Which performs better? I would think cross flow would be better, and the fact that every modern car I've looked at uses them supports that idea, but our stock radiators are vertical, and all of the Maverick-specific aluminum radiators I've seen are built like that. I've got an 18"x22" aluminum cross flow, about 3" thick at the tanks, 2" at the core, two row. It does a good job. But unfortunately it has developed a hole that I don't think I can fix, so it's time for a new one. I might just order another one like I've got, but wanted to hear some other experiences first. I drive this car a lot, have air conditioning and I live in the south, so I need to make the right choice. Thanks!
Cross Flow- Down Flow I agree abt living in the south and driving the car a lot and needing to make the right choice. 2.) I also agree all the modern cars use the cross flow speaks for itself. I don't have a cross flow but all I've read on the radiator sites supports ur statement. Most things in life are compromises; down flow-direct fit probably easier installation. Cross flow install more involved but greater efficiency. Take ur pick. JMO.:bananaman
Thanks for your comments. I think in my case since I've already got a cross-flow mounted, installation just might be easiest if I went with what I have already: ...But I wanted to use this as an opportunity to get something better if there's another radiator out there that would be a better choice. Sounds like this one's still the way to go.
The fact that cars now all use cross flow has nothing to do with which one's better. The reason all use cross flows now is due to the hood lines of cars today. A cross flow is simply the easier to manufacture when a radiator is wider than it is taller. Heavy trucks mostly still use downflow radiators. It's the overall size that matters, not whether the coolant flows down or across.
i have cross-flows in my race car and my sons mav. they work way better. i use an AFCO and a griffin.
i belive that the theory of the vertical radiator is that the heat will rise. so with that theory in mind the vertical radiator should be more efficent. tanks take up space so newer cars with lower hoods use crossflow because they have the space. in reality i doubt that there is any real advantage in efficency between the two. the only thing that you need to figure out is which way will give more exposed core to the air flow.
Well, I have one of the direct bolt-in down flow aluminum radiators in my car. It works perfect, never no overheat problems even in bumper to bumper traffic, or idling for 30-45 minutes, has never gone over 185. If a crossflow is better than this, what is it going to do for me?
Cross Flow- Down Flow After reading all the philosphies here on Down Flow-Cross Flow I am in partial agreement w\ most when they mention lower hood line considerations. However, Be Cool Radiator's website states the Cross Flow is more efficient - So, I will have to go along w\ those who have been making them for years. I don't see where they have anything to gain by touting one over the other - they make them both. If I had that nice rad u have I wud put it in to, whatever flow - PERIOD. JMO
Bryant you hit the nail on the head. I build custom cooling systems and cross flow radiators are not that much more efficient. Both are pressurized so it comes down to packaging more than anything. That being said there is more to a cooling system then just a radiator and all the components need to be matched to perform at peak efficiency.
It has a lot to do with the design too. My Falcon's old radiator has the inlet and outlet on the same side. Coolant will travel where there's less restriction, in this case it flows straight down. One side of the radiator was warm to the touch but the other side was too hot to touch.
This is the second "hot rod" I can remember NOT having cooling problems with of any sort. And the first time I've ever tried a dual-pass radiator...
I believe I have found the hole in my radiator, about 3" from the top, and it looks like I might be able to solder it. I'm going to give that a shot in the next couple of days. If it doesn't hold, I'll buy a radiator in the next week or so...
