Ron Davis or BeCool?

[ENP]

This is my first post to this excellent site. I have a 69 camaro with a 502 crate motor. I need a nice show quality radiator for my car. I am deciding between Ron Davis and Be Cool. I like both setups but I think I can get the BeCool for a lower price. I do like the Ron Davis 11-16CA69 radiator with the overflow tank on top. Has anybody installed this model in a 69camaro? I wonder how the overflow tank looks when mounted. The BeCool radiator I am looking at is model number 82168. I only want to do this once. I want to buy the perfect radiator. I have the march pulley system on my motor so I need the dual fan set up because of the clearance problem with my water pump pulley.
If anybody has any pics or know of any site showing these radiators installed in cars please let me know.
thanks!

[Matt@RFR]

Ron Davis makes the best product (looks AND function AND support) you'll ever find. This is not debatable as far as I'm concerned.

[OHCbird]

Ditto- My RD radiator is the best I've seen. Give Tim a call at RD & tell him you're with PT.com; he might give you a discount.

[Damn True]

Or C&R or Afco?

[ENP]

I looked at AFCO. They have a nice product but their radiator won't work with dual fans. Or at least the 69 camaro model.

[Blown353]

My Be-Cool radiator works well but looks like I welded it myself (BTW, I suck at aluminum welding...)

Ron Davis all the way unless you get a deal you can't pass up on a Be-Cool.

[ENP]

I am now leaning towards Ron Davis. I checked their website and their radiators are unbelievable. Has anybody used their radiator with tranny cooler. I spoke with somebody from RD and they said the cooler inlets will face the passenger tire. The dual fans cover the area where they should be. Has anybody bought this model? Any problems running the cooling line? Also, would I be better off using a external cooler? FYI I am not going to use braided line.

[rocketrod]

None of the above. Contact http://www.alumrad.com/aboutus.htm

[vintageracer]

Make sure that Ron Davis no longer uses "epoxy" in the construction of his radiators. I put a new RD in my vintage race car in 1997 and it was constructed at the tanks with epoxy. The radiator I purchased was a Winston Cup radiator. He built all his radiators that way at the time. I had a lot of problems. Ron finally "replaced" that radiator at his cost in 2003 as it had a lot of leakage issues. The replacement was all welded. The "old" radiator never did run hot, it just leaked and you cannot repair an epoxy tank radiator. I also run an oil cooler in the radiator on the old and new radiator.

I "think" he has completely gone away from epoxy as have most other manufacturers since the technology has changed. NO PROBLEMS AT ALL with the replacement.

Ron will build a radiator to fit "your" needs instead of making something work. On a 69 Camaro this should not be an issue since EVERYBODY builds radiators for these cars! Look for a radiator that fits you needs AND allows the type of fan(electric/mechanical), fan shroud, and mounting etc that meets your needs.

All the seller's have the best radiator made, just ask them!!!

[ENP]

Vintage your right about dealers saying they have the best product. I believe RonDavis website says they use no epoxy in their radiators. Does anybody on this site have a picture of a Ron Davis in their car. I would really like to see how it looks in a 69 camaro before I pay the big bucks.

[speedster]

Both Larry Callahan and Jody have one mounted in their Camaros.

[ENP]

I'm new to this board. How can I get in touch with them. I would like to see a picture.

[derekf]

If by 'them' you mean Larry Callahan or Jody, their usernames on the site are "Larry Callahan" and "Camcojb".

If, on the other hand, by 'them' you mean Ron Davis Radiators, their website is http://www.rondavisradiators.com/ or you could send a message to user "porschev8", who is our local Ron Davis representative.

[speedster]

I snagged this photo of Jody's Ron Davis from his web site. (I hope that's OK with you Jody, if not, maybe I could bribe you with a Horton rendering) The other is not a back shot, but a front shot of Larry Callahan's Intercooler, but you can see the Ron Davis behind it. Both guys are very helpful and know their $#!t.

[ENP]

Those look very nice. I am worried the RD radiator won't fit with my application. Does anybody know if the Ron Davis radiator will work with the March pulley system?

[derekf]

I know that if you talk with Tim (porschev8), he should be able to give definitive answers for your application. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be able to leave clearance for the March though.

[Roger Poirier]

Good info to know. Even though I just have a GOAT. Same info applies.

R.P.

[ENP]

Well I am a proud owner of a new Ron Davis radiator. It should be here in 3 weeks. I will post my opinion when it arrives.

[aonghus]

I have a ron davis on my '68, worked like a charm with about 2" to spare with a long waterpump and a small block...

[in2protour]

I bought a Be Cool because everyone had one on their car. But, if I had to chose over, I would pick Ron Davis.