454 LSX cooling
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,294
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
454 LSX cooling Will stock cooling (radiator, water pump, fans, etc all stock) be sufficient for an NA 454 LSX with an 11. 8-ish SCR, or am I going to need to figure this into my upgrade plans?
I'm sure many will disagree, but I'll say no. The stock radiator is VERY small. The fans are okay, but the stock on/off temps are set way high (but should be easily taken care of since you won't be running a stock tune on a 454).
consider an f-body lt1 radiator which has more cooling capacity although I don't know the horsepower capacity. Since you are in "hot summer" Dallas you should consider the LT1 radiator as a bare minimum but you'll probably be able to get away with the factory cooling system if, like stated earlier, you turn down the fan activation temperature and I'd like to add that you go with 100% distilled water + Redline Water-Wetter treatment as the coolant.
It's 90 degrees outside and mine stays 190 with no issues with the stock cooling system. If you started doing something like track racing etc you might have to worry. Going down the highway at 90 with short bursts of 130 are not an issue.
Welll, it you decide to go with a new radiator I carry the top of the line in the Ron Davis.
It will drop your temps 20% as well as having the option for an integrated oil cooler. Bigger capacity isnt anything when compared to more cooling fins.
As wicked1 stated, and he has one (454). Most likely your fine.
Some guys like to go for max protection on their investment is why offer the top of the Ron Davis lineup.
It will drop your temps 20% as well as having the option for an integrated oil cooler. Bigger capacity isnt anything when compared to more cooling fins.
As wicked1 stated, and he has one (454). Most likely your fine.
Some guys like to go for max protection on their investment is why offer the top of the Ron Davis lineup.
Welll, it you decide to go with a new radiator I carry the top of the line in the Ron Davis.
It will drop your temps 20% as well as having the option for an integrated oil cooler. Bigger capacity isnt anything when compared to more cooling fins.
As wicked1 stated, and he has one (454). Most likely your fine.
Some guys like to go for max protection on their investment is why offer the top of the Ron Davis lineup.
It will drop your temps 20% as well as having the option for an integrated oil cooler. Bigger capacity isnt anything when compared to more cooling fins.
As wicked1 stated, and he has one (454). Most likely your fine.
Some guys like to go for max protection on their investment is why offer the top of the Ron Davis lineup.
Thanks,
RGJ
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Depending what you are looking for, I had the stock cooling system with my 412 LS2 and it was ok, but if pushed hard for several minutes, 2-3 it would start to over heat rapidly. Also, so everyone is aware, the 99 and newer stock temp gauge is a dumb gauge. It shows it warming up, then locks onto 190 even if it is 220. It will only go higher once it is to late, like an idiot light. 98 is the only real gauge. So do not make the suggestion that it works great by your stock gauge reading 190 steadily.
I use my scanner to tell me what the real temps are.
For my new 455 LS7 I have added a Be Cool rad with a Spal fan set up and a Evans pump and coolant. I plan on doing lapping days and the cooling system needs to be really good for that.
Pics of the new stuff.
Good luck with it.
The Ron Davis rad suggested above is IMO the best one available, I almost got it myself.
I use my scanner to tell me what the real temps are.
For my new 455 LS7 I have added a Be Cool rad with a Spal fan set up and a Evans pump and coolant. I plan on doing lapping days and the cooling system needs to be really good for that.
Pics of the new stuff.
Good luck with it.
The Ron Davis rad suggested above is IMO the best one available, I almost got it myself.
Last edited by RAMPANT; Jun 28, 2008 at 12:22 PM.
Depending what you are looking for, I had the stock cooling system with my 412 LS2 and it was ok, but if pushed hard for several minutes, 2-3 it would start to over heat rapidly. Also, so everyone is aware, the 99 and newer stock temp gauge is a dumb gauge. It shows it warming up, then locks onto 190 even if it is 220. It will only go higher once it is to late, like an idiot light. 98 is the only real gauge. So do not make the suggestion that it works great by your stock gauge reading 190 steadily.
I use my scanner to tell me what the real temps are.
For my new 455 LS7 I have added a Be Cool rad with a Spal fan set up and a Evans pump and coolant. I plan on doing lapping days and the cooling system needs to be really good for that.
Good luck with it.
The Ron Davis rad suggested above is IMO the best one available, I almost got it myself.
I use my scanner to tell me what the real temps are.
For my new 455 LS7 I have added a Be Cool rad with a Spal fan set up and a Evans pump and coolant. I plan on doing lapping days and the cooling system needs to be really good for that.
Good luck with it.
The Ron Davis rad suggested above is IMO the best one available, I almost got it myself.
What sponsor here carrys the be cool rads? and where'd you get that kick *** shroud???
The shroud is a BMR, which I have modified a little to fit the way I wanted it. I designed and fabricated my own way to mount the Spal fans. That is the part below the shroud with the SS button heads.
Those fans are a really nice piece, and seemed to be a good fit.
I really liked the rubber flaps that open under speed and enhance air flow, then seal up when the fans are on in traffic for maximum cooling.
