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!