Batman 357

Will the C8 with the Z51 option run a 20 minute session on a track day without overheating. Can you address cooling issues with the mid engine car in general. I would think you would need to put the water pump and AC compressor on steroids to move coolant around to all the radiators.

TorkN8R

According to Tadge, the Z51 was track validated in 100 degree temps with AC on.

Michael A

When it's 100 degrees, I want that A/C going for sure.

40YRW8

Unfortunately, here in Southern Arizona we don’t call 100 degrees hot. Pretty warm covers it. What was your concern? Coolant? Oil? Diff? I would worry in the following order. Oil, diff, coolant. Will it be a problem? I am dying to find out first hand.
Gary

JerryU

Can only find out by trying! The Z51 has an extra coolant rad in the rear. It was stated the coolant from it goes to the DCT liquid/liquid heat exchanger (which sits on top of the DCT.)It also goes to the liquid/liquid engine oil cooler (similar to the larger one on the C7 Z51.) Tadge said it “Super Cooled” the coolant returning from the front rads. I won’t call it supercooled as that is a technical term for something different but it will be cooler! The front rads can only cool so much and the returning coolant will be hotter when the air is hotter.

For teacking it is recommended you also add 2 quarts more of Trans fluid. Extra fluid helps delay how hot the trans fluid gets but in a long session many not reduce the maximum temp that much. Time will tell. For those in very hot areas where you track, would think the aftermarket will have solutions like extra coolers.

OldJedi

Unfortunately, I’m going to wait and see what it can really do in the heat. My C7 Z51 Vette was supposed to handle the heat as well. My first session with the A8 on track overheated the transmission in the third session. The South Florida heat with 95 degree heat and 90% humidity is totally different from Arizona 100 degree heat and 15% humidity. The C8R did testing at Sebring Race Track not only because it will be racing there but also because it will be driving in the Florida heat with the heavier humidity air. They did not test the C8 in Florida summer heat where it would have been tested in harsher conditions. So I’m going to wait to see what it can really do in South Florida. They got me once, I’m going to try to avoid that happening again.

JerryU

^^
Understand your concern. Frankly modified about every DD I have owned in 60 years to fit my needs. So if I were Tracking in an area where there is poor cooling ability (high heat/low humidity) I would install improved trans cooling! May not be needed for the DCT as for the less thermal efficient A8 as the extra cooling that comes with the C8 Z51 is probably sufficient, BUT just in case!

Not a big deal. Because of the high stall torque converter in the TH400 behind my high hp 502 cid BB in my ProStreet Rod I added one - just in case. Just checked Jegs and can buy a similar efficient extra cooler for ~$50.00. I made my own AN fittings braded stainless lines. But a company that races Vettes has kits with all the lines and brackets needed to install on different years. They no doubt will have kits for the C8. NOT that GM hasn't done a good job but if racing or aggressive Tracking in hot environments (they are in TX) it's smart to have the extra protection. Have bought products for my 2014 Z51 from LG Motor Sportd, not coolers because it was an M7, but great company with well engineered products.

Perhaps not for youself but some other viewers of this Thread might want to consider. JUST SAYN'

jvp

Folks -

Lots of good questions popping up to send to Tadge, and we'll get to them. I'd like to send this one first, just to see if there's anything else he can say about the testing/validation that hasn't been printed yet.

JerryU

^^
Good idea, as he has raised questions with the statement that the DCT fluid needs a specific temp range for proper clutch action. He also talks about the “extra cooler” in the rear vent to provide extra cooling to the DCT. Does the coolant coming from the front rads go first to the liquid/liquid DCT cooler? Why can’t all C8’s, not just those Tracking, use the 2 extra quarts of coolant? Does it take too long to get in the ideal temp range when cold?

descartesfool

Good question for sure. Curious about the new design.

I bought my 2014 C7 Z51 M7 to be able to use it on track. Here is what happened, air temp never above 90F:

1. AFM actuators failed every single day I took it to the track. Replaced by dealer 5 times under warranty and then they offered a buyback.
2. I regularly got the message on track: Engine overheating, Idle engine
3. M7 transmission temperature pinned the gauge at 300F and it took a very long time driving it away from the track to get it below 300F

So hopefully the C8 Z51 will be better, but based on my past experience, I would wait to buy and see how it can take serious track work.

jvp

Hey folks -

It looks like my email to Tadge didn't make it through to him earlier this month, so I've re-sent it. Stand by for an answer please. And I apologize for the delay.

Cap'n Pete

Very curious to find out about this as well.

My first C6 (2010 base) did NOT like being pushed for a whole 30-minute session at Mosport. I added an engine oil cooler early on, but the steering, tranny & diff all got HOT.

My previous & current C6 Z06's have handled long lapping sessions with ease ..... I can't rhyme off #'s, but the temps are always consistent and never pegged too hot. I want that kind of peace-of-mind in the C8 (...after all the C7 overheating debacles).

If I have to hold out for a C8 Z06 ("assuming" it'll get heavy-duty track treatment, ala C7 ZR1) then that's what I'll do. Otherwise I would go for a Z51 if I knew it could handle the heat .