Summer's coming, open your \"eyes\" (NA models)

namster · Postby **namster** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:27 pm

I have an oil temp sensor which isnt connected, just sitting in the engine bay, near the right strut/intake manifold.

On a hot day (aircon needed), approx +26degrees
With headlight cover closed, engine bay temps were approx 65degs
With the headlight cover open, and it drops to about 40degs.

Boags · Postby **Boags** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:25 pm

Fatty wrote:see, your radiator cools your coolant because there is a pressure difference between the air on either side of the radiator. this pressure difference helps to suck (or push, not sure which ) the air through the radiator. by fitting a duct, or raising your headlights, i think you are actually reducing this pressure difference. SO , whilst your engine bay temps may improve, it is possible that your coolant temps may actually rise.

*WARNING: ANECDOTE FOLLOWING*

I have no *evidence* as such, but an anecdote... Just after I mounted my intercooler (before the turbo went in) I went on a club run on a very warm day through the Gold Coast Hinterland. With the lights down I was getting the temp gauge climbing, with the lights up the temp gauge would return to normal. This only tells us ONE thing:

Having the lights up lowers under-bonnet temps sufficiently to help the cooling system overall. It DOESN'T tell us that it helps or hinders airflow through the radiator.

Even with the turbo, if she gets warm I just pop the lights up.

I think I'm going to do a NACA duct when I get back from OS...

Boags

GP · Postby GP » Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:33 pm

Has someone done a write up on how to do the sleepy eyes mod? I think I prefer that than having the lights right up. I would love the duel headlight mod but it's so expensive

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:35 pm

Boags'MX5 wrote:I think I'm going to do a NACA duct when I get back from OS...

Boags

Oh I am like SO there for that dodgy day

I'm just wondering where we'll place the jack this time round

MXkal · Postby **MXkal** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 6:24 pm

i dont think its worth doing a writeup. Im 17 and it cost me $6 so i suppose anyone could do it. Just put a switch in the power to the motors. I found the wire that enters the fuse called \"retractor\" and extended it to the dash, put a switch on it and back to the fuse. Totaly adjustable and keeps the lights tilted foward so they are just 2 big scoops.

http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc50 ... CN0974.jpg

http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc50 ... CN0940.jpg

Fatty · Postby **Fatty** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 6:56 pm

well this has been very informative, thanks everyone. i have never had overheating problems on the road, even in 35+ weather. it's only ever been an issue on the track.

i guess the cheapest (free!) ,and maybe even the most effective, mod for me to do then, is just to remove the headlight cover alltogether at track days. it's only a few screws, afterall.