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So after a 4 hour drive, the overheating concern is moot point... Glad to say. Still checking on the intercooler, t'stat, fan ideas
Thanks to all!!!!
I helped a friend install an intercooler on ho sls swapped malibu, intake air temps dropped from 170* to under 120ish after a blast and while cruising off boost under 100*
As I get a few more hours on the road I will add input to this thread in the event it will help anyone
thanks again to all who offered help. This Car community is rich with talent!
[QUOTEThe dashboard temp gauge showed 210-220* but the FITech hand control showed 188-193*][/QUOTE]
coolant temp taken at the cylinder head is usually higher than temp taken from the intake or water outlet.
Also, it isnt a stretch to say a 40+ year old gauge may not be as accurate as a modern digital one.
Flex-fans have "issues"...especially over the long term.
I suppose anything can fatigue and fail over time, especially if improperly installed.
Flex-a-lite rates their flex fan to 10,000 rpm, the one on my car is old enough to drink.
Non Intercooled turbo setups have been around for a long time and many were very successful. But there is no question that more heat is introduced into the engine and has to have a cooling system more efficient than a stock one.
It the setup above, the engine compartment is most likely pretty hot. That already hot air is being sucked into the turbos and being up heated even more in two ways. The turbos themselves are hot from the exhaust gases and in addition, the act of compressing air also heats it up. Now that very hot charge (i would guess 300-400 degrees under boost) is introduced into the cylinders and is more likely to detonate prematurely, under power, than a cool charge. It's very important that you run as high an octane gas a possible to prevent detonation.
If your goal is to cruise to car shows in cool weather, then just use premium gas and enjoy the hell out of it as it is.
If your goal is to romp on it, I would consider intercooling it and also find some way of piping cold air to the turbos. That will be much safer for the engine, make more power, and have it run cooler.
Also the turbos use oil to lubricate and cool the bearings This heats the oil tremendously. Consider adding an oil cooler if you don't have one already.
Your observation is clearly stated. I will discuss with Eddie tomorrow on next steps needed in keeping this car healthy in all circumstances. Will post decisions and what’s next soon
thanks again for the experience and knowledge shared. FORUM ROCKS!
