| Re: L98, they run hot. |
Subject: Re: L98, they run hot. by bogus on 2009/4/5 1:56:06 The DeWitts is a one time buy. That's my opinion. Also, if you are considering upgrading the engine, the cooling system needs upgraded, too. Consider this, also, my OEM replacement lasted about 3 years... Point: The dearly departed jsup, in one of his online blogs, was critizing those of us who recommended an aftermarket performance radiator. I was one of those who made that recommendation and stand behind it, and this is why: He indicated that his new 427 wasn't running hot, the temp gauge was at 180-190 all the time and it would have been a waste to get such an expensive radiator. In short, he was proud of the fact he was saving $500 over the so-called "internet experts" recommendations. Well, I fully believe his engine was running at those temps. No question in my mind. BUT! It was January in New Jersey, the ambeint air temps were in the mid-30s and he was still babying the engine during the break in period. In other words, how quickly will that cooling system be overwhelmed come June, with the AC on, in stop/go on the Garden State Parkway? Or how quickly will that stock system be overwhelmed when running some hot laps at the strip or autocross? What people don't realize is that a cooling system is designed for the power you are putting out from the factory. There is a margin of error, yes, but for the most part, if the engine is putting out 250hp, you are not going to get much past about 325 before the factory cooling system starts to become problematic. And remember, jsup's engine was putting out somewhere around 450chp. This means his cooling system was being taxed by a factor of 2. That's why I got the DeWitt's. It is a two row design, versus one in the OEM radiator. It has more surface area and simply flows better. If your radiator is stock, OEM, from 1987, I would think, that at the very least it needs to be rodded out. I just don't know if that vintage is rebuildable. IIRC, the tanks are held on with aluminum fingers, and they are a bend twice and break deal... bend once at the factory, bend twice to get the tank off because you think you have one over on the man, and break the third time when you try to rebend them back. Forget it. |
