I'm replacing the heat exchanger that came with the Radix with a much larger one. At the same time, I'll be installing a water temp gauge. The question I have is - where should I mount the gauge sensor?

Should I:

1. Mount it between the output of the intercooler and the input to the H/E (perhaps in the reservoir), in order to monitor coolant temps before they head into the H/E
2. Mount it at the output of the H/E, so I know the temp of the coolant prior to it heading back into the intercooler

I should also say that I will have a manual switch to turn on two 8" fans mounted onto the H/E, so this will be part of the equation as well. I'd like the gauge to give me useful information so I know when to turn on the fans.

 

would you need a bigger intercooler pump as well to support a larger H/E?

 

I doubt it....the rate at which I am pumping coolant will stay the same, I'm just changing the volume of coolant. The pump won't know the difference. Although, perhaps getting a pump with a faster flow rate could be a good thing.....

Sorry to bring this back on topic , but any ideas on the mounting of the temp sensor?

 

I had my temp sensor through the plastic cap on the bleeder t-fitting on the out line from the s/c. Even with the standard Setrab h/e that comes with the Radix kit and the lovely 115* summers here, I never saw anything over 150 unless I was towing up a hill and under boost for extended periods of time. Normal operating temp in the summer was probably about 120 or so, during the winter it rarely registered on the gauge.

Don't you want the coolant to sit in the h/e for a little bit to allow it to dissipate heat? I think if it goes through the h/e too fast it won't cool very much.

 

really?.. how do you keep your IATs so low? mine have hit as high as 190!!!

 

I think I/we need to slow down the pump to help the coolant do it's job better. I noticed last night at the track, my iat's were 146 thru the traps. Back in the pits, the blower itself is hot, but the intercooler fluid is barely warm. Anyone know where I can get another heat exchanger like the one Mag supplies? Would a trans cooler be okay to use? I still think there's lots to be gained in this area.

 

I tend to agree with Thunder550 and wkdivr. When I saw how fast the pump was circulating the coolant I thought you could probably gain by slowing the rate down and allowing more thermal transfer. I decided to dump a bottle of water wetter into the system to try to help the heat transfer. I'm not after monster output right now so I figure this is good enough.

I'd vote to put the sensor coming from the intake back to the coolant reservoir so you know how hot the intake itself is getting. If you want to be really **** about it, you could use 2 sensors so you know the temp going from the heat exchanger into the intake and the temp coming out of the intake.

 

I was talking about coolant temps...I've never monitored IAT's before, but I bet they are lots higher than the coolant temps are.

 

I think a larger heat exchanger could accomplish the same thing - more surface area, and a larger unit to pump the coolant through, this should allow for more/better heat transfer.

Anyone else have ideas as to where to mount the temp sensor?

 

would be nice to see the radix water temp then check your IAT see how effective the intercooler is..

if your looking for a simple temp gauge get one of these (see pic) i have like 4 or 5 of these stick one anywhere you want like air intake, rear end or trany just about anywhere...man they are so cool...