Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

I have been piecing my turbo kit together over the past couple of years. Finally got it out for a drive down the highway and back to my shop. The coolant temps slowly went up to around 220 and climbing by the time I pulled into my driveway (10 minute drive). I can start the car up and it idles up to about 180 with the fans and does not move until I start driving it. Details on setup below:

GT55 Turbo
CR5 Blocked 430Ci
LS6 Ported heads
dual row cross flow radiator w/16" fan shroud 22.50 x 19 core
stock water pump
E85
no thermostat


I have not trimmed the front bumper yet but will if need be. The radiator and 6" thick intercooler are sandwiched together and I think that is the problem. Should I space the intercooler away from the radiator say 6 inches or so? Will the stock water pump be OK? Here are some pictures below, just looking for some suggestions.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

1. That looks a little rough for your radiator all covered up.

2. My car and a few friends got/get to 220F and kinda hang there unless you have an electric water pump.

Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

Thanks for the reply. So you think I need to space it more? Maybe go to an electric water pump?

madmax4499

iTrader: (3)

I think your problem is "no thermostat." you need one to slow the water down, with the water circulating full time it has no time to pull the heat out.

Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

Thanks for all the replies guys! I have come across a pretty good solution, found one of these at the local speed shop.It has a built in thermostat circuit with it also.


I will gain enough room with the remote water pump block adapters for a turbo blanket that will keep under hood temps down even more:


Going to try to incorporate the front bumper support I made a few years back to space the intercooler. Hopefully this should solve my cooling issues:


I am open to any comments and suggestions, posting up as many pics I a can for reference. Thanks!

98Camarod

iTrader: (43)

If you haven't purchased the remote water pump already, I'd try putting in a thermostat and see how it does then. That's much cheaper and quicker if it works. pm sent btw

ryanzcastro

iTrader: (1)

looks like its going to be a beast

95maroz28

iTrader: (21)

nice build. just wondering do you still have the air dam?

Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

Don't have the air dam anymore.

Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

Welded up the water pump flange and -16an fittings to the new griffen radiator tonight! Getting closer, now just need to space the intercooler a little. This radiator is the same core size just uses 1 1/4 tubes and now I have two 10inch fans instead of one big one.

Fbodyjunkie06

iTrader: (10)

I like your remote mount idea, especially since you gain room for a blanket on the hot side that alone will help tremendously also if you can wrap your crossover pipes at least if not the manifolds/headers also.

tripblackls1

iTrader: (11)

this is incorrect, pls stop spreading incorrect facts around,
the truth is that due to that you cannot move the water too fast

but the is a reason that few ppl that remove there thermostats on a ls1 tend to run hot, that is because there is a crossover between the inlet and outlet of the waterpump that set directly behind the t-stat and the t-stat has a valve built in to cover it
so if you have removed your t-stat you need to get a freeze plug and plug the crossover hole

but i must repeat you absolutely cannot have "too much water flow"

Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

Thanks! My under hood temps are just crazy melted my wire loom in some places.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I like the idea of running a thermostat too, even just a 160F.

If you look one some of the big dog cars, they are running radiator caps that high-mounted, I talked to Mike Brown about this five years ago but honestly I don't remember what he said. I'm assuming it works better maybe gets all the air out?

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Don't forget a turbo blanket too.

madmax4499

iTrader: (3)

ok Mr. math formula! i think we are talking about two different things. however good luck with your formula.

I use that same pump! with the Moroso remote thermostat, seems to be working for me.

Fireball

iTrader: (21)

where does the hose on the coolant crossover tubes go? I don't see a spot for it on your radiator. My hose got clogged once and had overheating issues on the racecar...

Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

I had a fitting plumbed into the water pump outlet. I think I'm just going to drill and tap one of the block adapter fittings so it flows back to the radiator inlet.

Z06kern

iTrader: (18)

I ran this car with a nitrous plate setup and a block mounted electric pump and had no cooling issues at all with no thermostat. I could not use the block mounted pump anymore because to was dangerously close to the turbine housing. When I switched back to the factory water pump I've started to have problems. I also like the electric pump because its fairly easy to get all the air out of the system. And yes, I will be buying a turbo blanket and wrap.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Turbo blanket will make a big difference. Right now I bet it gets so hot you can't touch any of the engine compartment sheetmetal after a pass.