'14 AGM 1SS/1LE Track build [COTW 11/17/14]

[X25]

Originally Posted by Burt

I was hoping I could get away with getting the non-power/heated seat, but since I'm 6'2", and my helmet rubs the headliner as it is, I guess I'll have to go with the nicer one.

Wait until I receive mine and confirm that the headroom is restored.

[X25]

Originally Posted by Dropspeed

So I was just informed by the doctor I am 5'9", not 5'10" as I have claimed for 20+ years! Either way I have the Z/28 manual Recaro, no sunroof and I fit in the car with a helmet on. Now I must duck my head to get in and out more than any other car beside a Lotus Elise.

Yes, 55.4lbs each.....but I will take the 20lbs extra to have airbags in them.

A part of it also has to do with the torso height. I have a friend who is 6'1" or so, and we had about same torso height when we measured it for a race seat fitment at the time, even though I am just 5'10". The seat also has most headroom at rearmost setting, so short legs don't help, either.

[jamestown]

Hey x25,

Do you remember aprox how many laps it took for your oil to get to 290? From the video it looks like it is slowly climbing.

[X25]

Originally Posted by jamestown

Hey x25,

Do you remember aprox how many laps it took for your oil to get to 290? From the video it looks like it is slowly climbing.

You mean with the stock system? I'd want to say, about 6-8 laps? It's been a while, I might be wrong. Next time I go, I will add OBD II logs to the dashboard, so I will get to track temps (coolant, engine oil, intake) as well, but it will obviously be the fake oil temp, so I don't know if it matters.

[jamestown]

Originally Posted by X25

You mean with the stock system? I'd want to say, about 6-8 laps? It's been a while, I might be wrong. Next time I go, I will add OBD II logs to the dashboard, so I will get to track temps (coolant, engine oil, intake) as well, but it will obviously be the fake oil temp, so I don't know if it matters.

I mean after the setrab install, at the start of the video it seems to display ~272 and climb from there, just wondered how many laps you got in before you had to cool down. Having just watched it again it does climb pretty quickly.

[X25]

Originally Posted by jamestown

I mean after the setrab install, at the start of the video it seems to display ~272 and climb from there, just wondered how many laps you got in before you had to cool down. Having just watched it again it does climb pretty quickly.

I think that was not a fair test for the cooler, since I installed the cooler adapter upside down (as recommended for Camaros), which has the ill effect of having the thermostat at the cooled return line, thereby making the thermostat more likely to keep it shut. I re-installed it with the right side up since then, so it will be more informative of the cooler's performance next time.

[jamestown]

Originally Posted by X25

I think that was not a fair test for the cooler, since I installed the cooler adapter upside down (as recommended for Camaros), which has the ill effect of having the thermostat at the cooled return line, thereby making the thermostat more likely to keep it shut. I re-installed it with the right side up since then, so it will be more informative of the cooler's performance next time.

I have looked at improved racing's thermostat diagram for some time and it hurts my head a bit. As the entire thing is made of aluminum and the input and return lines are in no way thermally uncoupled I have to imagine that the thermostat spring itself is working on some average between the incoming and outgoing temperatures and would oscillate constantly until that average was > 215 degrees? As such I can't imagine how turning it around would change the results drastically - but I would certainly welcome being mistaken.

I'm about to pull the trigger on an oil cooler myself, having trouble deciding what size radiator to get.

Total aside, did you ever consider covering up the rad with something while you aren't on track to keep the oil warmer? I just looked at my car a moment ago and accessing the rad with the bumper on won't be the easiest, but that solution would probably work.

[X25]

Originally Posted by jamestown

I have looked at improved racing's thermostat diagram for some time and it hurts my head a bit. As the entire thing is made of aluminum and the input and return lines are in no way thermally uncoupled I have to imagine that the thermostat spring itself is working on some average between the incoming and outgoing temperatures and would oscillate constantly until that average was > 215 degrees? As such I can't imagine how turning it around would change the results drastically - but I would certainly welcome being mistaken.

I'm about to pull the trigger on an oil cooler myself, having trouble deciding what size radiator to get.

Total aside, did you ever consider covering up the rad with something while you aren't on track to keep the oil warmer? I just looked at my car a moment ago and accessing the rad with the bumper on won't be the easiest, but that solution would probably work.

The very reason why I bought the adapter with thermostat is to keep the oil warm at the street. As such, I never felt the need to cover the oil cooler's radiator in winter time. During my tests, it warmed up almost as fast as it used to with the water-cooled/warmed OEM setup (judged by difference in reported oil temps in dash vs. what I see at my own oil temp gauge) even when it's cold out. I should state here, though, Seattle winter is not as harsh as some of the other regions'.

In another build thread, it was mentioned that any thermostat essentially reduces the oil flow, and they avoided it. I don't know if it's really important, but wanted to mention regardless.

[Burt]

Originally Posted by X25

In another build thread, it was mentioned that any thermostat essentially reduces the oil flow, and they avoided it. I don't know if it's really important, but wanted to mention regardless.

If you know what flow rate/minimum pressure you want to achieve in your cooler circuit, it would be reasonably easy to take into account, and compensate for. The manufacturer should be able to provide you with the local losses caused by the thermostat for your flow rate (or a similar flow rate) so you could use that loss figure to figure out where you're at.

[X25]

Originally Posted by Burt

If you know what flow rate/minimum pressure you want to achieve in your cooler circuit, it would be reasonably easy to take into account, and compensate for. The manufacturer should be able to provide you with the local losses caused by the thermostat for your flow rate (or a similar flow rate) so you could use that loss figure to figure out where you're at.

I used 12-AN lines/connectors and 72-row cooler for as little pressure drop as possible. Actually, since the oil runs cooler, I think I might have gained pressure during track duty : ) The only missing piece in my calculation is the thermostat, but from its design, it didn't seem to be something that could cause a significant pressure drop. I might be wrong, though...

[X25]

Finally, there is good news! I am going to get the final missing parts (Z28 front splitter, rear spoiler, and necessary hardware) in a week or so. Once the aero is installed, I will hit the track as soon as I can. Looking forward to seeing how it performs.

In other news, I was also finally able to solve the belt issues with my supercharged Miata. I will try it on Sunday at Oregon Raceway Park. We will also be sending the dimensions of the new tensioner extension bracket, so the manufacturer can also fix the issue for other customers. I expect it to be at around 250whp. Considering it's also around 2500 lbs, it's not bad at all : )

[X25]

I have been working on getting my supercharged Miata to stay cool, and learned quite a bit about coolant mixture rates, etc. I finally bit the bullet, and bought this:

Hanna Instruments Hi 96832 Digital Propylene Glycol Refractometer


OK, now I will be able to say exactly what percentage my coolant is at.

Using this, I will set me ratio exactly at where I want (probably 30/70)! Exciting : )

FYI, I got it here: http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/ha...RdlRoCFOjw_wcB

[Camaro Dude]

Originally Posted by X25

I have been working on getting my supercharged Miata to stay cool, and learned quite a bit about coolant mixture rates, etc. I finally bit the bullet, and bought this:

Hanna Instruments Hi 96832 Digital Propylene Glycol Refractometer


OK, now I will be able to say exactly what percentage my coolant is at.

Using this, I will set me ratio exactly at where I want (probably 30/70)! Exciting : )

FYI, I got it here: http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/ha...RdlRoCFOjw_wcB

30% coolant 70% water right?

No water wetter??

[X25]

Originally Posted by Camaro Dude

30% coolant 70% water right?

No water wetter??

Yes, and I ordered water wetter, too. My coolant temps were never too bad with the Camaro, but they are not good with the Miata with its supercharger, so the real test will be on that car.