Cooling modifications for track use
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 148
Likes: 10
From: Greensboro NC
Cooling modifications for track use
Hi guys,
I have a 2007 Z51 that I have started auto-crossing and just did a track sprint with in hopes of going for track days when the virus dies down.
I currently have corbotech xp10 pads, redline RL-600 brake fluid, and just a CAI and axle-back exhaust on the car but otherwise stock (performance wise). The only issue I have ran into so far is the oil temp was getting to 255 F at the track sprint because I wasn't always moving so the coolant stayed around 217 while sitting in the pits, preventing the oil from cooling off much. I actually started making "half-speed" runs to get everything to cool off when temps got hot.
What modifications would you guys suggest in order to keep everything cool? I've seen a lot of people do 160 thermostats, but I don't think that would help at a track sprint unless I also get the fans to come on sooner.
I have a 2007 Z51 that I have started auto-crossing and just did a track sprint with in hopes of going for track days when the virus dies down.
I currently have corbotech xp10 pads, redline RL-600 brake fluid, and just a CAI and axle-back exhaust on the car but otherwise stock (performance wise). The only issue I have ran into so far is the oil temp was getting to 255 F at the track sprint because I wasn't always moving so the coolant stayed around 217 while sitting in the pits, preventing the oil from cooling off much. I actually started making "half-speed" runs to get everything to cool off when temps got hot.
What modifications would you guys suggest in order to keep everything cool? I've seen a lot of people do 160 thermostats, but I don't think that would help at a track sprint unless I also get the fans to come on sooner.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 807
From: West coast CA
Hi guys,
I have a 2007 Z51 that I have started auto-crossing and just did a track sprint with in hopes of going for track days when the virus dies down.
I currently have corbotech xp10 pads, redline RL-600 brake fluid, and just a CAI and axle-back exhaust on the car but otherwise stock (performance wise). The only issue I have ran into so far is the oil temp was getting to 255 F at the track sprint because I wasn't always moving so the coolant stayed around 217 while sitting in the pits, preventing the oil from cooling off much. I actually started making "half-speed" runs to get everything to cool off when temps got hot.
What modifications would you guys suggest in order to keep everything cool? I've seen a lot of people do 160 thermostats, but I don't think that would help at a track sprint unless I also get the fans to come on sooner.
I have a 2007 Z51 that I have started auto-crossing and just did a track sprint with in hopes of going for track days when the virus dies down.
I currently have corbotech xp10 pads, redline RL-600 brake fluid, and just a CAI and axle-back exhaust on the car but otherwise stock (performance wise). The only issue I have ran into so far is the oil temp was getting to 255 F at the track sprint because I wasn't always moving so the coolant stayed around 217 while sitting in the pits, preventing the oil from cooling off much. I actually started making "half-speed" runs to get everything to cool off when temps got hot.
What modifications would you guys suggest in order to keep everything cool? I've seen a lot of people do 160 thermostats, but I don't think that would help at a track sprint unless I also get the fans to come on sooner.
I have the same factory water-to-oil cooler you have (2006 Z51 M6). I'm switching to a narrow Grand Sport oil cooler with an aftermarket oil thermostat so the car will warm up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 398
From: Raleigh Suburbs
Interesting questions, I'm researching the same thing. 
Good oil cooler with thermostat is one of the best solutions for oil temp. Check the vendor Improved Racing for [vast] solutions.
Water temp is not too bad, but curious about this as well..
Good oil cooler with thermostat is one of the best solutions for oil temp. Check the vendor Improved Racing for [vast] solutions.
Water temp is not too bad, but curious about this as well..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,243
Likes: 186
From: Fauquier, VA
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 148
Likes: 10
From: Greensboro NC
I realized I probably need a different (since my Z51 has one already) oil cooler. But I definitely don't want any issues driving it around in the cold because I do drive it on roads pretty often, even in the winter. Did a few of companies have oil coolers with a thermostat?
Are there any other modifications needed to keep the rest of the car cool or is the Z51 package pretty much take care of it?
Are there any other modifications needed to keep the rest of the car cool or is the Z51 package pretty much take care of it?
Last edited by Stevengineer; Mar 24, 2020 at 06:54 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 523
From: home
Improved Racing oil cooler block with a thermostat but this will require making AN hoses. Stock GM Z51 will also work. Remember, the coolant warming up will help warm up the oil. When the oil temp exceeds coolant temp, then the coolant will draw heat out of the oil. I have done this setup on literally 100's of C6's, LS2.3.7's. Some bone stock, to track day cars, to full out SCCA legal cars.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 130
Likes: 49
From: Phoenix, AZ
A cheaper alternative is a Z06 external oil cooler. It is twice the size of the Z51 external cooler and bolts right in. My experience is it delays high temps at the track but oil still gets hot towards the end of a session. Of course I do live in AZ. I have had no problem getting up to operating temp. It just takes a little longer in 40 to 50 degree weather.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 523
From: home
A cheaper alternative is a Z06 external oil cooler. It is twice the size of the Z51 external cooler and bolts right in. My experience is it delays high temps at the track but oil still gets hot towards the end of a session. Of course I do live in AZ. I have had no problem getting up to operating temp. It just takes a little longer in 40 to 50 degree weather.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 23
From: SoCal
Lots of solutions depending on how far you want to go. Here is an extreme example: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...track-car.html
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 1,829
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Dewitts radiator that has the oil cooler in the drivers side end tank. Then add the GM oil lines to connect the end-tank cooler to the ports on the side of the oil filter housing.
The oil will warm up quite fast and be cooled and regulated by the radiator/coolant.
The oil will warm up quite fast and be cooled and regulated by the radiator/coolant.
