Engine bay, or radiator cooling?

[Bigsyke]

I've constructed a blockoff system for my radiator which I have been testing. I have a mishimoto radiator, no ac or fan shroud. The S14 has two large openings on the sides of the radiator which air can pass through into the engine bay. I sealed these two gaps off, which forces all air to go through the radiator. However now it seems the engine bay isnt getting cooler air, and performance drops like a rock after a long hard drive (OEM Airbox)

I would be interested in the effects of these block off plates in oil temps, alternator cooling, dizzy, detonation, etc. I have maximized my radiators efficiency by directing all flow through it, instead of around it but why is my performance so horrid after the heat soak? Is cooler air across the engine, and components more critical than a chilled radiator?

 

[Johnny248]

What car is this? Do you have a scanner that you can monitor intake air temp with? most air boxes do a good job of not sucking super hot air into the engine.

 

[expat]

Was the Rad overheating?
If not, what are you trying to achieve?
Yes, hot intake air will rob you of power.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

It sounds like you're trying to force more air through a radiator that doesn't need more airflow. The thermostat is going to regulate the temperature anyway so it's not like you're cooling the engine more. Airflow into the engine compartment is critical even if you have a cold air intake. Air is needed to prevent the temperature of the engine bay from skyrocketing. Also by preventing airflow into the engine bay the intake system is more likely to heat soak and decrease the density of air going into the engine.

 

[Bigsyke]

The airbox feeds air from outside of the engine bay.

Car is a nissan 240sx, OBD1. Air temp sensor is only for diagnostics, and does not control engine operation

 

[Scott_Tucker]

What do you mean the air temp sensor is only used for diagnostics? Who told you that?

 

[Bigsyke]

The FSM

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Originally Posted By: Bigsyke
The FSM

FSM?

 

[Colt45ws]

Factory Service Manual

 

[Smoky14]

Well ......there you have it.