kevink0000

I agree with Team. The radiator is too small and has too little airflow through it to maintain thermostat temperature even on a stock engine, in normal driving, and anything above, say 85 degrees F. This is with good stock components, operating properly.

You may say, well I only see 197 on a 95 degree day, that is acceptable! No problems!

I say its not, because 197 means you already over the cooling capacity of the radiator/fan/airflow/coolant mix matrix, and the only thing now governing your engine temp is power output and ambient temp/airflow. It is now in effect air-cooled. There is no real regulation. I can go further and state that large temp swings are bad for the longevity of this particular engine, but I have no proof, just theory. A good, relatively low, well regulated temperature is better for any engine's life, this however is well known. (not withstanding the newer engines with computer controlled "hot on purpose, sometimes" thermostats.)

That means there is a "known cooling system issue" with this car, in my opinion.

There is no reason the cooling system should not be able to keep thermostat temperature under normal operating conditions in any climate conditions it will likely encounter in the nation it was sold in. It is a flaw.

Running the fans at all times is good, if you are seeing temps go above thermostat set temp. It helps, even at speed.

The oil coolers, on the other hand, seem to have more than adequate capacity for normal driving use.

jcbrx8

The system was designed for the ECU to activate the fans on low or high at 197F and 212F IIRC,. respectively. I w/h preferred a more robust system.., but it is acceptable, ...and certainly *at speed*.

I live in the south, where still 9 of 12 months have ave highs of 85F or less. Nine months! This is not even considering northern climates, evenings, etc.

So, run the fans constantly if you like..., but it is unnecessary. I believe the better approach is to:
- think systemically to improve other aspects of the system: e.g reloc battery, remove huge airbox, seal around the rad., jettison the cool engine cover, etc.
- reduce the low & high activation temps to your desired levels,
...then allow the system to govern temps as designed...activating fans during mid-summer, midday hot ambient temps, and keeping them off when not needed.

I just returned from a spirited drive...where even TURBO'd at speed... ECT & Oil T were both ~ 175F w/ fans off.