cooling

[mitch_f1]

So I was told recently that I should replace the stock NA6 radiator with the plastic end tanks with an aluminium one. I am planning on doing quite a bit of track work, so I guess cooling is a pretty big priority.

For those running race cars, is an oil cooler really worth it? Or would I be better spending my money on a better quality radiator?

Also, should I bother with oil temp gauge. I hear oil pressure gauges are simple, just using the stock sender location with a new sender. I have got a water temp gauge ready to install.

So I thought I knew where the thread was describign the replacement of stock sender with VDO one, but I cant find it???

[Si.G]

A new rad will only get you so far, I would recommend looking at the coolent re-route too.
Take a look here http://www.solomiata.com/CoolantReroute.html

[Benny]

I'd also go for an oil cooler, as cool oil means a cool engine and it is the oil that you have to worry about, because if it overheats, the oil will break down and not give your engine the protection it needs.

If you are going to track it a lot, an oil cooler could save you a lot of money in the long run.

[mitch_f1]

If i regularly change the oil?

[wun911]

So you dont have to change the oil as often with an oil cooler???

Which one weigh more the oil cooler or the larger rad (please take into account the added weight of respective fluids)?

[Rob E]

Mitch, if it's a stock NA just make sure the stock coolin system is operating properly and you will be fine. If you have an issue then sort it, but an oil cooler or big rad on a stock NA is a waste IMHO. A properly working stock system is all you need. Use full synthetic to guard against thermal breakdown on track days.

[mitch_f1]

But if I use a full synthetic oil, as Rob E rekons, then that should lessen the liklihood of the damaging effects of oil burning.

Also, if I have a water temp meter, wouldn't that give a fair indication of oil temp. I mean it obviously does't correlate, but it would be a fair assumption that if water temp was spiking, oil would be as well, and it's time to come in.

[Rob E]

But if I use a full synthetic oil, as Rob E rekons, then that should lessen the liklihood of the damaging effects of oil burning.

Also, if I have a water temp meter, wouldn't that give a fair indication of oil temp. I mean it obviously does't correlate, but it would be a fair assumption that if water temp was spiking, oil would be as well, and it's time to come in.

Correct, full synth will resist thermal breakdown, effectively increasing the oils operating temp range. Honestly mate, just get out there and have a dig. A stock Naturally aspirated MX-5 does not need cooling system upgrades, for reasonable track use on days that are not exceedingly hot. There are a myriad of things you can do, and i have done on Turbo cars....but you dont need them at this stage.

[fattima]

Mitch, if it's a stock NA just make sure the stock coolin system is operating properly and you will be fine. A properly working stock system is all you need.

What he said. I ran my NA6 on the track many times with a stock cooling system that was in good order. The only time it got hot was on a 45 degree day at Winton. The addition of something like this
http://www.mx5centre.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_34&products_id=176
increase air flow on an NA6 and is probably a good option.

An oil cooler and bigger rad are good, but if your system is in fine order you should be OK.

[Guran]

Yep what they said. Stock cooling on a stock NA is fine for trackdays. It's done me well for the last twelve months with club trackdays and supersprints. Better to spend the money you'll save there on brake pads and tyres. Get out there and enjoy the car!

[93_Clubman]

So I was told recently that I should replace the stock NA6 radiator with the plastic end tanks with an aluminium one. I am planning on doing quite a bit of track work, so I guess cooling is a pretty big priority.

For those running race cars, is an oil cooler really worth it? Or would I be better spending my money on a better quality radiator?

Also, should I bother with oil temp gauge. I hear oil pressure gauges are simple, just using the stock sender location with a new sender. I have got a water temp gauge ready to install.

So I thought I knew where the thread was describign the replacement of stock sender with VDO one, but I cant find it???

If replacing stock rad on a normally aspirated na6, go with the 42mm version as 53mm requires modding due to thickness. But as the guys have said you should be ok on the stock setup, although the stock rads do turn brown & eventually crack.

Ref VDO OPG - these might help:
search.php?keywords=opg+vdo&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search