 The first step in the radiator...  The first step in the radiator install was to remove the three nuts securing the coolant overflow bottle. |
 The Meziere electric pump...  The Meziere electric pump was easy to install (just four bolts) and featured an efficient impeller design to maximize coolant flow. We liked that the pump speed was increased relative to the stock crank-driven pump at lower engine speeds. This increased coolant flow in stop-and-go traffic, where overheating is most prevalent on a street application. |
 It was also necessary to disconnect...  It was also necessary to disconnect the coolant-level sending-unit plug and small hose running out of the bottom of the reservoir. |
 Next came the plastic retaining...  Next came the plastic retaining screws for the radiator cover plate. |
Actually, we were pleasantly surprised by the Fluidyne Direct Fit radiator, as the system per-formed exactly as advertised. It bolted right in place, even accepting the factory cooling fan assembly without so much as one single installa-tion headache. When Fluidyne says its radiators are a Direct Fit, it's really true.
In addition to the Fluidyne radiator upgrade, we also installed a Meziere electric water pump. Having run the Meziere pump on just about every motor used in the many Mods for Mods series (not to mention the author's most recent book on modular performance), the pump has proven itself both effective and reliable. Combining a powerful electric drive motor with an efficient impeller design makes for one serious circulation pump. Unlike the pump employed on literally thousands of engine dyno tests, we requested that the 4.6L pump include an idler pulley assembly that allowed us to run the pump with the factory serpentine accessory-drive assembly. The snout of the electric water pump features a bearing assembly that allows the idler pulley to rotate freely without affecting the rotation of the internal impeller. Thus the impeller is free to circulate the coolant irrespective of engine (or accessory) speed. This is an important feature as it not only allows the water pump to be installed with the factory serpentine drivebelt, but it also provides significantly more coolant flow at lower engine speeds (like when the car is sitting in traffic in the scorching heat). The pump was hooked to a 12-volt ignition-on source so that it was only energized with the engine running.
Check out the supplied photos for a full rundown on the Fluidyne radiator install (the Meziere pump required only four bolts). It is important to note that we had previously installed a 180-degree thermostat. Prior to installation, the thermostat was drilled to provide an escape route for the trapped air pockets that can cause localized hot spots. If the air pocket finds its way to the coolant temp sensor, a false reading can be relayed to the ECU, and the cooling fans may never be switched on. The result will be a serious overheating issue. The thermostat modification is important since it is particularly difficult to rid the modular motor cooling system of the trapped air pockets.
Speaking of cooling fans, the custom computer chips provided by Powertrain Dynamics (for all of our normally aspirated testing) and by Kenne Bell (for the supercharged combination) both featured revised fan switch points. Lowering the temperature for fan engagement allows the motor to run cooler. We like to keep the motor running near 180 degrees to keep fuel mileage reasonable. With the Fluidyne radiator, Meziere electric water pump and thermostat, and cooling fan modifications, Project RSC (even in supercharged form) is now one cool customer.