[Z06] radiator performance
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Provo UT
radiator performance
The other day, I was autocrossing my Z06 in Wendover, Utah. The altitude there is probably about 4200 feet. The temperature was in the 50s. Initially I left my car idling for a while and the coolant temperature would rose to about 220 degrees. After a hard 70 second run, the temperature got as high as 232, but as it idled afterwards it would slowly drop off back to 225.
Do these numbers seem normal? The car has 90k miles on it, so I am tempted to pull the radiator and at least clean it out. I would even consider changing it out to a Fluidyne aluminum racing radiator, or some other brand, if there is one to be recommended above the others.
recommendations, please.
Do these numbers seem normal? The car has 90k miles on it, so I am tempted to pull the radiator and at least clean it out. I would even consider changing it out to a Fluidyne aluminum racing radiator, or some other brand, if there is one to be recommended above the others.
recommendations, please.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 19
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From: Sacramento Ca
I cant really answer your main question but Ill give you a thing to try. I sprayed out my radiator with a air gun extension and it seemed to blow out a lot of small debris/dirt. The radiator was still in place and it seemed to lower the coolant temp levels. It is something to try.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
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From: San Rafael CA
The other day, I was autocrossing my Z06 in Wendover, Utah. The altitude there is probably about 4200 feet. The temperature was in the 50s. Initially I left my car idling for a while and the coolant temperature would rose to about 220 degrees. After a hard 70 second run, the temperature got as high as 232, but as it idled afterwards it would slowly drop off back to 225.
Do these numbers seem normal? The car has 90k miles on it, so I am tempted to pull the radiator and at least clean it out. I would even consider changing it out to a Fluidyne aluminum racing radiator, or some other brand, if there is one to be recommended above the others.
recommendations, please.
Do these numbers seem normal? The car has 90k miles on it, so I am tempted to pull the radiator and at least clean it out. I would even consider changing it out to a Fluidyne aluminum racing radiator, or some other brand, if there is one to be recommended above the others.
recommendations, please.
At idle, that is normal ..... here is how the PCM is programmed (the text refers to a single fan but ours run together at the set speed) ....
The low speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 108°C (226°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 104°C (219°F). The high speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 113°C (235°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 108°C (226°F). When the A/C is on and the coolant temperature reaches 85°C (185°F), the low speed cooling fan will be turned on at vehicle speeds less than 56 kPh (35 mph).
You certainly can clean out the radiator using compressed air or a water spray .... HOWEVER .....
Be aware the cooling fins on the radiator are delicate, so use a gentle application of water or air to clean the fins out. Also look under the front airdam, and then up. You will see the A/C condensor ... check the front of it for newpapers, plastic bags, roadkill, former Democratic candidates for president and other trash that may have got lodged in there.
If you suspect that you are still not getting good airflow through the condenser and radiator, remove the MAF and airbridge, and then the shroud on top of the condenser/radiator. That will allow you to get in between them to clear that space of any accumulated debris.
I wouldn't worry though, your initial report sounds very "normal" to me, but it never hurts to do a little housekeeping now and then.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Provo UT
Thank you, that's good information. That brings up something else:
Does the stock radiator in a Z06 have plastic ends? If so, I will change it out for an all aluminum one anyway. I've seen too many with plastic ends cause problems in autocross situations.
Does the stock radiator in a Z06 have plastic ends? If so, I will change it out for an all aluminum one anyway. I've seen too many with plastic ends cause problems in autocross situations.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
If you really want to put an all Aluminum radiator in, the general consensus seems to be that DeWitts ( http://www.dewitts.com/ ) has the best product. They even carry Spal fans if you want to REALLY pull some air through the front of the car.
Whenever I'm gonna do an HPDE I always check that the front airdam is in place (it directly affects the volume of air pushed through the condenser/radiator at speed) and that there are no large pieces of debris in the condenser .... he C5 is like a vacumn cleaner for picking trash off the roads and into the plenum in front of the a/c condenser.
Have fun at the Auto-X's ......
