For the budget LS build, a conventional cooling system proved to be cost prohibitive. As such, we spent time researching the options and came up with a combination of components to install a fully electric cooling system. The electric cooling system allows for fitment in tight locations. We were also to use a more budget friendly single pass radiator, which helps reduce load on the pump while still providing sufficient cooling.
The major advantage to this system is that coolant flow through the system is constant, providing smooth consistent cooling for the engine at all times. The fan runs on temperature switch installed in the engine, however both fan and pump have individual toggle switches as well and can be controlled manually. This allows us to cool down the engine without having it running. We have not had a need for this, as we run a pretty consistent 170 degrees on the track, with the fan only kicking on while staging or coming off the track; however in testing we were able to drop approximately 50 degrees of coolant temperature in about a minute running only the pump and fan. This configuration provides ample cooling for most any dirt track engine. Also note that an alternator requires much less engine power to drive, as opposed to a mechanical water pump and fan, freeing up horsepower for racing.
Components used include:
- Water Pump – Davies Craig EWP150 40gpm electric pump
- Fan – Flex-a-lite FLX-238 3000CFM electric fan
- Alternator – GM Denso Style 1-Wire Mini Race Alternator, 90 Amp
- 24″ Single Pass radiator
- LS to o-ring fitting block adapters
- Various Pex/Hose adapters to properly step coolant plenum sizes and allow for equal pressure/flow to each bank
- LS Steam port adapter
- 12v Relays and Circuit Breakers for fan/pump hookup.
We aim to make a kit available with aluminum manifolds for both LS and SBC, which will allow for the use of multiple temperature sensors in the coolant output flow from block to radiator. Stock sensor locations can be utilized as well.
Please contact us if you’re interested in having a kit installed or if you require assistance with this build. Though these components have proven to be very reliable so far, we recommend keeping a spare pump and fan/radiator if possible. Fan/shroud/radiator all mount together and can be treated as a single unit. AN fittings for connections are also an option for addition charge.
