Cooling System

[Illahe]

I've noticed both cars I run like 180* yet when In the staging lanes they heat up fast. Both have three core aluminum radiators. One shrouded and the other has two electric fans. There seems to be no difference with the rate of increased heat in the staging lanes.

That being said, atmospheric temps are mainly in the 80* range with 4700-6500 da. Does the thinner air play a part in the cooling, or lack of efficiency? And how can the system be improved? Both are Iron head 10.5:1 and 11.5:1 engines at this time.

 

[RockinRobin]

Do you use an electric water pump? I know sometimes sitting in the lanes or in pre staging I have to shut mine off and run the fans & pump to keep it where I want it.

 

[Illahe]

Do you use an electric water pump? I know sometimes sitting in the lanes or in pre staging I have to shut mine off and run the fans & pump to keep it where I want it.

No I don't, do you recommend a certain set up, or an electric water pump drive.

 

[RockinRobin]

No I don't, do you recommend a certain set up, or an electric water pump drive.

Lots of options depending on the motor and usage. If is not street legal and drag car only I would recommend 14 volt system and electric pump. All of your 12 volt stuff will work on 14 volts. Run an electric pump that doesn't run off yhe crank so you can run it with the motor off. If you run a motor plate you can get those cut for big block Chevy water pumps which are cheap compared to mopar electric pumps. You might be able to do electric without a motor plate as well. I tried a restricted washer in my thermostat housing and found that it liked it better wide open.

 

[Illahe]

Lots of options depending on the motor and usage. If is not street legal and drag car only I would recommend 14 volt system and electric pump. All of your 12 volt stuff will work on 14 volts. Run an electric pump that doesn't run off yhe crank so you can run it with the motor off. If you run a motor plate you can get those cut for big block Chevy water pumps which are cheap compared to mopar electric pumps. You might be able to do electric without a motor plate as well. I tried a restricted washer in my thermostat housing and found that it liked it better wide open.

Thank you.

I'm running a restrictive washer in the race car water neck. One is a street car the other with eclectic fans is my race car. As for the BBC electric pump, do you modify the flange? I'm not opposed to fabricating an adapter if its feasible.

I'll be swapping motors to a higher compression set up that's filled to the bottom of the water pump ports and I'm concerned.

 

[Bewy]

Idle timing affects engine temp. What are the engine specs & idle timing?

 

[Illahe]

Idle timing affects engine temp. What are the engine specs & idle timing?

11.5:1 pistons, yet at my altitude it's roughly 10.8:1 242/242 @.05, and initial timing is likely 16* at 900 rpm with Iron heads. The other set up is 10.5-7:1 corrected, about 9.5+ with 248/256@.05 and Iron heads. Idles about 1000-1200 with likely 18* initial and Iron heads.

 

[Bewy]

I would try this simple experiment which you can do at home. Let engine idle until temp starts increasing beyond 180*. Then, loosen dist clamp & advance timing to 35-40* [ not critical ]. Report back.
Below is what Chrys [ & others ] did in the 70s to cool engines that got too hot....