Cooling Issues

[RodS197]

I bought a 170 degree Raichle thermostat and am now having doubts wether to use it or not. The limiting factor on coolant cooling is the radiator itself (and, of course, airflow through it). A thermostat with a lower opening temperature will do just that. It will open at a lower temperature, but it does not increase cooling capacity.

I installed Race Louvers and even though I have not had the car on the track yet, their effect is noticeable. In slow traffic on a hot day everything is just as it was before install. Once the car gets moving temperatures come down much faster and the car runs cooler. Remember that it makes no difference how big the inlet is if the air can’t get out.

In the OP’s case I think that the severely damaged condenser is the main culprit. Not enough air going in is just as bad as the air not being able to get out. All of the other items mentioned will help increase cooling capacity. Except the thermostat, which will be the least effective at cooling.

I put the 170 Reisch (sp) in my car this last winter with all the other mods. It seems to work as advertised. However, my car is a dedicated track car. My previous car was a street car as well. I tried the lower temperature thermostat on the car and it was terrible on the street. I think I lost 2 mpg around town. It never got warm enough. If you drive it in the street, keep the 180 stock thermostat and get a big radiator.

 

[BlackMetal]

I put the 170 Reisch (sp) in my car this last winter with all the other mods. It seems to work as advertised. However, my car is a dedicated track car. My previous car was a street car as well. I tried the lower temperature thermostat on the car and it was terrible on the street. I think I lost 2 mpg around town. It never got warm enough. If you drive it in the street, keep the 180 stock thermostat and get a big radiator

Damn! I already ordered a 160 degree thermostat. I live in a small town in Canada. Town driving is minimal. I do highway road trips and cars only driven in the summer. And I plan to hit track much more next year