nw07heavy

Here in California we have many 85+ degree days. I noticed that my C6 runs at around 203F coolant temperature doing 75mph cruise at 88 degrees. The standard Procharger ECM flash turns on fans at around 195F coolant temperature, which means the fans will be on all the time in warm weather. I have already gone to a 30% antifreeze concentration (vs. the standard 50%) and am using one bottle of Watter Wetter. This small change helped the car in winter (60 to 70F) when it ran at around 193 to 194 coolant temperature in cruise, rising only when in stop and go traffic, where the fans would turn on and lower temps back to 192 where they would shut off.

What changes have any of you running Procharger equipped C6s made to lower cruise temperatures, and eliminate fans running full time? The relocated radiator, removing the factory fan shroud, and blocking effect of the intercooler apparently lower the effectiveness of the stock radiator to very marginal levels. Are there any devices out there that will increase front end air flow, or is a larger radiator needed, if one will fit?

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

C2Jeff

Wish I could help but haven't bought my ProCharger yet. Mind telling me how much of an improvement in acceleration you get from yours?

mlongo99

I believe both DRM and LG make oil/water combo radiators. They aren't cheap but will definately give you enough cooling capacity.

Abomination

there are aftermarket radiators that are bolt in, Ive seen some for sale at some of the forum vendors sites that add quite a bit of capacity to the radiators which would help alot. Also the electric water pumps look promising if for only the reason you get constant rpm's pumping the water so it doesnt slow down while rpm's are low as in a belt drive application. You could also jet coat your headers to get some heat out of the engine compartment. Another option is to remove the 30/70 antifreeze combo in your car and replace it with distilled water and water wetter, no danger of the radiator fluid freezing in california so no need for antifreeze (havent run any antifreeze in any of my cars in vegas for years now)

Just a few ideas

nw07heavy

Thanks for the tips guys. I checked out some radiators and found some that may work, but I first tried lowering the antifreeze ratio to about 20% to 25% with 12ozs of Super Water Wetter. This change dropped cruise coolant operating temp on an 80F day to 194F, with temps reaching 196-198 in stop and go traffic. I'll check it on a hotter day; I can always try a stronger coolant additive and 5% less antifreeze. If this works I will save myself having to change radiators in a tight space. The stronger anticorrosive formula will also be a benefit.

NineBall

There isn't anything wrong with running the fan all the time. Might as well use the fan if you have one.

Make sure the reprogramming kicks them on early enough at a high enough % value. These C6's have variable fan speed vs temp, as well as variable fan speed vs A/C line pressure.

Remember that old school cars had belt-driven fans that stayed on, not a big deal to run it on. These electric fans tend to outlast the cars haha.

0C_Williams@RPM

I'll add this - the C6 has a brushless fan motor with an expected life in the neighborhood of 25,000 hours -

nw07heavy

Thank you for the life expectancy of the fans. I did not know that they were as durable. This is one less thing to worry about, and is good news.

shurite44

In a C5 when you reached a certain cruising speed I thought the fans would turn off and let slip stream air cool the radiator. Does the C6 do this?

shopdog

The ECM turns on the fan (there's only one) when the coolant reaches a pre-programmed temperature. The fan is variable speed, and the ECM runs it harder when the temperature is higher. The fan is turned off when the temperature drops below the preset value. Vehicle speed isn't directly used for this, though of course the higher the airflow through the radiator, the lower the coolant temperature, so it does indirectly determine when the fan runs.

shurite44

Only one fan. Well I learned something new today. I am still waiting on my C6 to get here. Thanks dog.

Diver Dave

I have an ATI Procharger on my 05 Z51 and so far no temp problems. My fan comes on at 195. It usually turns off while moving. When you did the mod, did you remove the valance under the front end? If so, this will cause the car to overheat. You should trim the valance under the car. About an inch or so trim is good enough.

Brabus2

nw07heavy

The underside air dam was kept intact as recommended by Procharger, and was not reduced in surface area by trimming. I suspect that the air dam will keep the relative air pressure at a lower level within the engine compartment, thus keeping airflow at a maximum. Removing the air dam would negate the drag area behind it, and reduce airflow through the engine compartment. Thanks for the tip.

sallen619

I know I only scanned through this thread but you mean to tell me no one has mentioned the ALMIGHTY 160 degree thermostat!?!?

NineBall

I suppose most of us assumed the 160F t-stat was installed already

if not, do it!

nw07heavy

Yes, the car had a 170F thermostat installed when the Procharger was installed.

EuroRod

I've had a cooling issue with my LT4 Hybrid 944 Porsche. I'm currently using Evan's waterless coolant. Dropped my coolant temp 20 degrees. Will an electric waterpump fit with the ProCharger? If it will, the 55 gal/hr constant volumn will help a bunch. I think that at a 70 mph cruising speed, the waterpump isn't flowing enough coolant thru the radiator, and an electric would take care of that issue. Good luck.

nw07heavy

Thanks to everyone, and I'll check out the waterless coolant and electric water pump.