Cylinder head temp

[jacko241]

What should be a normal acceptable cylinder head temp on a 3.0 SC race engine? What would be the highest safe temp?

[RoninLB]

I don't have hard answer for you.

just wondering where are you placing the probe ?

[aturboman]

Maybe this will help a bit. The factory found that during develpoment of the 2.1 RSR engine that 500F was the upper limit for the head to cylinder sealing area before failure was imminent. They felt 300-350F was a safe limit for 24 hour endurance races. Hope this helps answer part of your question.

[jacko241]

Thanks for the info. As far as placing the probe, I am intending to use one designed to go under the spark plug. I was curious as to what kind of temps I should expect to see.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by jacko241

under the spark plug.

I was curious as to what kind of temps I should expect to see.

aturboman gave great CHT info imo.

otherwise.. the gasket sensor will be affected by spikes in EGT 'cause it's part of the plug heat sink. So it's not technically the best spot, but it's what I use on the street. The EGT spiking will be seen on a digital read-out, not an analog. I've used both. I'm now using digital.

I have no idea what max CHT should be on your race engine. There are so many engine build and fuel induction specifics for a guess by me. Maybe try establishing a baseline under less demanding conditions. I would say a consistant 5th gear at 5k for 5-10mi would give you great baseline info for your specific engine. My street engine will see around 240-250deg at a consistant 5th gear 3.5k. At a consistant 5th at 4k it will increase another 10-15degF. My compression is only 8.5. The power game is to achieve the max EGT and have good CHTs. CHT is a great engine monitor. I'm not a pro, so all previous is only my experience.

[jacko241]

One of the respected P-garages that maintains & races cars in HSR, SCCA, & PCA told me that they like to see a range of 300-350.