Two pass radiators ??

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

Are two or double pass radiators any better than a normal cross flow radiator ???

[70GS455]

No, it takes extra "head" or discharge pressure from the pump to pass through the longer circulation path. This negates any extra cooling effect from the multi-pass core.

[Paul69camaro]

It depends on who you ask and what the application is, I agree with 70GS455 about dual pass having a greater "head loss" however, I believe that it is like anything else on your motor, you need to have the parts to support it. (ex. your cam needs to match the other parts of your motor.) I am building a twin turbo 383 meant to be driven both on the track and on the street. Here is my set-up.
Radiator: Fluidyne dual pass, 3 row (1 inch tubes, believe it's 28x19)
Waterpump: Mechanical, Stewart Components Stage 4
Fans: OEM fans from a 01 ls1 camaro with a DC speed controller
With a 160 degree thermostat, the fan controller set at 164, my car will idle all day at 164 plus or minus a few degrees in warm weather. I was told by many people that with my radiator and fan combo, that it would run hot at low speeds, but that has'nt been the case. (to be honest with you my fans are barely even run.) Now I am not saying that a dual pass is better no matter what, I am just saying that for certain applications and with the right supporting system parts a dual pass works great.

Paul

[CarlC]

Mine is hilariously overcooled and has no exotic parts.

[porschev8]

Yes they do work better, but I can only speak for our products.
I recommend using a double pass 99.9% of the time.... racing OR street applications.
I literally have THOUSANDS of customers across the country using our double pass radiators in just about every application you can imagine. Everything from V8 Choppers (http://www.v8choppers.com) to Blown '65 Mustangs (http://www.rondavisradiators.com/HELL yes.jpg) and even Helicopters (http://www.rotorway.dk/).
I've not had a single restriction problem due to the double pass configuration.... ever! That includes street applications too!


-Tim

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

Thanks for the feedback porchev8. I'll be ordering one in a few weeks. I have a high flow pump for my set up so flow shouldn't be an issue. If it turns out to be once I get my car on the road I'll change pumps.