What temps indicate I should do cool down laps?
 

My car is a 2000 DD with FM no electronics 2560r running 11+ psi. It has PS, AC, ebay aluminum radiator, stock fans wired parallel, coolant reroute, and good ducting.

The car has done a couple of track days on a smaller 1.4 mile sub 100 mph track. Via OBD dongle, I was seeing 225 degree water temps after 20+ minute sessions. Since then, I've added the coolant reroute, oil and water temperature and oil pressure gauges.

We're going to Atlanta Motor Speedway next week, and I expect to put more load on the car than it has seen before.

Obviously, I'd prefer to err on the safer side rather than inflict major damage to my engine. Based on the searches I've done and associated reading, I'm thinking 230 is about as hot as the water temps should go (lower would be better), and no more than 255 on oil temps (Mobil 1 syn). How about watching the oil pressure gauge for other than catastrophic failure? What should I be looking for there?

Going forward, I'll likely add an oil cooler and hood vents, but till then having targets on when to back off is going to be very helpful. Thanks for your input.

I think 225 is as high as I would ever want to see it. I'm a bit less strict on oil - 250*F is safe and 275*F is my max (assuming you are running good oil - Amsoil or Joe Gibbs, not Redline or Mobil1)

<p>90% agree.&nbsp; Mobil1 15-50 is excellent track day oil for your typical build, and is only $23 for a 5-qt jug at Walmart.&nbsp; Note that the 15-50 is very different than the lighter grades in terms of protection and additives, and I do agree if talking about the non 15-50 grades.</p><p>We run Amsoil Dominator 15-50 on the higher stress stuff.&nbsp; It is better.&nbsp; It's also 3x the price.&nbsp;<br /><br />What are you running for coolant?&nbsp; If you are running antifreeze, go ahead and flush that stuff out a few times, then refill with purified water ($1/gal from Kroger) and 1 bottle of water wetter.</p><p>The road course they've got lined up at AMS next week looks like it will be a lot of fun; I would like to try it out.&nbsp; 2 of our guys will be there, both in red 240SXs with SR20DETs.&nbsp;I won't be able to make it due to a schedule conflict. Instead, I will be campaigning an Exocet (FM2 Turbo) at Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge the same weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Thanks for the info guys. Good to see some hard numbers from experienced folks.

Ben, Coolant is 70% distilled water to 30% antifreeze with a bottle of water wetter. Guess this will have to change. One more thing to do before next Sunday. Did I mention I hate removing my tray/ducting? Guess it is time to cut a hole below the drain plug. Aircraft tape to the rescue.

My son's 93 325is uses 15-50. I'd never have considered it for the miata, but on researching, it looks like a solid recommendation especially considering the heat down here right now.

Two more things to add to the list. Thanks.

<p>Your 30% coolant reduces the efficiency of the cooling system by about 5%.&nbsp; 100% water should help you shed a few degrees.&nbsp; Hopefully your ebay readiator has a 1.5bar cap to increase boiling temp.&nbsp;</p>

It has had a 1.6 bar cap from the beginning. Thanks for the guidance!