I did a quick search and came up short. Will Cipher allow for this or is there another way? My fans are coming on (w/AC off) at 215 or so. I would like to change that to around 190. Thanks.

 

Can you change the themostat in the Z? Back in my v-dub days, the first mod was to change the thermo to 190 to start the cooling earlier.

 

Already did that. Earlier is better but once all the fluid is the same temp it doesn't help.

 

you would need an aftermarket fan controller

the merits of this are a totally different discussion

 

cipher (latest software version) can trick the ECU into thinking the coolant temperature is higher than it really is, which should trigger the fans earlier.

but... only temporarily.

 

Doesn't sound good so far...

 

So, something like this:

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://w...PCwx1wZqcEdFY=

 

You could hook up a manual switch to turn it on and off whenever you want.

 

^ and if you forget to turn it on, the motor quickly cooks - why go old school if you don't have to.

Fact is that if the car is setup to turn on at 215 or thereabout, I can think of little reason to change it. A cooler motor is not necessarily more efficient, as each motor is designed to run in a certain sweet spot. Too hot or too cool cuts down on efficiency in terms of internal temps.

Now, if the car is overheating in certain conditios, that's a different issue altogether and there are ways to address that as well.

 

You're absolutely right; it almost happened to me a couple of times on a previous car before I got in the habit of switching it on. But it is a cheap, easy alternative and as long as you pay attention (the greatest challenge), there shouldn't be any problems.

And yes, if the engine is designed to run in a specific temp range, then that should not be changed unless other factors influence what the "proper" range should be. Too cold - you get fuel wash down the cylinders, some components may not work at the proper efficiency (emmissions systems, perhaps?), and various other things. I'm no expert, I just know that you should keep it close to the factory temp unless there are extenuating circumstances.

 

agreed I had the simple on/off switch on my 280ZX before my standalone could do it itself based on coolant temp. Forgot to turn it on and wondered...hmm, why is my car boiling over sitting here on the start line before a race (this was at Budds Creek back a number of years ago). Needless to say, I did away with that "mod" as soon as we got home lololol

 

The correct way is to add another wire, not put a switch in the factory wire. If you run a wire from a switched power source to a switch and then to the trigger pin of the factory relay, you preserve the factory setting of 215 degrees while also being able to turn it on manually. Also, you won't kill your battery by accidentally leaving it on.

 

If you are going to do it you might as well do it right. I would use this: http://www.hksusa.com/products/?id=1697&rsku=5709



It can even control an intercooler sprayer if you have one.

 

sexy

 

Right...

 

wow..very nice find!! I didnt even realize that HKS offered this. I will order a few on our next stocking order.

 

Yeah its a pretty neat little box. I know it says "selected turbo vehicles it will activate the intercooler sprayer". I'm sure that can be tweaked somehow. I was actually thinking about doing something like that in conjuction with using a Spearco WIS kit to spray the intercooler and radiator...

 

Careful about tricking ecu as the coolant temp is part of summer overheat safety..............ignition advance is usually retarded 1 degree per [for every] 5F increase above 195-200F [varies with software release version].

200F= -1
205F= -2
210F= -3
215F= -4
220F= -5 degrees from below 195F ignition advance.

 

I thought timing was dependant on INTAKE temp not COOLANT temp?? (is it both?)

 

Here's how you can run a switch AND keep the factory turn on. Most modern car fans are controlled by the ECU allowing the fan relay to ground out. This means the fans are constantly supplied with +12v but only come on when the ECU allows them to see ground. Tap into the fan ground wire with a 14gauge wire. You must do this in the ground wire between the fans and the relay, not after the relay. Run the wire to a switch, then out the swich to ground. This will allow you to turn the fans on any time you want and if you forget, they still come on when the ECU wants them on.