My two cents worth..The cooling between rounds is likely to get the
intake cool for a more dense mixture, but, of course, we are all guilty
of doing things just because we have the idea that it is the right thing
to do.
When I was in high school, we purchased our first tractor. It had a 190
degree thermostat. In those days everyone believed in 160 degree stats
for summer and 180 degree stats for winter. Even today many people will
put in a lower temp stat if they have overheating problems, thinking
that it will solve their problem. Of course, the only thing the
thermostat does is regulate the low temp. I have seen instances though
where thermostats have been removed to try an cure an overheating
problem only to have the reverse results. You can have too much water
flow if it is not regulated by a thermostat. The water has to remain in
the engine long enough to pick up the heat, and in the radiator long
enough to release it.
Heat is power! There was a great article in Hot Rod Magazine several
years ago that told about Smokey Yunick's heated intake three cylinder
Buick. The intake air was first heated by coolant and then by the
exhaust to bring the temp up to about 230 degrees (I believe). A turbo
was used as a homgenizer/check valve, (not for boost) the power and
mileage that resulted was mind boggling. This was a 180 degrees from the
conventional wisdom in performance circles. You have to think outside
the box!
All cars produced today have 195 degree thermostats and will usually run
about 200 to 210 degrees F. The engine is more efficient, both in power
and exhaust emissions at this temp. Smokey says that when we have the
materials and lubricants to allow "no cooling system" then we will get
the real performance.
Tom, Redding CA - #216 D/GCC
The Butters Family wrote:
>
> I am wandering about this deal of running 200 + degrees water temp
> for the most HP, it just never seemed to be that way, remember everyone
> cooling their motors between rounds at the drags in the old days and just
> the fact that my 327 powered roadster always pulled hardest when pretty
> cool. I'm wandering is this apparent change due to the widespread use of
> aluminum heads and even blocks that make the elevated temperatures better
> for power?? Kvach
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Richard Fox <v4gr@rcn.com>
> To: <ardunbill@webtv.net>; dahlgren <dahlgren@uconect.net>;
> <land-speed@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Saturday, October 07, 2000 9:33 AM
> Subject: Re: Cooling
>
> > My first year at the salt I was running pretty good boost, which found its
> > way into the water jacket and split the water tank on the radiator I was
> > running, ruining a record return when the water came back at me. Since
> than
> > I have run a vented tank with two pumps. My friend Jack Connolly drove his
> > 327 powered 28 roadster on the street for 3 years with one Jabsco pump and
> > was happy with it. Rich Fox
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: ardunbill@webtv.net <ardunbill@webtv.net>
> > To: dahlgren <dahlgren@uconect.net>; land-speed@autox.team.net
> > <land-speed@autox.team.net>
> > Date: Saturday, October 07, 2000 07:28 AM
> > Subject: Re: Cooling
> >
> >
> > >Sure, no question that a pressure system is a better basic principle
> > >both from better ability to take the heat out of the metal, and a higher
> > >boiling point in an overheating situation.
> > >
> > >A pressure system makes the cooling tank setup somewhat more
> > >complicated, have to use a tank that can stand the pressure.
> > >
> > >Good point that adequate venting is important for a vented tank, Elmo
> > >Gillette pointed out to me that if boiling does occur, with a small
> > >vent, the pressure can't get out fast enough and the tank will get
> > >distorted. I suppose if the pressure buildup was too severe it could
> > >rupture the tank.
> > >
> > >I have my tank in the trunk with a bulkhead between it and the driver's
> > >compartment, so even if it did rupture, the water would be on the floor
> > >and unlikely to reach the driver in his seat in the cage.
> > >
> > >Back to Bonneville practice, I understand there are a few pressure tank
> > >systems in use, and a lot of vented ones. Could someone who actually
> > >knows, comment? Cheers, ArdunBill
> > >
> >
> >
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