Engine derating (retarding) with temperature?
 

Evening,

Does anyone have information on how our engines derate compared to IAT/coolant temperature? I collected some data and am seeing ~215F steady with ~220F peak temps on the track. I am wondering if some additional power is to be had with lower temperatures. I understand the relationship between power and air density. I am most concerned with timing being retarded from the high coolant temps.

Thanks,
Chris

Have seen a lot of info over the years on this but nothing accurate - suffice it to say - yes , our engines make less power the hotter they get .
Keep it cool on the track for best results .

I have zip-tie sealed the radiator to the undertray but am still running old 50/50. Those temps were 60-65°F ambient. Hopefully some 70/30 will help a bit but I am worried about freezing here in Michigan.

Brettus,
Have you come across any tables with coolant temperature dependency while tuning? Is this the sort of thing that is hidden from the tuner?

Thanks

There are lots of threads about improving cooling efficiency = search :) . If you don't need AC a really easy way to improve it is to remove the AC condenser.

Yes - there are lots of charts that reference coolant temp. I have no idea what most of them do . Have not logged an overheating engine so can't say for sure if timing is retarded .

I noticed this once while at the track. The oil temp was ok however, I noticed the stock gauge on the dash start to move and every time this happened the car would hesitate, similar feel when fuel starvation occurs.

As soon as the temp went down the problem went away. So there is some ecu control to prevent overheating.

Although I have seen guys run at the track with overheating and cook engines. I do not know if they had any such warning before it was too late