07-08-2009 | #1 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,828
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Success! 7,000 RPM!
Woohoo! Got home from work tonight, dropped in the new radiator and thermostat, bolted the shroud back on, filled the cooling system (with the passenger side jacked high up, of course, un-did the throttle body coolant fitting from the plenum to be sure the air was all purged, and gave it all a once-over. Turned the key, vacuum pump starts and stops as it should, while the fuel pump primes, again as it should. (Those of you following my saga know that these are big achievements ). Turned to start, and the LT5 lit up faster than it ever did before, and immediately settled into a nice idle at around 1000 rpm. Let the cooling system circulate for a bit, topped it off, and capped it. Immediately it was clear that it was idling at a cooler temp than before -- barely even 1/4 of the way up the gauge, as compared to 1/2 way with the old radiator. Got into the street, had a little chug/surge while taking off, but that went away once she warmed up fully. Went for a nice run on the turnpike for a few miles to be sure that the temp gauge was staying where it should be (it never went above 3/8 or so, 87 degrees outside). On the return trip, I jumped on the gas in 2nd gear, ran er to 7K, eased off a little through 3rd and 4th and decided to slow it down at 125+. All I can say, is WOW. It was worth all the trouble. Even if I never got to drive the car again, it was worth all the wrenching and troubleshooting. Thanks to everyone who helped get me back on the road! |
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