Aluminum Radiator question.

S8n · Post by **S8n** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 6:52 pm

whipped wrote:SUCCESS!

Ron Davis radiator #1A-24163 with standard chevy in/outlets, (1.5" inlet, 1.75" outlet) is $239 + 35 (aproximate) shipping.

I probably need new hoses anyways, so that looks like a pretty good deal.

Does it have plastic or aluminum end tanks? Also, is that the standard Fiero size inlet/outlet? If not, are there hoses out there that will work? That's a pretty good price.

whipped · Post by **whipped** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:15 pm

it's 100% aluminum. You can check out some of the stuff on their website, it's high quality stuff. No epoxy used in their construction, which is a major + for me.

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

fiero in/outlets are 1 5/16, so you'll need to find some standard app hose.

Info from fieroguru on his 26" rad install which uses the same standard chevy connections:

Coolant Outlet Hose:
88 owners are in luck!!! Autozone hose #886812 ($11.99) (282 is the large # on the sticker) is a near perfect fit! It has a 1 3/4" end and a 1 1/4" end. The 1 1/4" does need to be shortened about 2", but once done it connects the radiator to the stock coolant tube
84-87 owners need to go hose shopping for something that will fit their application.

Coolant Inlet Hose:
I did not find a complete hose for this one, but I am not done searching for it. However, Autozone hose #885830 ($9.99) is an "L" shaped hose with a 1 1/2" on the short leg and 1 1/4" on the long leg. Cutting the stock Fiero hose and splicing this hose in will make then needed connections. If you still have the plastic fishnet stuff on the stock hose, it will clear the two hose clamps and cover up the splice.

I suspect it will work on all fieros, I don't think 88's are unique in coolant hoses or anything

edit for more info:

Stock upper rad hose

Stock lower rad hose
Also listed as stock lower rad hose

S8n · Post by **S8n** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:49 pm

Is there a benefit then with going with the larger inlet and outlet or is this all he offers? I'm trying to figure out why go big if it has to neck down to go into the colant tubes underneath the vehicle.

whipped · Post by **whipped** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:51 pm

S8n wrote:Is there a benefit then with going with the larger inlet and outlet or is this all he offers? I'm trying to figure out why go big if it has to neck down to go into the colant tubes underneath the vehicle.

the benefit is you save $100 over their custom radiator with 1 3/8" in/outlets.

S8n · Post by **S8n** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 8:07 pm

Ah, that's pretty good incentive.

donk_316 · Post by **donk_316** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:46 am

sooooo..... whats wrong with the "el cheapo" Summit Rad?

whipped · Post by **whipped** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:00 pm

it's a single 1" core. the expensive one is a dual 1" core. I'm all about overkill. :thumbleft:

Fast88Fiero · Post by **Fast88Fiero** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:52 pm

whipped wrote:it's a single 1" core. the expensive one is a dual 1" core. I'm all about overkill. :thumbleft:

I wasnt worried about overkill. It only has to cool a 4.9.... :thumbleft:

The Dark Side of Will · Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:58 pm

Then it needs a big radiator because 4.9's aren't very cool. :thumbleft:

Fast88Fiero · Post by **Fast88Fiero** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:00 pm

The Dark Side of Will wrote:Then it needs a big radiator because 4.9's aren't very cool. :thumbleft:

ouch....no love. :la:

Shaun41178(2) · Post by **Shaun41178(2)** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:01 pm

Does the 4.9 even need a radiator? Do they make any hp to generate heat?

The Dark Side of Will · Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:02 pm

Fast88Fiero wrote:
The Dark Side of Will wrote:Then it needs a big radiator because 4.9's aren't very cool. :thumbleft:
ouch....no love. :la:

just none that you're into :la:

Fast88Fiero · Post by **Fast88Fiero** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:06 pm

Shaun41178(2) wrote:Does the 4.9 even need a radiator? Do they make any hp to generate heat?

I'll let you know when I get it on the dyno. Hopefully it will be soon. Waiting on the weather to warm up.

You guys are just jealous you dont have the balls to drive a 4.9. :bootyshake:

redhot · Post by **redhot** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:09 am

A source for a aluminum radiator

http://pisafierohq.com/mechanical/aluminum_radiators/

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:30 am

Holy shit I'll delightfully pass...$$$

Fierocious · Post by **Fierocious** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 2:02 am

So what was the result of this?
Does it work well?
I just found a crap load of rusty shit in my radiator after I flushed it a few months ago. So I may need a new one. Trying to weigh out my options.

Forever-Fiero · Post by **Forever-Fiero** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 1:52 pm

Ok first thing's first!! Fieros came from the fact. with alumnium radiator's!! No shit its true!! If you dont think so ger a razer and go shave a littel of tha core tobe and see for your salf!! Just dont ger crazy or youl cut a hole!! K. On top of that the water in that car hase to run the whole linth ov the car 2!!! that gives it 2 as mutch cooldown time as in a F.E.C!!! The best thing to do to cool the car better is to open up the flow to the frunt by eather cuting the hood or opening the front end by droping the lip. The point is the onle thing NOT alumnium on the fact. is the plastic end tanks.

whipped · Post by **whipped** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:10 pm

OMGkthx 4 teh info!

(This thread is intended to help those who have maxed out the capacity of the stock aluminum radiator)

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:55 pm

Forever-Fiero wrote:Ok first thing's first!! Fieros came from the fact. with alumnium radiator's!! No shit its true!! If you dont think so ger a razer and go shave a littel of tha core tobe and see for your salf!! Just dont ger crazy or youl cut a hole!! K. On top of that the water in that car hase to run the whole linth ov the car 2!!! that gives it 2 as mutch cooldown time as in a F.E.C!!! The best thing to do to cool the car better is to open up the flow to the frunt by eather cuting the hood or opening the front end by droping the lip. The point is the onle thing NOT alumnium on the fact. is the plastic end tanks.

So do I have to remove the oil pan in order to drill and tap for turbo oil return lines or can I leave it on the engine?

whipped · Post by **whipped** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:55 pm

Bump and a question -

Are any of you N* folks running AC? How does that affect coolant temps? I just bought a brand new AC compressor, and hope to get the lines shortly. I'll have to tear into my custom water crossover because it's blocking where the compressor needs to sit... So.... if the system needs to be drained anyways, I'm considering purchasing that Ron Davis Rad... But if AC doesn't change the coolant temps much, then maybe I don't need it?

Hey....... The "common sense" post above gave me an idea.....

What about installing some extruded aluminum fins on the coolant tubes? It would cool everything down, AND keep idiots from jacking on them!