Monday, May 14, 2012 - 08:52 pm, by: Brett Harrison(Bretto)
Mike, was just checking out your conversion pic.
What water temp gauge are you using ? Just looking around for one, and will probably have to add it into the top radiator hose, rather than threading into the main outlet.
Mike Beck Goo Roo New Zealand BMW E36 Coupe 1UZFE V8 340i
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 07:43 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
Originally with the electric fan going it would slightly above half, so I guess that would be around the 90 degree mark?
On a warmer day it got slightly higher when in stand still traffic.
Since installing the 1UZ hydro fan it sits just below the half way mark all the time. The electric fan still goes but just on half speed instead of full.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 07:53 pm, by: Brett Harrison(Bretto)
Ok' I think mine must be running over 100, it starts pulling timing when warm' but flies when cold_cool' its fine at highway speeds. But it is running a 76 mercedes radiator : ) with 16 inch davies craig. I think Im going to have to go the custom route, alloy rad ? Maybe.
Mike Beck Goo Roo New Zealand BMW E36 Coupe 1UZFE V8 340i
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 08:59 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
Hmmmm.... getting a tad hot there.
I've also used distilled water + 50% mix with Red Toyota anti boil coolant, new thermostat etc. Holds pressure well too, so that will also aid in the prevention of it getting hotter.
I'm just running the stock BMW alloy radiator, + a M3 top tank located up near the top of the engine so it has the right level (original tank in my profile picture didn't sit high enough)
Definitely go for an alloy radiator. 2 or 3 core if there's space
The efficiency of the 70s Mercedes radiators must be quite low now days, especially if its been used for at least a few years.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 08:52 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
I'm actually thinking of doing the same...
I did a bit of research on the LS1/2/3 E36 conversion forums earlier today, they tend to suggest the stock E36 temp gauge is somewhat dimwitted and essential a cold, warm, hot gauge... not totally analogue as one would expect.
Fortunately I am able to hook at a proper temp gauge to give a numerical readout through my TCM-2000 gearbox controller, all I need is to get the small display screen to make use of it and monitor the temperature more accurately.
I'm good a finding ways to spend more money unnecessarily
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 10:57 pm, by: Brett Harrison(Bretto)
ahhhh, its only money.
I bought a Speco gauge from Autobarn, electronic, threads straight into std port. So will run that under a few different scenarios, and see what it is doing. Then make a decision. Ive also got a v8 soarer that runs perfect, and is good for comparison, so might add the gauge to that to see exactly what temps it is at. From what Ive read a std soarer V8 runs in the 95-100 C range, Ive got a colder Thermostat, so maybe a bit below that.
What do you think about some of those cheaper alloy rads ? otherwise go higher end like PWR etc. I did see a VE SS radiator, that I was going to attempt to retrofit, but may be more work than its worth.
Mike Beck Goo Roo New Zealand BMW E36 Coupe 1UZFE V8 340i
Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 03:45 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
Yeah, only money, gotta spend it somehow!
Ummmm, I would probably opt for the more costly radiator of a reputable brand, at least then you know you're getting a decent product that will do what it should.
I've seen some of the cheaper ones that tend to have design flaws leading them to corrode/block up quicker, I'd even seen some a silly mate of mine bought one which had bits of metal shaving inside that had to be cleaned out, doubt he got them all out. Probably not a big deal, but I wouldnt like the idea of small bit of alloy floating around inside haha.