Cross-flow or down-flow

[Yelcamino]

Which is better and why?

The reason I ask is because I'm in the market for a new radiator for the Chevelle. It currently has a Northern aluminum rad w/ twin 10" fans. In normal driving around town, outside temps in the 80's or so, the rad has a hard time keeping the engine temp under 200*F. I know it's not overheating, but I'm sure the current rad is at its limit. Once I start to push it I doubt the rad will be able to keep its cool.

Anyway, I called Ron Davis to order a new rad (BTW, Tim no longer works there). I told the new salesman (Dennis) that I'd like to go with a cross-flow and he said that would be a custom rad and that I would need to provide all the dimensions for them to build it. Not a big deal, but that means I'll have to take the Chevelle apart to make sure I get the correct measurements. If I go with a down-flow then I won't need to do that.

I know for a fact the Ron Davis down-flow works good because that's what I have in the Elky w/ a/c and it's never had any cooling issues regardless of outside temps w/ or w/o the a/c running.

For simplicity sake I'm leaning towards the down-flow. However, since I intend to run the Chevelle harder than the Elky, I thought a cross-flow might be the better way to go.

So back to the original question... Cross-flow or down-flow, which is better and why?

Thanks!

[6'9"Witha69]

Dual pass? They work really well.

I know, now I'm just adding to the mix.

[Yelcamino]

Dual pass? They work really well.

I know, now I'm just adding to the mix.

Is that available in both cross-flow and down-flow?

[Mike Holleman]

Is that available in both cross-flow and down-flow?

Herb, The radiator in the 66 I'm just finishing is a crossflow from RDR. Seems to be doing fine. It was a special order for me, but it most likely has a p/n now. I can check the invoice to see how they listed it. Has the big Spals(13's)
Mike

[BossaNova]

I went to this page to order my dual pass Ron Davis radiator:

http://www.rondavisradiators.com/offroad.htm

The dimensions are listed. There was no mention of it being a custom order.

Is that available in both cross-flow and down-flow?

[Yelcamino]

Herb, The radiator in the 66 I'm just finishing is a crossflow from RDR. Seems to be doing fine. It was a special order for me, but it most likely has a p/n now. I can check the invoice to see how they listed it. Has the big Spals(13's)
Mike

RDR = Ron Davis Racing?

A part number would be great! Do you have any pictures of it?

[Yelcamino]

I went to this page to order my dual pass Ron Davis radiator:

http://www.rondavisradiators.com/offroad.htm

The dimensions are listed. There was no mention of it being a custom order.

I checked out the link. One of those might be a possibility.

[brans72]

Call Frank @ Prodigy he has a Sweet Radiator ( search on lateral-g Prodigy Radiator ) or give him a call. I am working on my commission check from him lol

[Yelcamino]

Call Frank @ Prodigy he has a Sweet Radiator ( search on lateral-g Prodigy Radiator ) or give him a call. I am working on my commission check from him lol

Wrong year. The one Frank is selling is for '68 and newer.

[ProdigyCustoms]

LOL! Brandon, your awesome.

Herb,

Give me a call, we can do a down flow or a double pass. The double pass MAY work depending on the front drive your runnig.

I am working this weeekend.

[b-man]

One advantage of the cross-flow radiator is the cap is on the cooler low pressure side of the radiator, unlike the down-flow that has the cap at the top on the hot side.

This makes the radiator cap's job much easier, and allows you to better utilize a coolant recovery system.

Take some measurements and install one of the readily available universal-type radiators, they cost around $200. A little imagination and ability to make mounting brackets will get it in your car without too much trouble.

I put a 24" wide one in my '64 Tempest, but a 26" wide one would have fit with a little hammering down at the bottom of the sides where they taper in a little.

[brans72]

Frank maybe you need to do a full post up for the fellows here and lateral-g again on your Sweet Setup from Prodigy. Herb, Frank will set you up with the right deal your in good hands. Brandon

[Mike Holleman]

RDR = Ron Davis Racing?

A part number would be great! Do you have any pictures of it?

From the invoice, item number 1c-cu2819, description, custom 1A-28193DT-2. No pictures uninstalled. After the fire it is black Imron. It is a typical nice RDR piece.
Mike

[Yelcamino]

Frank, stand by, I may be giving your a ring.

Mike, thanks for the info off of your invoice. I sent an email to RDR with the numbers asking for a price and specs. If I don't get the right answer, I'll call Frank to see what he can come up with.

Thanks guys!

[cheapthrillz]

Looking last night at Radiators and I had the same questions.... but I thought of a few more. I don't want to hijack, but its better than starting another thread i guess. Anyhow:

Crossflow vs. Downflow: Answered

Dual Row vs. Single Row: Dual has more surface area for cooling?

Tube Size: Bigger is better? More flow?

Core Thickness: More surface area for better cooling?

Lastly, do different engines require different setups? (Not including 350 sbc to LS1 because of reverse flow) What about Ford 352 FE to a 460 (385-series) engine? Would a different radiator be required?

Thanks in advance and sorry to hijack

[1969CamaroRS]

Really like my Ron Davis double pass, great quality piece:

[brans72]

So Herb which radiator are you going with?

[Yelcamino]

So Herb which radiator are you going with?

I'm still in decision mode. I talked with Bill at RDR and he's supposed to email a diagram with the important dimensions on it for the rad that Mike has in the '66 mentioned above. If he doesn't come through fairly soon, I'll be moving on to Frank and/or PRC. Speaking of PRC, the other day I ordered one of their totally trick oil coolers w/ the dual 5" fans.

[brans72]

If you like trick items give Frank a call not to mention he will save you a few $ I bet!

[Yelcamino]

If you like trick items give Frank a call not to mention he will save you a few $ I bet!

Too late. I just got off the phone w/ RDR and I ordered the same setup Mike has in his '66. It's a double-pass cross-flow w/ two 13" fans and integrated shroud. $800 plus shipping. I think that's a pretty good deal.

Frank didn't really lose out as I'll be ordering another set of Forgelines from him down the road.