available with an oil cooler? I missed that on your web site. What is the upcharge over the standard radiator?
I am in the market as well and would like the same information. Radiator + oil cooler.
I was sold on the RD unit. Let us know.
Thanks,
Sean
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by VortechC5
Your radiators are now available with an oil cooler? I missed that on your web site. What is the upcharge over the standard radiator?
OT: O'Neal is your car at MTI now? I am having them install a CLB for me Saturday and KooKs 1 7/8 LT and 3 x 3 hi flow cat x pipe next Friday. Jeff also told me about the Ron Davis, I am reviewing all vendor options now such as the DeWitt radiator. Thanks Jason.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 3
From: Plano Texas
This radiator/oil cooler has worked well with many cars that run over 170mph for long periods of time.
http://www.lgmotorsports.com/shop/pr...010401520b68d7
http://www.lgmotorsports.com/shop/pr...010401520b68d7
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 7,121
Likes: 0
From: Vilano Beach FL
Howdy Folks!
I know everytime I've asked a question, Tom is quick to respond - it sounds like there's a good 4 or 5 folks interested in the radiator and/or integrated oil cooler.
Maybe a small price break if he get a few orders at once? ("mini GP )
I know everytime I've asked a question, Tom is quick to respond - it sounds like there's a good 4 or 5 folks interested in the radiator and/or integrated oil cooler.
Maybe a small price break if he get a few orders at once? ("mini GP
)
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 2
From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Tom,
Does your oil cooler still have a 6AN size connection? Have you experienced any pressure drops from use of this cooler?
I've talked to a few turbo savvy shops that do a fair amount of oil cooler setups -- Xtreme Motorsports and Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter recently moved to an oil cooler setup that uses 10AN connections because they were experiencing some pressure drops with 8AN connections. I recently bought a 10AN adapter block from Xtreme Motorsports at the advice of one of the techs who also said that with 8AN connections/hose they were seeing some pressure drops at startup and while the car is running.
I am concerned that a 6AN size connection might not be enough. I think the Ron Davis radiator comes with a 12AN connection for its oil cooler?
Does your oil cooler still have a 6AN size connection? Have you experienced any pressure drops from use of this cooler?
I've talked to a few turbo savvy shops that do a fair amount of oil cooler setups -- Xtreme Motorsports and Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter recently moved to an oil cooler setup that uses 10AN connections because they were experiencing some pressure drops with 8AN connections. I recently bought a 10AN adapter block from Xtreme Motorsports at the advice of one of the techs who also said that with 8AN connections/hose they were seeing some pressure drops at startup and while the car is running.
I am concerned that a 6AN size connection might not be enough. I think the Ron Davis radiator comes with a 12AN connection for its oil cooler?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by houston-z06
Hopefully we will get an answer back soon...I am ready to buy now, agree O'Neal re: supporting forum vendors ..
OT: O'Neal is your car at MTI now? I am having them install a CLB for me Saturday and KooKs 1 7/8 LT and 3 x 3 hi flow cat x pipe next Friday. Jeff also told me about the Ron Davis, I am reviewing all vendor options now such as the DeWitt radiator. Thanks Jason.
OT: O'Neal is your car at MTI now? I am having them install a CLB for me Saturday and KooKs 1 7/8 LT and 3 x 3 hi flow cat x pipe next Friday. Jeff also told me about the Ron Davis, I am reviewing all vendor options now such as the DeWitt radiator. Thanks Jason.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by ONealLaw
Hello Jason, Yes my car is at MTI now.. It is the Black '04 coupe with black out kit and Z06 motorsport wheels. I am getting a 383 stroker with F1R and etc. installed. --O'Neal
I will also be gettting a 383 stroker installed by MTI in the next 4 weeks, I plan on putting the new C5 KB on this fall as well....
if the KB is a no show, it's A&A D1SC all the way
I will check your car out Saturday, I only work 2.5 miles north of MTI.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 3
From: Chapel Hill NC
I have the Ron Davis radiator/o.c. combo from DRM and it works very well. Last year I ran 2 events at VIR where the temps were 100+. During 30min sessions my oil temps never got above 240 and water never above 220. Quality is topnotch.