Coolant mix for the track
05-23-2018, 08:46 AM
#1
Coolant mix for the track
I’m having the local dealership add the secondary radiator to a 2015 z07 I just purchased. Primary use will be HPDE events during the summer. What is the recommended coolant mix/products for best cooling. I would prefer not to swap it every year during winter storage.
Thanks,
Ben
Thanks,
Ben
Last edited by Cirrusdriver; 05-23-2018 at 08:46 AM.
05-23-2018, 09:14 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Factory fill is 60/40 water/coolant. Track recommendation is 80/20 water/coolant. I've never had an issue leaving it at 60/40 with the aux radiator. You don't want to leave an 80/20 fill if you ever see really freezing cold weather.
05-23-2018, 09:17 AM
#3
Thanks for the advice. Any specific coolant that is better than others? I also read something about water wetter. Not sure what that is.
05-23-2018, 09:48 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
Water wetter and other similar products contain additives that accomplish two things that the antifreeze itself normally does for you:
- Reduced surface tension (supposedly enhances thermal transfer at the water-metal interface)
- Water pump lubrication (spinning bearings under water wear out real fast otherwise)
- Anti-corrosion (particularly w/ aluminum and dissimilar metals)
I don't know which of those "Water Wetter" does, perhaps only the surface tension one for all I know. But if you've still for 20% coolant in the mix, I think you're fine without it.
Just don't drive to Saskatchewan this winter, the coolant won't be rated for it!
- Reduced surface tension (supposedly enhances thermal transfer at the water-metal interface)
- Water pump lubrication (spinning bearings under water wear out real fast otherwise)
- Anti-corrosion (particularly w/ aluminum and dissimilar metals)
I don't know which of those "Water Wetter" does, perhaps only the surface tension one for all I know. But if you've still for 20% coolant in the mix, I think you're fine without it.
Just don't drive to Saskatchewan this winter, the coolant won't be rated for it!
Last edited by davepl; 05-23-2018 at 09:48 AM.
05-23-2018, 09:55 AM
#5
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Posts: 40,089
Received 8,928 Likes
on
5,333 Posts
The only coolant I would use besides water is DexCool. If your mixture of water to antifreeze is 75% water and 25% antifreeze the cooling system can handle ambient temps down to 10 degrees F. If it is 80/20 then it can handle temps down to about 20 deg. F.
Bill
Bill
05-23-2018, 10:05 AM
#6
i think I will stick with 60/40 unless I have problems. Even though I have a heated garage I live in the frozen tundra
