Electric Water Pump questions ... - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

A26B · 06-09-2015

Russ,
I'm going to echo some of what has already been said here, but here's my 2cents worth.

The LT5 bypass is a simple, spring loaded valve that begins to come off seat when coolant flow gets high enough to create back-pressure, from the radiator inlet to the water pump suction..... which includes going through the thermostat.

The solution is to reduce backpressure by increasing flow capacity through the restriction. Understanding your intended purpose is track related at speed, 70~150mph, I recommend the Ron Davis Radiator (I have one in my ZR-1) which is specifically designed for racing. With added flow capacity, you are also going to get more cooling capacity, so a 2 for the price of 1 special.

As for the thermostat, I have had 3 holes drilled in my thermostat for years and have never had a need to install the 160F T-Stat in my tool box. An open thermostat is open whether 160 or 185. Drilling the holes helps to reduce the restriction/backpressure at the thermostat.

At 70~150mph, I don't think the fans are going to be needed, but if they are, you can always add them later.

Keep us posted on how it works out!

I'm glad we got to meet at BG!

BTW, you can also remove the rubber seal at the rear of the hood to facilitate air flow under the hood.

gbrtng · 06-10-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by A26B

At 70~150mph, I don't think the fans are going to be needed, but if they are, you can always add them later.

I thought the stock calibration turned both fans off above 40 MPH.
Correct me if I'm wrong ...

A26B · 06-11-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbrtng

I thought the stock calibration turned both fans off above 40 MPH.
Correct me if I'm wrong ...

That may very well be true, I don't know about that. My comment about fans was referring to the addition of aftermarket fans. Thanks for pointing that out though.

06-09-2015	#1
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia, OK Posts: 3,404	Re: Electric Water Pump questions ... Russ, I'm going to echo some of what has already been said here, but here's my 2cents worth. The LT5 bypass is a simple, spring loaded valve that begins to come off seat when coolant flow gets high enough to create back-pressure, from the radiator inlet to the water pump suction..... which includes going through the thermostat. The solution is to reduce backpressure by increasing flow capacity through the restriction. Understanding your intended purpose is track related at speed, 70~150mph, I recommend the Ron Davis Radiator (I have one in my ZR-1) which is specifically designed for racing. With added flow capacity, you are also going to get more cooling capacity, so a 2 for the price of 1 special. As for the thermostat, I have had 3 holes drilled in my thermostat for years and have never had a need to install the 160F T-Stat in my tool box. An open thermostat is open whether 160 or 185. Drilling the holes helps to reduce the restriction/backpressure at the thermostat. At 70~150mph, I don't think the fans are going to be needed, but if they are, you can always add them later. Keep us posted on how it works out! I'm glad we got to meet at BG! BTW, you can also remove the rubber seal at the rear of the hood to facilitate air flow under the hood. __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed. Last edited by A26B; 06-09-2015 at 09:56 PM. Reason: add BTW comment*

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