Overheating after WOT ???

[73mmtrbo]

Hey everyone,
Im new to stangs but I just picked one up that I want to twin turbo for a fun/drag car. It's an 89 gt convertible (I know..pretty heavy for a drag car. I guess I need a challenge. ) My problem is that if I start it up and drive normal...all is well. Once I punch it and make a pull through a gear and let off....the heat gauge starts rising. even after I let off. What could be the problem.?? Im not sure if anyone has ever had this problem before but any help is appreciated.

 

[HISSIN50]

if you are using the stock gauge, i would first get a real gauge before diagnosing further. you are peeing in the wind without a real gauge.
good luck.

 

[73mmtrbo]

Yeah.....I wondered that too so I popped the hood when I stopped and the water in the radiator was boiling. I had just filled the radiator too. I was wondering if it could be the thermostat or the head gasket on the exhaust side...Kinda wondering if anyone has ever encountered the same kind of symptoms

 

[wytstang]

Thermostat could be sticking. Does you fan turn on high speed?

 

[73mmtrbo]

Im not sure....Ill have to check that.

 

[HISSIN50]

i must have missed something: stangs come with mechanical fans (with thermal clutches).

first thought with new info: go through the cooling system. at a minimum, i would get some coolant, distilled water, and a decent t-stat (Mr gasket 180 is one i really like), and a NEW cap.

the cap may not be holding pressure, and thus lowering the effective boiling point of the system. swap coolant so you know what you have in there. and a stat is always a good idea so you know what you have.

i would do that before getting into more involved stuff....and get a real gauge.. good luck and welcome to the boards.

 

[grrrrrrr]

Did you just buy this car? Do you know if any mods have been done to it... Underdrive pulleys can cause your car to heat up sometimes...

 

[73mmtrbo]

HISSN50: Thanks for the idea I will probably go ahead and put a nice radiator in it since Im in FL and the car is gonna be turbo'd. What Radiator performs the best from what you guys have experienced???


grrrrr: There are no mods to the car from what I can tell. stock exhaust and all.

 

[HISSIN50]

you will want to do something more than what some of us have done, with your TT ideas in the future. there is a turbo stang forum around here (i know it has been posted lately in threads, but i cant recall it). i would check in there to see what folks run.
i know for my mostly stock set up, i will run a Modine or GDI 3 core HD rad from Pep or AZ. they go for about 130 bucks....but you will likely want something much more substantial for your turbos......might as well do it right the first time.

good luck.