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3-Wheeler · 12-01-2009, 01:11 PM

Some of the university students who design, build, and race SAE formula cars, have mentioned something that would help in this situation.

Consider that 1/3 of the engine heat goes to the radiator at what ever throttle position the engine is running at.

If you are pulling a large load up a pass in Colorado, and the engine is putting out 200 hp, then the radiator will need to dissipate 1/3 of that load, or 67 hp!! AND the hole for the radiator block needs to be sized accordingly.

Likewise if you are putting along on flat back roads, and only using 3 hp, then the radiator opening can be effectively closed-off completely.

The only way to safely do this, is provide an 'automatic' device that monitors this for you, or at least have a cable assisted damper or some sort.

Hope this helps, Jim.

12-01-2009, 01:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
3-Wheeler Master EcoModder Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southern WI Posts: 827 AlienMobile - '00 Honda Insight Team Honda 90 day: 80.05 mpg (US) Thanks: 101 Thanked 560 Times in 191 Posts	Automatic Radiator Adjust Some of the university students who design, build, and race SAE formula cars, have mentioned something that would help in this situation. Consider that 1/3 of the engine heat goes to the radiator at what ever throttle position the engine is running at. If you are pulling a large load up a pass in Colorado, and the engine is putting out 200 hp, then the radiator will need to dissipate 1/3 of that load, or 67 hp!! AND the hole for the radiator block needs to be sized accordingly. Likewise if you are putting along on flat back roads, and only using 3 hp, then the radiator opening can be effectively closed-off completely. The only way to safely do this, is provide an 'automatic' device that monitors this for you, or at least have a cable assisted damper or some sort. Hope this helps, Jim.