C6 Cooling problems
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 2
From: Evans Colorado
Someone correct me if I`m wrong. But in 05-07 the Z51 option does provide a transmission cooler for both the A4 and the MN6,but does not provide an oil cooler(if it did the oil capacity would be more than 5.5 quarts). For 2008 the Z51 option provides both oil and tranny coolers.
For what it's worth, I don't have an oil cooler because I have a base suspension car.
My oil temps at the end of 20-25 minutes sessions in 90 degree heat hovered around 300 degrees. This is hot certainly, but still within spec for what the manual states is acceptable.
I did a bit of experimentation, and trying to keep the revs under 5000 cooled the oil temps 10-15 degrees. It's the high rpms that really heats things up. I could easily see even a z51 equipped car broaching 270 degrees oil temp on a hot day lapping wide open for 20+ minutes.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
From: San Diego County CA
Overheating ?
I was in Redding CA temp 117 deg. I let the C6 idle for about 20 minutes in the parking lot at the grocery store while my wife went shopping. A/C on full, no breeze. Temp went up some, fan ran at full blast. No problems.
Not like my C2.
Not like my C2.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
I don't know any C4 owners who have not had cooling problems in the mountains or in the south. Personally, I never had trouble with small block C2's or C3's. What I am getting at is "do I need the additional cooling capacity that comes only with Z-51? From most of the anwers here, I think that the answer is "no" - not sure about the 220-265 normal operating range, though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 2
From: Evans Colorado
The hottest my coolant has ever gotten to was about 250. Though, again that was during wide open running on track for 20+ minutes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
Likes: 2
From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
My 05 w/ Z51 is a manual, and it has both engine and tranny oil cooling. So Z51 for all years has them if it's a manual trans.
I did a bit of experimentation, and trying to keep the revs under 5000 cooled the oil temps 10-15 degrees. It's the high rpms that really heats things up. I could easily see even a z51 equipped car broaching 270 degrees oil temp on a hot day lapping wide open for 20+ minutes.
