Who's got the bad boy radiator?

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Well, my LT1 is a bit much for the tired stock radiator, and plan to upgrade it asap.

Wanted to inquire who's got the highest cooling radiator in our market? I know Downey Off Road's got a really nice "modded" radiator for the 350 transplants, but want to make sure its the solution. I dont want a basic replacement!

 

[Bret]

How much fab do you want to do? If you want the maximum cooling capacity you may be able to fit more surface area than any of the drop in aluminum ones. The radiator will likely cost less but you will need to fab mounts.

 

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Let me clarify...it should be a "drop in" replacement. I have a full GTAW Miller system, but am not going to put a bunch of time into fabbing it. Besides, I'm sure there are others who would like the same. Thanks!

 

[FZJ80ismybaby]

man-a-fre

MAF Aluminum Billet Radiators

 

[mrlocksmith]

man-a-fre

MAF Aluminum Billet Radiators

I put one in and BOY does it do the JOB!!!!

In the central CA valley this summer I was in 105F heat, going on the highway at 75MPH (H55F) w/AC on and my mechanical temp guage never went over 203F, My '60 allways ran hot on the freeway before I put the MAF in. You might get it cheaper direct from Ron Davis Rad. That is who makes it.

Be sure to get a new rad cap as you old one wont work, and get an extra drain plug.

It is almost a direct bolt (you wont need to drill any holes) in except you will need some bolts/nuts as the old rad has some mouting studs and the new one does not. (I forgot where, for the rad or the shroud, I'll have to look)

Mark

 

[MANUCHAO]

I got one from downey... it was pricey but it does the job wonderfully....
My engine runs at 198°F on the steepest of grades..

The rad I got also has built in tranny hook ups....and both spouts are on the pass side...

 

[Elbert]

I got the one from Man-a-fre too. Nice.

 

[FZJ80ismybaby]

lets get some pictures of these radiators in action, wanna know what to expect with it, looks and functionality

 

[ntsqd]

Anyone with the aluminum radiator had any trouble with errosion/corrosion? A friend has an RD in a SOB (Some Other Brand) and has had issues with the electrolysis causing pinholes in the radiator. No grounding method has had an effect on reducing this problem.

 

[klittlefield]

Alum Radiators

One thing to be sure of with the alum. is to get all the air out of the system. As that will increase the corrosion. Also make sure that it is grounded well as this will help also. I've had the Man-a fre for about 2 years and man do they do the job. I live in AZ and even at the peak of the summer (think 118 in the shade) and driving on surface streets it only gets to about 2/3 of the way up on my stock temp gauge. And it was a direct bolt in for me anyway.

 

[Waggoner5]

I had Ron Davis build mine for my 502. They are also the builders of the radiator that MAF builds. Expensive, but beautiful work and a cool 502.

 

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Well, I contacted Man a Fre, and gave up (again). Wanted to order from the owner since I've had such poor service from them in the past. Was told that they dont need my order that bad.

Called Jim over at Downey Off Road, and he took over 30 minutes to talk with me about all the various aspects of the radiator for my LT1, (steam vent, temp sensor mount, AT cooler, etc). Come to find out, he grew up just down my street here in Troutdale, OR. Insanely good customer service got my $'s. Thanks Jim!

FYI: I was informed that they have ran 650+ hp motors with the exact same radiator without issue. I promise to post a write-up on the install, and results once it arrives.

 

[TemboTusk]

I live in AZ and even at the peak of the summer (think 118 in the shade) and driving on surface streets it only gets to about 2/3 of the way up on my stock temp gauge.

FYI: 2/3 on a stock Toyota gage is about 220 degrees, 3/4 is about 240 degrees.

 

[Tinker]

My Ron Davis doesn't get over 1/2 on the gauge unless I'm slow climbing at 9,000'+. The Contour fan is sitting in my garage until I get a round tuit.

 

[TemboTusk]

Well, I contacted Man a Fre, and gave up (again). Wanted to order from the owner since I've had such poor service from them in the past. Was told that they dont need my order that bad.

Called Jim over at Downey Off Road, and he took over 30 minutes to talk with me about all the various aspects of the radiator for my LT1, (steam vent, temp sensor mount, AT cooler, etc). Come to find out, he grew up just down my street here in Troutdale, OR. Insanely good customer service got my $'s. Thanks Jim!

FYI: I was informed that they have ran 650+ hp motors with the exact same radiator without issue. I promise to post a write-up on the install, and results once it arrives.

When calling Man-a-Fre always ask for Steve O; have never had bad service when dealing with Steve. The owner is an idiot.

But, it is hard to go wrong with Jim at Downey Off Road. He no doubt has the best service in the industry. And, if you were not educated before the call, you will be after the call!

 

[ntsqd]

My Ron Davis doesn't get over 1/2 on the gauge unless I'm slow climbing at 9,000'+. The Contour fan is sitting in my garage until I get a round tuit.

Now you've got one.

 

[Tinker]

NT -
Uh, I think I'd better finish my axles/brakes/suspension 1st. But I'll hold onto the tuit. Always wanted one.