Tapeing LG supercool radiator - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

Since this is about as low tech as it gets, I am putting it here. Absolute, if you think it needs moved, feel free.

I have had the abosulte hardest time trying to get my engine temps up high enough that I feel safe. The combo of the Mexiere EWP and the LG supercool radiator w/ a 180* stat I CAN NOT get my engine temps above 140*. Even on the dyno with NO fan running it never went above 140. If it did right after a pull it would drop like a hot rock right back to 140*.

I saw an older post by Lou on LS1tech saying that some of us would have to "tape" the radiator to get out engine temps up to a normal operating area. What did he mean by "tape". Did he mean litterally tape over part of the radiator? And if this is right, what would I use? Duct tape, 200mph tape? And if I do use tape wouldnt the heat off the radiator melt the stick'um off the tape? i was going to use a pice of cardboard to block about 1/4- 1/2 the radiator and thought of using tape to hold it on but was worried about melting the tape.

Can anyone help me out with this?

NataSS Inc View Member Profile	May 1 2004, 08:50 PM Post #1
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 827 Joined: 30-December 03 From: Bellevue WA Member No.: 73	Since this is about as low tech as it gets, I am putting it here. Absolute, if you think it needs moved, feel free. I have had the abosulte hardest time trying to get my engine temps up high enough that I feel safe. The combo of the Mexiere EWP and the LG supercool radiator w/ a 180* stat I CAN NOT get my engine temps above 140. Even on the dyno with NO fan running it never went above 140. If it did right after a pull it would drop like a hot rock right back to 140. I saw an older post by Lou on LS1tech saying that some of us would have to "tape" the radiator to get out engine temps up to a normal operating area. What did he mean by "tape". Did he mean litterally tape over part of the radiator? And if this is right, what would I use? Duct tape, 200mph tape? And if I do use tape wouldnt the heat off the radiator melt the stick'um off the tape? i was going to use a pice of cardboard to block about 1/4- 1/2 the radiator and thought of using tape to hold it on but was worried about melting the tape. Can anyone help me out with this?

rmackintosh View Member Profile	May 2 2004, 03:23 AM Post #2
Senior Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 5,226 Joined: 24-December 03 From: Danville, CA, USA Member No.: 27	QUOTE I think he meant 200mph tape right over the rad opening - preferably on the screen if you have one - not on the rad itself. See the pictures of Jamie McMurray's car at the recent Sears Point NASCAR test. Yep...good 'ol racers/duct tape will do ya just fine.....I taped over 75% of my Datsun radiator for ALL 9 YEARS I raced it....STILL couldn't get it up to temp sometimes... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) You will be better off taping up the opening as others have said...but if you still are a bottom feeder, the radiator may be the only way to go. I would be careful doing it this way....don't want hot spots to develope...i.e. blocking off all in one area and getting uneven temps....might want to start taping from the sides.....so top to bottom, flow/temps are more even....