Tracking car hard in hot climate

[zzyzx85]

Would it be a good idea to throw in a few gallons of 100+ octane (unleaded) in the interest of ping prevention? Any downsides, besides being a waste of money?

[Driver407]

So i had my first event with the E46 out at thunderhill west today. Was about 80* and the car did great! Oil never even made it to the 3 dot and coolant was also a non worry. Guess i was just overthinking it
As everyone stated OEM works and mine hasnt even been refreshed yet.

Usually run a 1:25 in my F80 (ap racing bbk, tc klines,CS tune,apex ec7, nitto nt01). Ended up doing a 1:31 on a pretty much stock E46 with continental extreme sports (came with car). Not to mention this is my first manual car so ive only had 2 months of experience.

[Estoril]

Koyo radiator has been fantastic for me, well respected for JDM cars. Has more capacity and all aluminum which is a bonus. Fitment is perfect as well.

Are you tracking your car in 100 degree temperatures?

[zzyzx85]

Koyo radiator has been fantastic for me, well respected for JDM cars. Has more capacity and all aluminum which is a bonus. Fitment is perfect as well.

I've got one waiting for me to install. I also have a Koyo in my STI and it's been great at the track, even during the summer.

[wahsm]

Truth, if I have learned one thing from this forum it is do not buy any radiator other than OE.

Koyo radiator has been fantastic for me, well respected for JDM cars. Has more capacity and all aluminum which is a bonus. Fitment is perfect as well.

[Jevi Javi]

ive been runinng mostly LiquidMoly and Respol with no issues till recently. They are way cheaper than Castrol where I live. But, I'll give Castrol a try again and see if that helps with my heating issues.

[S14]

I don’t think it’s been specifically mentioned, but if you plan to keep your AC, replace the AC condenser. If the fins are bent and blocked by debris, you’ll get less airflow to the radiator. My track temps have been cooler after I deleted both stock fans and installed SPAL fan, OE radiator, and OEM AC condenser. Also have a CSF oil cooler, but I think I’ll be going back to OE soon.

I also added 1/4” wire mesh in front of the condenser and oil cooler to protect the fins from larger debris. It works—catches large bugs and track rubber.

Pics in case they’re helpful. Hit a coyote so front end was fucked.





Castrol 10W60 ran cooler than LM 10W60 in my experience. Have driven the car at TWS, COTA, and MSRH in the Texas summer heat.

Good stuff, I'm going to change my AC condenser and swap from a CSF oil/rad to new OEM ones.

[Obioban]

I’ve tracked in as high as 105° ambient, probably higher on track, always using TWS. No issue.

[SQ13]

I don’t think it’s been specifically mentioned, but if you plan to keep your AC, replace the AC condenser. If the fins are bent and blocked by debris, you’ll get less airflow to the radiator. My track temps have been cooler after I deleted both stock fans and installed SPAL fan, OE radiator, and OEM AC condenser. Also have a CSF oil cooler, but I think I’ll be going back to OE soon.

I also added 1/4” wire mesh in front of the condenser and oil cooler to protect the fins from larger debris. It works—catches large bugs and track rubber.

Pics in case they’re helpful. Hit a coyote so front end was fucked.

for those who track in hot climates, Curious to know what oil are you using that provide best results?

Castrol 10W60 ran cooler than LM 10W60 in my experience. Have driven the car at TWS, COTA, and MSRH in the Texas summer heat.

[zzyzx85]

make sure you hood is up right after you are off track.

I've always done this since I started tracking. Gets all the hot air out from under the hood. I also usually let it run for a while parked with the hood open.

[Estoril]

for those who track in hot climates, Curious to know what oil are you using that provide best results?

I use Castrol Edge Supercar 10W60. But the cooling system health is the primary factor in controlling engine temps. And make sure you hood is up right after you are off track.

[Jevi Javi]

for those who track in hot climates, Curious to know what oil are you using that provide best results?

[Rich022]

Airflow really is the key- that means removing AC condenser and some cut the hood for better airflow. radiator and oil cooler fins need to have space bt them too. When i removed my oil cooler there was a TON of trash/pebbles/dirt lodged bt the fins. Also go 90-100% water +water wetter.

[bigjae46]

I would guess that the side pieces aid in creating a pressure differential between the air in front and behind the radiator which increases flow through the radiator.

[eacmen]

I know the consensus is that the factory fan shroud is functional. But what about the two plastic pieces that wrap around the engine from the fan shroud? Can these be deleted without impacting cooling perf?