Hi all,

I had the chance to take my car out for a few laps on the track this last weekend. I was just curious what normal operating temperatures are for the C5 under these conditions. Let me say that My engine is bone stock with a blackwing intake and Borla racing exhaust. The day I tracked the car, the ambient temperature was above 90, and I imagine the track temperature was much higher. I was observing about 235 degree coolant temperature, and my oil temperature was sitting at about 239 degrees. Is this normal? I know my radiator functions properly, as in normal driving the fans kick on at 230 and drop the coolant temp back down to 220. If I am running hot, what can I do to help keep the car running cool? Thanks for your help!

 

Looks like normal operating temperatures to me. I don't see any problem.

 

Based on the extreme temps and humidity we have had here lately. I would say your car is operating just fine.

 

Cool, thanks!

 

I have the DeWitts on mine so my coolant rarely gets above 220*, even at VIR when its 105*. 235* seems like right on the upper edge for coolant though. I would check to make sure rad is clean and has no blockage.

How much fun was the track day?

 

All it was was 8-10 "spirited" parade laps at Autobahn Raceway, but it was AMAZING!!! I took the corners as hard as I could with all the aids off and had a great time trying to manage throttle through them!! I'm hooked and am looking to join a club with access to regular track days!

 

Your temperatures sound normal for an early track experience. It would not hurt to check the front of the condenser for debris- mine seems to collect small gravel and sand which I periodically vacuum out with a fixture I made from 1" pvc on my shop vac. You can do this with the car on the ground.

To check between the condenser and the radiator, the car has to be raised to look from below or else the Air bridge and upper radiator cover removed to look from above.

If you continue to track, you will get faster and spend more time with your right foot planted. In that case, things will get hotter and the car may deserve a bigger radiator like a DeWitts, or an auxiliary oil and or (A4) trans cooler. The DeWitts can come with both coolers integral with the radiator.

I have a 2001 A4 with B&M finned aluminum trans pan, Sac City Cool It, stock otherwise. When I first started tracking I had temperatures similar to those you report. Street temperatures always perfectly normal.

Midway through my last track day at Laguna Seca, I got a "HIGH TRANS TEMP" warning which is set at a trans fluid temperature of 270 degrees. After a cool down lap, coming into the paddock, oil temperture was 248 and trans fluid 250, with a coolant temp of 230, so I am considering an auxiliary trans cooler as a first step.

 

Thanks for the tip, I'm definately getting ready to track the car more seriously, and I want it to be capable from the get-go. I pulled my AC system about 6 months back and cleaned out the radiator when I did, but it won't hurt to check it again and make sure there is no blockage. I'd like to invest in an upgraded radiator and oil & trans coolers, just trying to budget my money to get me on track ASAP. Already trying to collect spare rotors, pads, wheels and tires, etc. in preparation...