Overheating: Cooler with Z06 Screens

[ZZRider]

I had been having some overheating problems, I believe in part due to my car being lowered significantly and leaving very little room in front for air to come in under the front of the car after my engine change/mods. I checked the fans and both worked normally at low/high speed and temp onset. Last week I removed the front housings around the foglights and placed the Z06 screens. (I used screws to secure them, others have simplified this by just using velcro). Here are the temp changes I've seen over the past week.

Temp cruising before 180-195
Temp stopped before 220-245+ (very very rapid rise)

Temp cruising after 175-185
Temp stopped after 185-205 (very slow rise)

Now I know Dave Hill has said the Z06 screens do not allow for significant air flow, but I must say I am pleased with what I have found for mine. (If this would not have worked I would have next raised the front end 1/2 inch or so.)

I suppose this is just a FYI. Most of you are unlikely to have this problem.

 

[HOTMOTORSPORTS]

Did you notice any increase in dust or dirt going in the engine compartment?

Chuck

 

[jplay]

could you post pictures from outside and inside the engine compartment

 

[ZZRider]

I just did this last week, but I have not noticed any increase in dust or dirt. I will add the caveat though that I have a 1/4mi gravel drive to my house, so my car is always dusty. I know this is heresy to many, but my car is for drivin' not showin'.

I will try to get some pics tonight or tomorrow. Not sure I'll get any good ones from inside unless I put her up again.

 

[HOTMOTORSPORTS]

That's exactly why I asked, I have a 1/2 mile dirt road before I get to tar. I also bought mine to drive (I just wish dirt wasn't so dirty).

Chuck

 

[ZZRider]

That's exactly why I asked, I have a 1/2 mile dirt road before I get to tar. I also bought mine to drive (I just wish dirt wasn't so dirty).

Chuck

I know what you mean Chuck.

The only real reason I did the change was because of the overheating issue, and I did not want to raise back up. Mine sits really low since putting in the iron block engine and sc which added a good 80 lbs to the front end. So far after a week, its really no different as far as dirt/dust. I'll let you know if I run into any problems.

I may get some pics this week when I get my new tires.

 

[vettepilot]

I'm trying to figure out how the air gets to your radiator from the Z06 screens to provide the cooling effect. The air from my screens goes into the area on the sides of the radiator, up and around the front cross member then into the air filter housing area.
The screens were designed to provide cool air to the engine air intake.
????????????

vettepilot

 

[ZZRider]

Mine's opened up, no shroud in front of my radiator. My intercooler sits in front of the radiator. So does my air intake. My radiator with integrated oil cooler is lowered and forward. Through the openings a large portion of the air flows at the single central intercooler, but a suitable portion of the radiator on each lateral side is in fact visible. This has allowed for more air into the region to be pulled through by my cooling fans when car is at rest. My car is so low that I believe insufficient air could be pulled from under the front end and through the radiator by the fans. Now it can draw through the screens right in front of my radiator/intercooler where it was unable to do so before. I had initially thought about drilling holes or cutting the back side of the housing away, but I didn't want the rocks/gravel smashing up my intercooler or radiator.

I presume the temp drop at speed is in part due to augmented flow into the same pressure area forced in through the screens. My operating oil temp has dropped also about 5-10 degrees at cruise, as the oil cooler is integral with the radiator.

I realize this is not applicable or an issue for most, but I know some other ATI folks were having over-heating problems at one time. This so far has worked for me, so I thought I'd post it. If I can get some pics that might show it better than I can describe.

 

[vettepilot]

AH-HA !! So that's the secret.... Good explaination, I can picture it in my mind now. Would like to see photos if you can post them, sounds like a nice clean installation.
vettepilot

 

[HOTMOTORSPORTS]

Great ZZRider!

Please send photos.

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[ZZRider]

Here are some pics, not very good though. Not sure if they show it well. I had to downsize to get under the size restriction for uploads. I tried to label some areas. Those are my new BFGs to the right, when I get those installed I'll try to bring my camera and snap some pics from below.

You may be able to appreciate from the pics how low my car sets now. Although I have not measure the clearance, it cannot be more than 2".