New radiator install

[secondchance]

Since I went to 380 CID on hot 98 degree DC weather, stop and go traffic with AC on, coolant temp would start to climb beyond 225 at which point I would shut off the AC and coolant temp would hover between 220-225. Also, having dealt with three OEM radiators cracking, it was high time to try aftermarket hi-performance option.
Knowing quite a few ZR-1 guys are running Ron Davis or Fluidyne, I thought I would try a Dewitt unit. This is a direct fit, dual core unit and visual inspection confirmed quality construction.

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu303/byongyun/Radiator%201_zpscygustdc.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/byongyun/media/Radiator%201_zpscygustdc.jpg.html)

Note difference in thickness of the unit compared to OEM radiator.

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu303/byongyun/Radiator%202_zpstgvucjll.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/byongyun/media/Radiator%202_zpstgvucjll.jpg.html)

I am running 180 degree thermostat with one 1/8" hole on the stat flange.

Back panel of the radiator shroud had to be trimmed by 3/4" to accommodate extra thickness and driver side top rubber blocking had to be trimmed a tad. Also, took some persuation by me and Jim (thank you Jim! As always...) to make the fan shroud bolt down but wasn't too bad. While at it, installed new Jerry's Gasket silicone coolant hoses that positively looks beautiful.

Now, I can't wait to be trapped in a DC traffic on 96 plus day just to see the result...

[We Gone]

That looks very nice. Any pics of what had to be trimmed? looking forward the report on how it does in traffic now.

[secondchance]

That looks very nice. Any pics of what had to be trimmed? looking forward the report on how it does in traffic now.

Unfortunately I did not take a pic of area that had to be trimmed. It's sort of ribbing running perpenditular to the front face of the flat panel where fans are mounted to reduce flexing of the panel. Had to take 3/4" off to clear extra thickness of the new radiator. I used disc grinder but hack saw would work also.

[GOLDCYLON]

Been there. Done that. Now get the SPALs installed. They replace the back half of the radiator shroud and no cutting is required :cheers:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20756&highlight=dewitts

[secondchance]

Been there. Done that. Now get the SPALs installed. They replaces the back half of the radiator shroud and no cutting is required :cheers:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20756&highlight=dewitts

One step at a time, Daryl :)

[GOLDCYLON]

One step at a time, Daryl :)

Tell me about it.

[WVZR-1]

I'd be very inclined that if the OE fans/shroud mounted with very little modification and cooled sufficiently in traffic when requested to leave the OE install "as is".

[Jagdpanzer]

I'd be very inclined that if the OE fans/shroud mounted with very little modification and cooled sufficiently in traffic when requested to leave the OE install "as is".

I have a trimmed OE fan setup behind a Ron Davis and it works great even while setting in traffic during hot summer days with AC blasting at max. Just make sure the shroud fits within 1-2 mm of the radiator core so fans can pull max air through radiator.

[secondchance]

I have a trimmed OE fan setup behind a Ron Davis and it works great even while setting in traffic during hot summer days with AC blasting at max. Just make sure the shroud fits within 1-2 mm of the radiator core so fans can pull max air through radiator.

1-2 mm?! I don't think I was able to maintain such tight tolerance. We shall see...
I am keeping OEM fans to see how it does first.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

I had the Ron Davis setup in my Turq Monster and it worked great.

[QB93Z]

1-2 mm?! I don't think I was able to maintain such tight tolerance. We shall see...
I am keeping OEM fans to see how it does first.

I have a spare fan shroud if you need to try trimming again.

Jim

[GOLDCYLON]

I'd be very inclined that if the OE fans/shroud mounted with very little modification and cooled sufficiently in traffic when requested to leave the OE install "as is".

Maybe if the car was stock and not in AZ. Stroked and in AZ the Dewitt's radiator with the SPAL fans are the only way forward on my daily driver. Your mileage may vary. GC

For a stock car only a stock setup is need. A clean stock radiator will cool fine.

[secondchance]

I have a spare fan shroud if you need to try trimming again.

Jim

Thanks for the offer. If I decide to go with higher capacity fan I made take you up on the offer. Install aftermarket fan on the spare shroud and switch rather then wasting time removing, modify and reinstall.

[secondchance]

They replace the back half of the radiator shroud and no cutting is required :cheers:

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20756&highlight=dewitts

http://www.dewitts.com/collections/spal-fans/products/c4-fan-upgrade
Is this the piece you are referring to? This looks like it attaches to the back of the radiator and not the back of the fan shroud. Am I wrong?