| Cooling options for 85-89s |
Subject: Cooling options for 85-89s by CentralCoaster on 2008/10/24 22:30:21 On my 85, I currently have a stock radiator, and the Z51 oil cooler/warmer sandwich above the oil filter. On my last trip to the track I hit 265F coolant and 305F oil temp on a 70F day, because of the sustained high revs. I pulled the shroud but didn't find any blockage in there. There's a small 1/2" gap under the a/c condenser that I blocked off to keep debris out... some say that hurts airflow to the radiator, but it's very restrictive anyways due to the shroud plastic, so I'm not convinced. But I'll remove it anyways and use a screen to keep debris out. I'm avoiding putting in a racing radiator because it's going to require me to replace my a/c condenser with a thinner one and dealing with capturing the R12. Option 1: I can do an external plate oil cooler for about $80 mounted on the cross member behind the radiator fan, plus $100 for a oil filter adapter with thermostat, and $170 more for all the fittings. Solves oil problem but not coolant problem. Add aftermarket radiator later ($500) and replace condenser, recharge R12. Option 2: Install racing radiator with internal oil cooler. Nobody makes one for the 84-89. Ron Davis wants $200 extra to add one to their $540 radiator. I haven't asked DeWitt yet, but I presume it'll be close to that also. I still need the fittings and hoses ($170) plus an oil filter adapter (no thermostat) for $40. And then I'll have to still change the condenser. Option 3: Shift sooner and run slower lap times. First choice is a little cheaper, but takes up more space and leaves me with more fittings. Also the oil thermostat opens from 160-180 which I think is a little cool for street driving. But the 2nd choice just dumps more heat into the radiator, so it won't cool either the coolant or oil quite as well. What do you think? Am I missing anything? |
