FL5 Overheated on Track

[PointByPatrol]

I have 2 or 3 more events this year. One is next weekend, so I've got to get this problem sorted quickly. I'm going to install the new radiator today. I won't be able to report back until I'm at the track again. This won't be a perfect comparison though. Carolina Motorsports Park is a very short track, with short straights, and a lot of low speed corners, which absolutely caused stress on the cooling system. VIR on the other hand has several long straights that allow the car to cool (both brakes and engine) between turns. I've got an oil cooler, so I'm going to put the oil temps to the back of my mind, and stay laser focused on the coolant temps. I am currently researching gauges and will likely buy one soon. HEL Performance has performance data for the oil cooler on their website, and they used an auxiliary gauge to monitor those temperatures, and saw a large reduction in oil temps.

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[BigBird]

I have considered installing Golf OEM aux radiators on the fk8 side vents. Are there aftermarket upgrades for these?

CSF has an upgraded Aux rad that I used.

 

[PointByPatrol]

The new radiator is in, installed it yesterday. Already a small difference noticed just on my way to work this morning. Granted it was in the 40's when I left for work, and I had the heater set to 78 degrees, but the ECT's never went past 172 degrees. Typically I would expect to be around 180-185.

 

[EJHonda]

Is this the "Performance" or "Track Spec" radiator version?

 

[PointByPatrol]

Is this the "Performance" or "Track Spec" radiator version?

Track Spec

 

[Clark_Kent]

The new radiator is in, installed it yesterday. Already a small difference noticed just on my way to work this morning. Granted it was in the 40's when I left for work, and I had the heater set to 78 degrees, but the ECT's never went past 172 degrees. Typically I would expect to be around 180-185.

Are you still running the aftermarket intercooler?

 

[PointByPatrol]

Are you still running the aftermarket intercooler?

Yes. I'll be taking the factory intercooler to the track with me just in case. It's a pretty quick swap if I run into more issues.

 

[Clark_Kent]

Yes. I'll be taking the factory intercooler to the track with me just in case. It's a pretty quick swap if I run into more issues.

Good call. Eager to see how you fair.

 

[PointByPatrol]

Good call. Eager to see how you fair.

I've got my fingers crossed that I won't need to put the factory intercooler back on. I'll be laser focused on the ECT's while on track. I've got positive indications from street driving this week that a difference has been made with the new radiator. I've not seen coolant temps reach 180 at all. I'll be posting a video of the install tonight. I'm currently running 1 bottle of water wetter, 1 gallon of distilled water, and the remaining fill with factory Honda coolant. At the track I will be running the heat during my sessions, and will have the rain baffle under the hood vent removed.

 

[ne_typer]

If you’re in touch with PWR at all, can you ask to see if they are developing an intercooler for the FL5?

 

[PointByPatrol]

If you’re in touch with PWR at all, can you ask to see if they are developing an intercooler for the FL5?

I'm a pretty cool guy and all but I don't have any connections with the folks at PWR.

 

[PointByPatrol]

Gents and ladies! I'm happy to report that the car did not overheat on track at VIR! I removed the baffle and ran the heat. Water temps didn't get over 204 fahrenheit!

 

[Rhorn]

Gents and ladies! I'm happy to report that the car did not overheat on track at VIR! I removed the baffle and ran the heat. Water temps didn't get over 204 fahrenheit!

Great

What about oil? Did the sensor do the same thing where it was giving false positives?

 

[PointByPatrol]

Great

What about oil? Did the sensor do the same thing where it was giving false positives?

That oil temp can't be trusted. Just got done with my second run. Hit 214 F ambient 65

 

[Two Step Performance]

If you’re in touch with PWR at all, can you ask to see if they are developing an intercooler for the FL5?

I will check on this for you. I was told months ago it was in the plans but I haven't heard since and will look for an update.

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