Tilted forward radiator.. worth it? Track-ish car.
09-15-2016, 10:31 AM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Tilted forward radiator.. worth it? Track-ish car.
So I am preparing my car for more of a track-duty with seldom street use car. We don't need to turn this into a forced induction is bad for a racecar thread but It is a twin turbo car with side mounts in the fog light openings, running TIKT-esk bumper inserts. Think new LG c7 cooling solution. Anyway, I am looking for any insight to whether the tilted radiator is better than the oem location. Either way, it will utilize a dual pass radiator and a huge fan setup.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
09-15-2016, 02:51 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
Angling the radiator generally lets you put a bigger radiator in the same size passage. This is why you see the radiators mounted that way in an Indy car or an F1 car. If you're going to use the same size core then it's not going to improve things measurably.
If you have an air exit in the hood it is a big help in that the air get directed upwards toward the exit and there are lower losses. If the air is going out the engine compartment, then it is of no advantage.
If you have an air exit in the hood it is a big help in that the air get directed upwards toward the exit and there are lower losses. If the air is going out the engine compartment, then it is of no advantage.
09-15-2016, 07:32 PM
#3
Pro
Thread Starter
Tilt forward or tilt back, you could run taller core so I don't see how that is a valid argument. My fan assy is 28x17 so I will do a core with similar dimensions. However the exit out the hood most definitely would help, which my car has anyway although I am going to make more of a duct IF there is that much of a benefit to laying it forward
09-15-2016, 08:41 PM
#4
Pro
The reason folks tilt the radiator forward is that it's required for air flow if you add a splitter up front (i.e., you need to make the car a front breather instead of a bottom breather if you cover up the bottom with a splitter). If you plan on adding splitter, wing, coilovers - move the radiator. If not, there isn't much benefit.
09-16-2016, 04:37 AM
#5
Any pics of the turbo setup out of interest? I would probably keep the rad were it is and fit a big unit as possiable. You will already be removing restriction through the core, I'm guessing, by ditching the AC.
I would leave as is and then if you are having issue look to tip forward later. There was someone on here doing pikes peak and he fitted a huge core that was tilted forward.
I would leave as is and then if you are having issue look to tip forward later. There was someone on here doing pikes peak and he fitted a huge core that was tilted forward.
09-16-2016, 04:56 AM
#6
Safety Car
I would imagine there'd be a benefit with a vented hood by straightening the airflow out through the radiator as opposed to making it change directions.
09-16-2016, 09:56 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Sep 2003
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The whole reason that you see pro race teams tilt the radiator forward is for downforce. When properly executed (meaning the exit airflow is going out and over the hood) the airflow through the radiator makes considerable downforce due to the angle of the radiator as well as using your hood as sort of a "front wing".
When done properly it's a lot of work but it's definitely worth it
When done properly it's a lot of work but it's definitely worth it
09-16-2016, 10:08 AM
#8
Pro
The reason folks tilt the radiator forward is that it's required for air flow if you add a splitter up front (i.e., you need to make the car a front breather instead of a bottom breather if you cover up the bottom with a splitter). If you plan on adding splitter, wing, coilovers - move the radiator. If not, there isn't much benefit.
09-16-2016, 01:37 PM
#9
Pro
Thread Starter
Any pics of the turbo setup out of interest? I would probably keep the rad were it is and fit a big unit as possiable. You will already be removing restriction through the core, I'm guessing, by ditching the AC.
I would leave as is and then if you are having issue look to tip forward later. There was someone on here doing pikes peak and he fitted a huge core that was tilted forward.
I would leave as is and then if you are having issue look to tip forward later. There was someone on here doing pikes peak and he fitted a huge core that was tilted forward.
Engine is a 5.5L (destroked 6L). 2:1 rod stroke ratio. CNC cathedral ports, morels blah blah. Made a little over 1000whp. I have 0 intention on running that on the track. Boost strategy is set up as linear as possible.
Last edited by Ls240sx; 09-16-2016 at 01:38 PM.
09-16-2016, 02:08 PM
#10
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2000
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The reason folks tilt the radiator forward is that it's required for air flow if you add a splitter up front (i.e., you need to make the car a front breather instead of a bottom breather if you cover up the bottom with a splitter). If you plan on adding splitter, wing, coilovers - move the radiator. If not, there isn't much benefit.
09-18-2016, 11:22 AM
#11
Drifting
It dropped by water temps by 20 degrees. Mine is tilted forward and sheet metal boxed to force air through the radiator and exit out the center of the hood.
09-18-2016, 10:22 PM
#13
Advanced
Tipped my double flow forward ( from my turbo talon) helps leave room to work on front of engine if needed
and with the hood vent helps release air up and over
and with the hood vent helps release air up and over
09-19-2016, 10:38 AM
#14
Drifting
No, it is not necessary. Only do it if you are looking for that absolute last bit of front downforce.
My DeWitts radiator is in the upright, stock location. I do have a vented hood, which helps airflow. My temps are well under control as I rarely see it above 214* even in mid-summer, southern racing conditions. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of front downforce for ease of repair during an event. I have watched competitors have to sit out the weekend due to inability to slave in a stock radiator after a front hit or a radiator puncture.
I seem to do ok with my setup.
My DeWitts radiator is in the upright, stock location. I do have a vented hood, which helps airflow. My temps are well under control as I rarely see it above 214* even in mid-summer, southern racing conditions. I am willing to sacrifice a bit of front downforce for ease of repair during an event. I have watched competitors have to sit out the weekend due to inability to slave in a stock radiator after a front hit or a radiator puncture.
I seem to do ok with my setup.