I will be running a number of HPDE events this summer in what will likely be 80-90+ degree temps (California and Virginia). I will be installing the Blaine Fabrication power steering cooler with his recommended factory PS cooler delete radiator hose so I figured I would replace the coolant at the same time. I was thinking of running 70% distilled H20 and 30% antifreeze. Questions:

Should I look into changing the thermostat for a 160 or 180 at the same time? Recs?

Any recs on coolant brand/type or ratio?

 

The 160 is an easy change and I would recommend it, As far as coolant maybe you should look into just water and something like Water wetter for the summer and then go back to coolant in the winter.

 

No.

I run the stock thermostat with no issues.

 

Leave the car alone and go drive it.

 

Oh the car will definitely get driven. So far I am signed up for NASA HPDE on May 17/18 (Willow Springs), May 24/25 (Thunderhill), and June 7/8 (Buttonwillow). Temps will likely be 90-100 for this coming weekend at Willow Springs. As for the PS cooler I already purchased it (going to see Alan Blaine this week to pick it up) and will be installing it in the coming weeks (along w/ a PS fluid flush w/ Redline) so it just makes sense to replace the coolant while I have the hose off. Most of the things I have read say 70:30 in the summer months and once winter hits Virginia I'll probably go 50:50. Open to any suggestions on the coolant ratio or coolant brand and whether water wetter is worth putting in (don't know if that stuff actually works). Thanks!

 

I run 50/50 coolant with a stock thermostat.

Unless the car gives you a problem leave it be. You won't be pushing the car limits for a good while.

Everything you touch is offering a problem to happen.

 

Good point. Do you run in hot temps w/ 50:50? Also I will be going through the tech checklist and am going to check for wheel bearing play tomorrow. The rear is supposed to have play in and out right but not the front? At least when the car is on the ground (I will jack it up tomorrow) the front does not budge when I check for play but the rear tire clunks in and out a few mm when I wiggle the tire.

 

I run a stock thermostat and 50/50 mix and haven't had any trouble in the Atlanta heat. Road Atlanta on a 98* day in June and didn't have any issue.