A finely-tuned cooling system is the key to unlocking a vehicle's full potential in sprint car, midget, stock, and various auto racing applications. Whether you're a circle track pro carving corners, battling for the checkered flag in a stock car, or an auto aficionado rebuilding your dream machine, the right cooling components can keep your engine at its optimal temperature. We'll analyze crossflow, double pass, and triple pass radiators, explore the advantages of aluminum construction for both radiators and oil coolers, and review an assortment of fans and radiator accessories to fine-tune your cooling system for maximum performance. So buckle up as we navigate race car cooling systems in our comprehensive radiator buying guide to ensure your ride stays ice-cold in the hottest competition.

Downflow & Crossflow Race Car Radiators

Downflow radiators are commonly found on street cars, early hot rods, trucks, and vehicles with tall but narrow grills. The tanks on a downfall radiator, like the BSC Sprint Downflow, are located at the top and bottom of the unit with the cap at the top. When the coolant enters at the top, gravity pulls it to an exit at the bottom. One big advantage of a downflow radiator is the user’s ability to move the inlets and outlets; they can be positioned center, left, or right to accommodate a new engine.

Crossflow radiators are ideal in race cars, trucks, and vehicles with a wide grille opening. The tanks on a crossflow radiator, such as the BSC Crossflow Tube, are located at the left and right sides of the radiator’s core. When the coolant enters the side of the radiator near the top, it gets forced through the unit by the water pump, and exits at an outlet on the opposite side near the bottom. Since the radiator cap can be mounted at the suction side of a crossflow radiator, any excess pressure that’s vented will likely be in the form of air instead of coolant, which is much better for your racing engine.

Double & Triple Pass Racing Radiators

A single pass radiator has one channel for coolants that typically runs from the top on one side to the bottom on the opposite side, which is ideal for street cars and some race applications. Double and triple pass radiators are advanced cooling solutions designed to optimize heat dissipation in high-performance race cars. In a double pass radiator, coolant flows across the top half of the unit then back through the bottom half before returning to the engine, enhancing its ability to absorb and dissipate heat. This radiator configuration allows for more efficient cooling, making it a popular choice for demanding racing conditions. On the other hand, triple pass radiators take the concept further by guiding the coolant across the radiator core three times, maximizing heat transfer and maintaining lower engine temperatures. Both options are favored by race car enthusiasts for their ability to deliver superior cooling performance and contribute to overall engine efficiency on the track. Trusted names in racing, including BSC, Allstar Performance, and Frostbite Performance Cooling, manufacture single, double, and triple pass radiators.

Aluminum Radiators

Compared to other materials, aluminum radiators offer enhanced performance, lighter weight, and long-term durability, making them a valuable investment for serious racers. Aluminum dumps heat better than any other material out there and it lasts longer than other metal types. The top benefits of aluminum radiators include:

• Lightweight Performance: Aluminum radiators shed pounds compared to their heavier copper counterparts, improving a race car's handling and acceleration.
• Superior Cooling: Aluminum's superior heat transfer properties pull heat away from the engine more efficiently, keeping it cool under pressure during intense racing.
• Durable Construction: Welded aluminum construction stands up to the rigors of racing, resisting cracks and leaks better than traditional soldered radiators.
• Customizable Options: Aluminum radiators come in various core thicknesses, rows, and fin designs to match your specific racing needs and engine output.

We carry a variety of aluminum radiators including sprint downflow, twinflow stacked bottom, and triple-pass units.

Do aluminum radiators require special coolant?

Once upon a time, aluminum radiators required coolant with special additives for protection—not anymore. Today’s engine coolant additives work with any type of radiator, including aluminum. But sometimes, the secret is found in the water you use; well water typically contains high iron, softened well water contains sodium, and tap water from city lines usually contains fluoride and chlorine. Old-school copper radiators had no problem with these minerals and additives, but aluminum is finicky. Though you can still use any type of water, for the best results in an aluminum radiator, use chemical-and aluminum-free distilled.

Aluminum Oil Coolers

The job of an oil cooler is to remove excess heat from the engine oil. Since the oil protects an assortment of components, this makes it an important part of a race car engine. Engine oil coolers are small, easy to install, and efficient. Oil coolers come in various configurations for ideal placement in your race car, including front of radiator, wing mount, and deck mount. Some of the top racing brands who build high-quality dirt late model aluminum oil coolers, oil coolers for N.E. dirt modifieds, and more include BSC Components, Setrab, and Fluidyne.

Radiator Fans & Accessories

A radiator fan can go a long way toward keeping your engine cool under the pressure of circle track racing. A fan sits between the radiator and the engine and pulls cool air through the radiator. This is especially helpful when the car is stopped or moving at a slow speed under a caution. Radiator fans come in a range of configurations—including dual, single, push, pull, or reversible—blade sizes, and materials including aluminum, steel, and nylon. Find high-performance radiator fans from top racing brands Maradyne, Allstar Performance, Spal Automotive, and TCI Automotive.

Important Cooling System Parts and Accessories

Beyond the radiator itself, a network of unsung heroes ensures your engine stays cool under pressure. From the essential grip of high-quality hose clamps to the flexibility and durability of -4 braided lines, each component plays a crucial role in the intricate configuration of a race car cooling system. Explore versatile radiator pipe plug fittings, resilient purpose-built hoses, and efficient 3/4 NPT water heaters designed to elevate your racing experience to new heights.

Behrent's not only provides access to cutting-edge radiator technologies but also offers an array of accessories to ensure your racing experience remains cool, efficient, and on the winning track. Conquer peak track temperatures and leave the competition in your dust with the ultimate race car cooling systems from Behrent's Performance Warehouse.