Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

Thinking about bracket racing a C5 Davis Roadster and have heard that guys have problems with them getting hot (over 200*) on racing gas. Don't like alky, so what can be done?
There are no holes in the front ends, can they be added? Could you open up the holes next to the parking lights and put small ducts to get the air to the radiator? What would the problems be if that were done?

Re: Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

I have one I have raced since 2007 in all venues and I have not had a heating problem.
I run C-15 VP for fuel. I do run the isolator plate on the carb with a K&N scoop insert air cleaner so there is not any air coming in from the top which could restrict air flow across the radiator.
I usually stage at 160 degrees plus and even on hot days it only gets to about 210 after the round and usually cools down some on the way back to the pits. With a good fan and water pump it cools back to 150 or less after stopping the motor by the time I get the weather station numbers written down which is less than a 5 minute process. I usually shut off the fan and water pump at 140 to 160 in the pits.
I do run a alternator and dual batteries to keep the charge up on everything but I have not had a heating issue when it comes to going rounds.
The tranny is usually more of my concern and I do run a cooler there also. If it gets to hot and I do run a temp gauge on it I usually raise the body and put a fan blowing at the back of the engine for a few minutes. I also run synthetic tranny fluid.
Just My Experience.
Rick Cates

Re: Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

Thanks Rick. Have you ever thought about figuring a way to get more air into the radiator? I sometimes double enter bracket races.

My current car I stage around 160-165 and come back around 180-185 in the summer on gas. I do the same deal, leave fan and pump on while doing weather and re-fueling.

Re: Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

I have not ever double entered before and have never had a heat problem so I have not looked into getting more air to the radiator.
I would be very careful about cutting holes in the body. It might hurt the aerodynamics and let air under the body and create lift. I have had mine to 169 MPH and it has never felt light yet.
These cars are built like a wedge and that keeps it very stable at speed.
Since I have not yet had a problem I just don't try to fix something that is not broke.
Just My 2 Cents
Rick

Re: Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

I don't know many people that bracket race the Davis roadster but I'm sure several guys do. Raise the body if you need to between rounds and you should have no issues.

Re: Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

I prop my body up on the second rest for the PIN at the front, like if you were loading in a low clearance situation. Then I shove an electric leaf blower in the bellhousing of the trany while I do weather etc. Never have overheating but I dont go that many rounds back to back like you could double entry at a bracket race.

Re: Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

I agree with Rick.....Ive gone 175 in mine....without an issue.....I wouldn't cut any holes in the body....I click mine at the finish line......and it usually never sees 185....I leave at 160.....I did put a fresh radiator in it last year and I had a hard time getting it to 160 after starting it at 150 before the burnout.....

Rock

Re: Davis Roadster Heat Issues
 

Thank you guys for the input. I will try the car as is, then decide if it needs anything done as far as cooling.