Radiator: Ron Davis or Auto Rad?

[GregWeld]

I have TWO bad BeCool radiators - both leaked at the core/tank - Must be the PLASTIC sealant they use...

I just ordered and received a Ron Davis... It is a work of art... and his supports CRADLE the radiator so stressing it isn't a factor...

A buddy has the AUTORAD and core support in his 56 -- it belongs in a museum somewhere -- it's the most gorgeous radiator I've ever seen.

I'm now torn between ordering an AutoRad - or sticking with my Ron Davis... probably can't go wrong either way.

[Steve1968LS2]

Originally Posted by pontiac65

Agreed, but If you have a engine (Pontiac's) that likes to get hot, I would trust Rons stuff. They build radiators for BAJA trucks, I would think that would qualify them alone.

To be honest I don't think Ron's radiator cools any better than any other QUALITY radiator of similar size.. Where the RD unit excells is in how it's a work of art. But that doesn't make it necessarily cool any better.

The downside to the RD unit is that it's limited by the opening in the factory core support. The upside to the Autorad is that the overall surface area of the radiator is much larger, so one could argue that it most likely cools even better.. Not due to being higher quality, but due to the simple fact that it's larger.

With the RD you're paying for the attention to detail and craftsmanship. With the Autorad you're paying for the extra stuff (core support, etc) to make the system work. It just depends what you want and I doubt your going to have cooling problems either way.

[Gordz32]

My vote is for Ron Davis, Look awsome and cools great, Had an issue with a fin leaking and they replaced it for free. Great Product, Great Company!

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Steve1968LS2

To be honest I don't think Ron's radiator cools any better than any other QUALITY radiator of similar size.. Where the RD unit excells is in how it's a work of art. But that doesn't make it necessarily cool any better.

The downside to the RD unit is that it's limited by the opening in the factory core support. The upside to the Autorad is that the overall surface area of the radiator is much larger, so one could argue that it most likely cools even better.. Not due to being higher quality, but due to the simple fact that it's larger.

With the RD you're paying for the attention to detail and craftsmanship. With the Autorad you're paying for the extra stuff (core support, etc) to make the system work. It just depends what you want and I doubt your going to have cooling problems either way.

WHAT HE SAID..... just buy the one you want. You're a winner with either one of them.

[ProdigyCustoms]

We have used quite a few Ron Davis, and they are excellent. We had a chance to compare Ron Davis side by side with our set up when a certain famous car was being built in out shop using Ron Davis. Our unit has a nicer finish! Prettier finish on the aluminum, Identical parts list, 3/4 the cost.



We have a full support also built by PRC for use that uses a wider core and 16" fans!

[JamesJ]

Either one will cool your car fine. Nothing more needs to be said that Steve did not say, except dont use brass drain plugs like what are used in the two pictures above......

[Roadster Shop]

I'ld strongly reccomend Auto Rad. We use them in every car that we build. If they are not available for a certain model, or we need something custom, Jim always takes care of us and builds an outstanding radiator. You will not find a better built unit. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is second to none. As far as cooling goes... we put one in a '57 Chevy that was built for a customer in Scottsdale, AZ. We delivered the car to him in August and had to take the owner for the test rides on a lovely 114 degree day. It was definitely not the ideal day to take a 572 BBC out for the first drive with a customer. I was sweating when we got stuck in rush hour traffic for 30 minutes, expecting hte thing to start boiling. The car never got over 200 degrees and we have still never had a complaint that the car has ever gotten close to over heating. We have also used Auto Rad Radiators in our Chevelle's that have endured some serious track time as well as the C1RS Vette.

[cdushane]

Everyone, Thanks so much for all your input and advice. I've decided to go with the radiator from Frank at Prodigy.


Frank, thanks again and I look forward to seeing the "1st" one done like we discussed.

[kfrommer]

I have a 66 Nova Pro Tour car and I wanted something you don't see every day. When I saw the ad from Autorad in Super Chevy I knew right a way I had to have this unit. The quality is absolutely excellent and their service was second to none. I have a Chassisworks front clip and a 427 big block with a March Revolver serpentine system and the space is very tight. Jim at Autorad made everything to fit. The craftsmanship on the whole set-up, from the welds to the catch and the design, is so beautiful that I don't want to put the fenders and grill back on. I will have about $75,000 into the car before paint and interior and the polished aluminum core support and radiator set up will help keep it a notch above others at shows in the north east. I highly recommend this company.

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by cdushane

Everyone, Thanks so much for all your input and advice. I've decided to go with the radiator from Frank at Prodigy.


Frank, thanks again and I look forward to seeing the "1st" one done like we discussed.

If I had a nickel for everytime Serafine used that sales pitch on me.