Ron Davis vs Dewitts for street use only
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 03:44 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
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.
"AlohaC5" Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 44
From: Madison, AL
Tom, I installed your "direct fit" radiator in my modified C5 over a year ago, which I track often during the summer, and am very impressed at how much cooler my temps are during the HPDE sessions. Its a significant difference over stock. You build a quality product at a reasonable price! Thanks, Mike 
