expansion bottle

[Guest red robin]

I think your right spend the cash on a good radiator intercooler combo.

[Guest red robin]

It’s good to know your top hose is empty when cold, thanks what I have been trying to cure.

[alanrichey]

Has the car actually been overheating ?   Most Superspecs seem to run on the cool side, mainly because of the enormous SD1 radiator.  I only managed to get mine up to a decent temperature by blanking off part of the grill.

 

[Guest red robin]

Sits around 85 degrees normal pottering around. Gets hot in traffic even with radiator fan on full and heater fan. Had the radiator cap pop once to release pressure. I normally leave the radiator fan on full as soon as it’s warm 80 degree

[Guest red robin]

Intercooler pipes get quite warm almost to hot to touch, I was hoping to get better cooling to the intercooler and improve efficiency of main radiator by getting a more efficient radiator and standing it vertical allowing me to duct more air at the intercooler 

[alanrichey]

85C is a reasonable., although with 80C generally accepted as the minimum I like to run a bit hotter than that. Like you, when the car is stationary in traffic with the fan on my car struggles not to overheat.  One thing I didn't mention is I upped the pressure cap on the expansion bottle from 13psi to 21psi thereby allowing the coolant to run a greater pressure, hence higher boiling point.

However, I can't really compare your car to mine, as yours is turbo with the intercooler, and if you have a heater fitted that is also non-standard for the Superspec.   As to replacing the radiator, I find the SD1 one is OK, with the severe mounting angle offset by the large surface area.   As you mostly suffer at low speed you might consider a more powerful fan as the one that came with the kit is very cheap & cheerful.

Edited June 21, 2020 by alanrichey

[Guest red robin]

Now just a new updated fan may be the easiest and cheapest way to go for starters.

[geordie40]

3 hours ago, red robin said:

Now just a new updated fan may be the easiest and cheapest way to go for starters.

Look up SPAL cooling fans, they are very good

[Guest red robin]

So go for suction fan which will draw heat from the engine into the fan or blow? Mount on the front or rear?

[geordie40]

Mines is engine side of rad,  I think there's pros and cons to both

Edited June 21, 2020 by geordie40