I know that it doesn't get as hot here in middle TN as it does in florida or something like that, but I feel like the stock cooling system doesn't do a good enough job. Also the last thing I want is to do heads and cam this summer and warp a good set of ported heads if I overheat.

I cleaned out the radiator, had the cooling system flushed recently and the cooling fans are working ok. Does anyone make a radiator that cools better than stock? If so is it gonna break the bank, or is it reasonably priced??

John

 

BeCool makes one that is a direct replacement. Summit sells them for around $500.

 

Damn that's way to expensive for me!!! I guess you've got to pay to play though

 

Just get a 160* stat and a reprogram for lower fan temps... You can basically pick how hot you want your car to run...

 

I would honesty just stick with a stock radatior. I picked up a Be Cool radiator for my car and it was more of a pain than it was benefit.

 

Has anyone tried any additives in their radiator?? I know where to get some "water wetter", and I have seen some stuff called "purple ice", does this stuff work??

John

 

The stock radiator in our cars seems more than adequate too me, I've never had a problem with my car getting too hot and havn't heard of many other complaints. I use water wetter, have a 160 stat, and had the PCM reprogrammed so the fans to come on at 180. My temps stay right around 165.

 

If the 160 sat. & PCM reprogramming doesn't work, try a "cowl hood". That will let the hot air out.

 

I run a 160 thermo and have the fans programmed. My car never runs over 185 degrees even when sitting in traffic. I have a fan switch for backup just in case it gets too hot though.

 

you car runs best at higher temps its programmed for. By running a 160 stat you are basically sticking a tiger in alaksa telling him africa is too hot. he was "designed" to run in hotter temps. you may not like it, but he does.

The metals in your car wear best (aka least) using the thermo/ fan settings GM used. Your metal will wear faster using a colder stat from what i've read. Why would GM make their cars overheat on purpose. a 160 stat and PCM programming dont cost them a penny. it takes just as long to enter 220 into the PCM as it does 180

there should be NO REASON why your car would overheat. my car runs perfect and mine is a ton more agressive than yours john. A bigger radiator is band aid. something is wrong if your stock cooling system isn't keeping your car in the correct temp zone.

With that said, a huge radiator and stock stat may hurt EVEN MORE.
why?- well this is just my speculation, but here goes

cast iron block, aluminum heads. different expansion/ contractin rates.

now your at 220*, the thermo opens up and fans kick on. Your coolant is QUICKLY reduced to 170*. Stock would be much more gradual. The heads will see the biggest thermo differances as well. so now imagine doing this every day. Heat cycling is bad.

So if your going to get a bigger radiator, get a colder thermo IMHO. If you are geting a colder thermo, you dont need a bigger raditor. you shouldn't need either IMHO

 

My car likes to run at about 185-190*. When it is starting to warm up outside like now, the car always runs a little hot, Sometimes it wil get up to 220* and sit. Even with the fans on, and sometimes even if I turn the heat on too.

Now it gets hot like this when I'm in traffic. I'd really like for the temp to stay around 185 all the time. That's basically my only complaint here.

John

 

sounds like a healthy car to me

 

Hmmm....I think you are wrong. The reason that they had the cars run hotter out of the factory was for economy. Someone correct me if im wrong.

 

i dont think they would run the risk of overheating/reliabilty issues for fuel economy.

also, if thats the case, why an EGR? hotter = more NOx

 

from what i heard, the higher operating temp is purely for emissions. higher temp = more complete combustion

but lower temp = more power (maybe a little)