Hi all,
I am new to this forum, having just started racing a 99 SM this season, running a stock radiator. Prior to that I raced a first generation RX7.
I have a question about engine temps. After recently installing an Autometer temp gauge, I found the typical temp is 190 F in free air, but when behind another car it usually rises to 210, and then stays there for the rest of a race, even when back in clear air. From posts here I see that this temp is a bit higher than desirable.
But I also saw one poster stating that a "poor sensor installation" can cause misleading temp readings. I am not sure what constitutes a poor installation though, and am wondering if the location I used could be a problem in any way.
I placed the sensor at the back of the engine, at the thermostat fitting, which is where the stock T send is also located. There was a blind plug there that I removed, to insert a "metric to sensor thread" adaptor. I could not use the supplied sensor, as it did not fit inside the adaptor, so I bought an Autometer "short sensor" that fits into the neck of the adaptor and sits flush with where the threads start. As a result flow over the sensor will be a bit hindered. It obviously wets, or the reading would be far more eratic.
Any thoughts on this location? Do the readings make sense, or could the location be giving inflated readings? Do I simply need a better radiator?