Any of you lads running with this in your radiators, and if so, what are your thoughts about its benefits, performance, and downside if any?

 

I put it in there. Doesn't help with the temps, just raises the boiling point some of course. It would be wise to put it mostly water instead of coolant if you stay away from the cold weather.
Can't see any downside except cost if you aren't running hot.

 

I've run it in all my previous cars that i did track events with. I can't honestly say it helped because i've never had overheating problems to begin with, I just do it because everyone else does and maybe someday if the radiator gets blocked by a big trash bag, it'll prolong my engine life an extra 2 minutes until it overheats and blows up. Bottom line is you can't go wrong.

 

I'm going to and HPDE event next Friday and I plan to use it. I'm going to have a data logger hooked up to my car so I plan to do a before and after to see if the stuff really works. I'll post back here when I have the results.

 

That sounds terrific. Thanks very much. Have a great day, and drive safe. I assume you run with coolant so that the effect will be somewhat diminished relative to driving with pure water. The corrosive aspect of not having coolant is not in my initial estimation worth it when we have a car that we also drive on the street, or in climates that get cold and need to have antifreeze systems. But there should still be some benefit.

 

I plan to run 25/75 (Coolant/Water) and the wetter. Its not a daily driver and I store it in the winter. So I can be a little more aggressive. I like the coolant for its additives. I wonder if you can just buy anti-corrosive additives for water?

 

I think you should run anti-freeze. It contains a dash of lubricant for the water pump. I also know that a water pump lub is available without anti-freeze. Most race organizations do not allow anti-freeze as it is EXTREMELY slippery.......trust me.....a 944 Porsche lost a coolant hose in front of me a couple weeks ago!

 

Enthuz,

Are you saying I should run anti-freeze even on track days? I'd like to run straight water, but I'm worried about water pump lube (as you pointed out) and corrosion, so I'm going with a 25/75 mix for now. If I could get water with anti-corrosion and lube properties that would be ideal.

Zillinois

 

On aluminum block cars I've always just run straight water with Water Wetter. Like EnthuZ said, most race clubs don't even allow coolant.

 

Just got back from a post brake bleed test drive to Murray's Auto Parts, and found they carry Water Wetter!

Read the label, and it DOES contain water pump lube & anti corrosive agents.

So, I take back my original answer, and say go for 100% water with Water Wetter.

I also found this flash video on their web site:

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_c...coolantFlash=1


See you next Friday!

 

All water it is then. I'm getting pretty excited about next week. This will be my first time trial! WoOt!!

 

Be sure to use distilled water!

 

I've ordered some JDM water. Its from the top of Mt. Fuji. Seriously though ZX, thanks for the tip.

 

I think pro-blend is a better alternative and is available at most any parts store that carries water wetter. We use it also in our trail rigs here in Colorado, and a gm 502 running 63:1 for hours on end heats up pretty well. The pro-blend has performed better than the water wetter, both mixed in strait water. I don't remember how the price compares. It comes in a metal can, called radiator chill or something like that.

 

Water has better cooling properties than coolant. However, coolant increases the boiling point of water and contains anti-corrosion additives.

Water Wetter is a surfactant -- it changes the surface tension of water. It won't lower coolant temps (unless you're already overheating), but it will prevent hot pockets of steam from forming in your heads.

Good read: http://e30m3performance.com/myths/mo...ter_wetter.htm

Michael.

 

Please post results of your test! I water cool computers (I know, not as cool as racing my Z) and if you run straight water (no anti-freeze or WW), you will get a good bit of corrosion.

For example, an aluminum water block (the heat source, aka engine) and copper fittings and heater core (radiator and other stuff) do something with freeing ions into the water and that causes the corrosion.

Water wetter has corrosion protection but even the bottle says to run 15% antifreeze on the street, it looks like that is for the aformentioned lubrication.

 

On the track, it did not reduce temperatures at all.

However, temps ran about 4 degrees cooler on average for highway crusing. Data logged a 1 hour trip up to Blackhawk and ran 188 degrees before, and 184 degrees on the way home after adding the wetter. That was with 75/25 and the water wetter.