Thoughts on cooling systems

[BONKERS]

Going with a new engine combo this year.. SBC with a tunnel rammed Birdcatcher on alcohol… first time running something that wasn’t fueled by gasoline.. been searching the internet and mixed answers I’m finding.. so here is what I would like to be able to do if possible:

1/4 mile track, would like to drive to staging lanes and back up the return road after a pass.. I usually am a solo racer except for larger events and would like not have to rely on someone towing me to the pits and back.

My thoughts was to plumb up a remote water pump and a small tranny cooler type radiator that I can “hide” somewhat. From looking at some guys setups, they are using -8 or -10 lines coming in/out of the  cooler, through the pump then back to the block water pump inlets ( t’ed connection between those 2 inlets on block). Then an expansion/fill cap setup on the manifold with another line off that back to the radiator to complete the circuit.

Not sure even if A fan will be needed on the cooler. Any input will be appreciated!

-Tom

[Supercat]

Tom if you run a cooling system keep it small and simple.
I run an iron 462 on alchohol with no coolant.  I drive the FED to the line make a pass and then run back to my pit. In hot weather I have run a fan but rarely.   I would think a small cooling system would be plenty.

[BONKERS]

That has been my thought as well.. I just feel having some “cooling”  system will give me a little piece of mind. I might be a bit more brave if it was a big block.. it’s just these small blocks with those 2 center exhaust ports next to each other makes me feel a bit “worried “ with no additional cooling going on if I run the block dry. Better safe than sorry they say!! Lol

[BK]

I had a similar setup to yours at one point.
It was OK most of the time but if I went rounds and the pace picked up it wasn't quit enough.
If you set idle a little rich it will help by cooling off on the way back. But you end up with a lot of moisture in the oil pan.
I have a radiator out of a Honda Civic now and that seems to be enough. And I can keep he engine on the leaner side.

[Supercat]

Tom I run a BB Buick so exhaust is similar.

[dusterdave173]

Idling back up the return road etc the unit is Rich and Cool--If you are lapping then yup cool her off but I never had cooling drove mine around like I did  and never had an issue--You can't get stuck behind someone blocking the lanes--I used the throttle as a Horn--rump! rump! get out of the way!
Cooling system? then you have water under the tires if you hurt it--or in your face

[JEFF/21C]

Had a rad, fan and a aluminum water pump running a half speed  when the fed ran on gas switched to alky  removed the fan and rad ran a hose between the inlet and outlet  had to shut the motor down waiting in line did burn-out ran and returned no problem temp dropped going down the track. no problem making back to back runs

[lake_harley]

BK....I'm concerned about cooling and have posted in a thread in the FED section about bracket racing a FED. By what I've found searching online, the Honda Civic radiator ('92 to '00 something?) is about 14" X 16" or 17"....is that about the size of the radiator you're talking about? I'll be running a mild 305 Chevy on gas and want to be able to "lap" it, rather than having to tow it back. I figured I'd run a electric pump and fan to cool between rounds as needed. Picture(s) of your arrangement would be great if you could post a photo or two.

Thanks

Lynn

[THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER]

...I used the throttle as a Horn--rump! rump! get out of the way!
...

All my race cars have a small motorcycle horn. Sometimes spectators are oblivious to a race car approaching frombehind, and even less aware that there could be cooling / fouling issues if the car is left idling while they saunter down the lanes.
Likewise, I have two small headlights for night racing for the same reason.

[Curly1]

I built several of my cars with the Honda style aluminum radiators. You can get them on Ebay cheap and they are nice. I do run a fan with a thermostat controller so when it gets temp I want fan comes on. I can turn it off when I want to build heat. On my new car I put a oil cooler type radiator but have yet to try it.

[slingshot383]

Electric remote water pump, large Hayden tranny cooler will do you just fine running alcohol.