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Cooling system and engine mods

November 06, 2016, 12:57:13 pm

Does anyone know if the radiator/aftercooler in a 96 U295 (8.3 mechanical) is different from the unit in a 320 with higher hp engine?  I'm wondering if there is some headroom for tweaking hp up a notch. 

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Re: Cooling system and engine mods

Reply #1 – November 06, 2016, 01:08:39 pm

How much do you think you could get with a larger CAC? Probably not enough to be worth the cost. I've found that it's eeasier to slow down and take my time. I'm at the place in life when a yellow light means slow down, not speed up.

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Re: Cooling system and engine mods

Reply #2 – November 06, 2016, 03:07:13 pm

I would think if you would install a remote transmission cooler with an electric fan, you would gain that radiator capacity and eliminate the possibility of antifreeze from a leaking into the transmission oil and ruining your tranny because you are no longer connected to the radiator. Don't help you with the CAC issue IF they are different. Search the forum for Atlas radiator I think, as they build the coolers for foretravel, and they could answer your questions. Insulating the exhaust may also help lower the inlet air temp to the CAC and radiator.

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Re: Cooling system and engine mods

Reply #3 – November 06, 2016, 03:17:49 pm

Remember, you can OVERcool transmission fluid as well as overheat it.  So, an air to transmission cooler in freezing temperature would not be a good idea unless you put it first in series and then ran it through the OE transmission cooler.

And, were I to want to add cooing capacity to the cooling system, would fit a medium size radiator up front and install valves so you could divert coolant from dash heater circuit through the new radiator.

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Re: Cooling system and engine mods

Reply #4 – November 06, 2016, 04:02:23 pm

Good points all.  I'm trying to ascertain whether or not its necessary to add additional cooling capacity.  I suspect the radiator size is the same for the 300 hp engine as the 450 red top.  If this is the case, I'm thinking I could bump up the 300 to 350 or so, and still have adequate cooling. 

I do believe with a little breathing on the engine, and I do mean minor, that, given the weight differential,I can walk away from a 320. Driven both and don't see a huge margin as is. 

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