All pickup classes require a radiator in their original location, but not required to be used.  The gas tank will be mounted in it's original location and be the only source of water for engine cooling.

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)







BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

It only needs a radiator, or it needs an original radiator? Maybe you can find some aerodynamic advantage by finding a small radiator to mount with a sheet of aluminum to help seal off the grill?


Lawrenceville, GA

Good thoughts Charlie.  The rule book says that the radiator must be the same size as the original (or larger).  Also there is to be no blocking of air flow allowed before or after the radiator.  Guys used to try to get by the blocked radiator rule by blocking behind the radiator, but no longer.

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)







BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Is the reason for the tank, putting that weight further back and lower, or is their something else you are thinking of.  Can you duct or direct the air coming threw the radiator say for the intake air?

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Gary, you are exactly right about putting the weight lower and back farther.  Consensus is equal side to side of course and 52% front axle and 48% back.  However, a current record holder at over 200 mph with one of these bodies actually likes more weight on the rear axle?  I'll get it figured out.  As you can imagine, with the driver and the tank on the same side, it will take considerable ballast on the passenger side and strategically located.  

Yes you can and I like the reasoning of directing the air from the grille and radiator area to the air intake, but I haven't completely decided on the type or location of the induction system and it may be best to take air from a forward facing scoop or the base of the windshield.

By the way, I just got turned down by the tech committee to substitute the intercooler for the stock radiator.  Sounded reasonable to me, but nope. 

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)







BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Charlie

Can you turn the stock radiator into a functioning intercooler, and still look like a radiator?

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Since a stock sized radiator has to be in the stock location, why not use a radiator for it's designed purpose? Install a smaller fuel tank in the driver side rear. Mount some steel plates to the passenger side rear. I understand the lower center of gravity but there will always be coolant in the engine. You can't do anything about that. The extra in the radiator won't amount to much and it will make it easier to get the weight distribution of the truck correct. And I imagine that you would have to carry less coolant which might end up reducing the overall weight of the truck.

Does the water tank method keep the engine at a consistent temperature?



Are there any restrictions on the installation of the turbos? You could try installing them remotely, like just ahead of the rear axle. Try to Run all of the tubing down the passenger side. The intake air will be cooler. The length of aluminum tubing for the pressurized air should keep it cool particularly since under hood temps won't influence it throughout most of the length, possibly eliminating the need for an intercooler which could cancel out the added weight of the coolant in the radiator. There can be fewer bends to reduce the pressure drop. The exhaust gas temperature will be cooler at the turbos and so the turbos will probably have to be built to account for that.



You'll be using a bed cover, right? I'll bet there is a high pressure area you could exploit for the intake air but it might either take some trial and error or some test runs with sensors in place to find the right spot.


Lawrenceville, GA

Jep, and why not to use additional intercooler in some other place. In front of windshield under the grille or why not even instead of the tailgate. Atleast airflow would be great behind the cabin

http://www.7tune.com/intercooler-placement-of-the-week/

http://ststurbo.com/

 Seppo from Järvenpää, Finland
www.hollowheads.net (just click the hole in the head to proceed)

Gary,  My original thought was to cut the heart out of the original radiator core and place the intercooler in it.  They said no.  The stock radiator is very wide and will have difficulty getting charge and cooling lines around it.  Then I wanted to put holes in the radiator core just large enough to run the lines through and they said no.    Pickup classes have no altered or competition coupe type rules that allow such modifications, they want most of the pickup to look original.

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)







BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Charlie,  I do like the alternative turbo location idea.  When I ran the exhaust up out of the bed behind the cab in the brick, I had visions of running a turbo there.  And like Seppo said, there are lots of locations to put an intercooler.  I have seen street Corvettes with turbos at the rear of the car and the claim is there is little loss of performance due to the remote location.  With the engine set back that is allowed, I believe I have plenty of room in front of the motor.

The constant temp issue is important.  I believe I will have to run a remote reservoir with a thermostat in line.  The remote tank will help fill the block due to the low water tank and the thermostat will help to heat up the engine.  Hopefully it will also restrict the flow enough to keep it hot during the runs. 

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)







BurnsRacing981@gmail.com