00 Trans Ram

iTrader: (5)

I guess this should be in the External Engine forum, though i guess it could go in Internal, also. Oh well, here goes.

I live in New Orleans, home of the 90*, 90% humidity, 6 month summer. I drive my car roughly 3 days per month to/from work. Other than that, it is strictly to/from races, pulling a trailer, and at the race (road race/auto-x).

Obviously, I want the absolute BEST cooling solution for the car. I have no worry of the water freezing in the winter, as it rarely gets below 40*, and I have a garage.

My question is: will 100% water cool the car better than the recommended 50/50 coolant/water mix? What benefit, other than anti-freeze, does coolant serve?

Pendragon

iTrader: (1)

Its a lubricant and it also help prevent rust.

Z-286speed

Water works well, but the heat you go though, coolant will keep it from boiling over. We have a deer lease truck in Texas, and it makes a big differance.

BOONE

iTrader: (4)

Evans cool is the best ive seen and its waterless. Its about 30.00 a gal. I run it and like it alot, I think some of the roadracers and nascar guys use it.

DONAIMIAN

iTrader: (18)

If you want to spend the money, thats the stuff to go with. Luckily, Thunder Racing sells it and thats right in your neighborhood.

Dustin Butts

iTrader: (5)

The best cooling comes from pure water with an additive like water wetter. However; the "experts" recommend running at least 15% coolant in a car that is driven regularly on the street. I run 25% coolant with Redline water wetter. She cools nicely.

SUPRYZE

A 15 PSI radiator cap yeilds about 248° boiling point on the cooling system. Adding some coolant increases it even further. Plus, coolant also serves to lubricate bearings and protect the system (corrosion, rust, etc...) I would at least run some coolant. And I've heard good things about Water Wetter too.

00 Trans Ram

iTrader: (5)

OK - thanks!

I had also heard that water is better at cooling than coolant. But, I was unsure about the lubrication and rust inhibitors (do we have anything iron in our engines?).

I'll call Chris or Angie at Thunder and ask them about the Evans stuff.

777

iTrader: (21)

Yeah I run a 50/50 dexcool/distilled water. My temps stay below 180 always.

mikemodano9c

you shouldn't run 100% water...crap will start to grow in it and buildup will form in the coolant passages. like others have already said antifreeze also serves as a lubricant...don't get cute just run 50/50 water/dexcool. if you want lower temps get a thermostat or get your cooling fans to come on at a lower temperature...

technical

I run 50/50 dexcool and distilled water as well. I use a stock thermostat and my car will idle dead steady at 190* in my garage with no air and ambient temps 100+ while I'm scanning/tuning.

777

iTrader: (21)

I love tuning

89lx-ls1

iTrader: (23)

I Agree With Evryone Reply.
I Use About 90% Distilled Water And 10% Coolant In The Summer And 60/40 In The Winter.
It Doesn't Get That Cold Where I Am In Tn.

NOBR8KSS

iTrader: (12)

I run 50/50 Dexcool and distilled water. My temps are always in the 200-205 range with stock settings and the nasty heat here in the south. Usually over 100 F heat index in the summer.

Antifreeze also serves to keep the water from freezing...if you live in a really cold climate I wouldn't run mostly water...you could crack your engine block if the water freezes.

00 Trans Ram

iTrader: (5)

Well, I've already got the 160* thermostat and programming for the fans. And, it doesn't freeze here - EVER. But, I'll go ahead and put something else in there for lubrication and anti-rust purposes.

WS6FirebirdTA00

iTrader: (33)

few things like everyone said, you gotta run coolant it does a lot. its a lubricant (unless you want your bearings in your water pump to fail), detergent (unless you want **** to build up) and it keeps the water from boiling. as far as i know which i could be wrong, coolant takes longer to heat than just water. i run my car in 90-95 deg and my coolant temps are right at 80-82*c, 176-180*f. i have a 160* tstat as well. also, if you have just a slight leak in your system, and i mean slight, that water will boil and the vaopr will go out and not condense back in the system leaving you low on fluid and more trouble than just adding coolant. remember, that coolant temp you see if just on the head right there and it could get hotter, if parts reach hotter temps it boils.

coolant is not just to keep the water from freezing, keeps it from boiling in hot temps, which you will see

spy2520

iTrader: (3)

that happens with coolant as well because it has happened to me, blew a head gasket in the process. My reservoir tank had a very small crack, not even a crack, and once the coolant heats up under pressure, its coming out, and it stinks too. Like frying ****. Water wetter mentions that it with water cools better than using coolant, but it doesnt say anything about lubrication or detergent benefits. It also said water wetter and water only is for racing.

WS6FirebirdTA00

iTrader: (33)

yeah but it will happen a lot faster with water, at least you have time to catch it with coolant in there

97MysticZ

iTrader: (16)

Water removes heat from an engine the best, but it also freezes at a higher temperature and doesn't lubricate and protect the cooling system either.

BOONE

iTrader: (4)

If you want the coldest temps, and highest boil point, and best corrosion resistance, go with evans cool. I tried water wetter 2 bottles and its not even close. Evans should know what they are talking about. Go to
evanscooling.com and see for yourself. Look at the techinical info, and the proferties tables. If your in a garage and it does not freeze there, your cool. I have used everything ive seen over the years, even some stuff they use in airplanes, from my brother in law the airplane mechanic, and evans is the best performance ive seen.