I just installed a new Fluidyne radiator in my Integra, and I was wondering anyone could suggest a good mix ratio. Please keep in mind that this is a track-only car, so less coolant resulting in increased water pump wear does not concern me as much as keeping the engine cool.

Thanks!

 

Andy, since it is a 'track only' car, I wouldn't even put coolant in there. I would fill it with distilled water & add Redline Water Wetter. You could also try Be Cool. I haven't used it but the advertising says it works. By using the WW instead of coolant, you will actually see better heat transfer. It also will help to protect the aluminum. If you were ever to lose some coolant on the track, you won't be creating a slippery condition. If you run over coolant, it is like ice. Need to do some cooling system maintenance? The WW isn't toxic like coolant. The negative is that if you are in freezing conditions, you need to worry. Not a problem in sunny San Diego!

 

Antifreeze both decreases freezing point and increases boiling point, so you are less likely to boil over, but it doesn't transfer heat as well as the water does, making the car run a bit hotter. So if your cooling system is marginal you need the coolant for the higher bp. But if it isn't marginal you can run straight water. Kindof a catch-22. Here in South Florida I always run straight water plus WW (decreases surface tension for increased heat transfer).

 

Could I use a bottle of ww and a 50/50 - 30/70 mix of coolant to water, temps around here might hit freezing and I dont want a cracked block.

 

san diego?
water dissipates heat better than coolant
coolant is just so it doesnt freeze up (aka anti-freeze)
i'd do 80/20 or 70/30..

80&70 being the water

 

Smoking Rubber, if you are worried about freezing, you better read the anti-freeze bottle. I would use at least the minimum they call for. The WW is still suppose to help just not as much when used with a water/anti-freeze mix.
I didn't remember about the bp increase with the af. Thanks for pointing that out. Another thing that can help to increase the boiling point is a higher pressure radiator cap.

 

IMO, the cooling system on these cars is pretty darn good from the factory. With the big fluidyne it'll be even better. So you may not need to go with pure distilled water / water wetter.

Personally, I use ~75% distilled, a bottle of water wetter and the rest is Honda brand antifreeze.

 

Karl,

I will probably use the mix that you suggested. Cooling was never a major problem, until my last race at the Streets of Willow course in 105+ degree temps. My next race at California Speedway should be MUCH cooler.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

 

Ever notice how when your really up close to the car in front of you how much hotter your car runs?

Not that anyone ever checks but running coolant is a no no for NASA. I would think it is for SCCA too. @ one event @ Sears Point this guy lost his lower radiator hose by doing a off & on. He dropped coolant all over the line. A NSX, a EG hatch & a BMW all got a little crumpled because of it.


[Modified by civicrr, 9:41 PM 10/7/2001]