I may be getting my first 996 soon. I read that the cooling system was upgraded somehow in 2002. In the hot climate of FL (when you can see cars steaming on the side of the road everyday in traffic) does a 3.4L have any issues? IF so are there ways to mitigate that at all?

Thanks experts.

 

No, it's watercooled and will be fine. The AC will blow cold too!

 

You may want to do a regular clean of your radiators - they tend to get full of cr@p!

No really, leaves, dead brids, plastic bags etc etc...

Other than that you'll be fine.

 

Add the center radiator if you think there might be a problem.

'02's and later flow more air thru the radiators and have 3.6 motors.

 

No problems so far during the 115 degree Arizona Summers!

 

My went passed the "0" on the 180 while in stand still traffic on the hwy in Phoenix (115deg) with the AC on. But never beyond where it shouldn't be. just make sure your fluids are fresh or at least checked regularly.

 

I've only heard concerns when running on the track in hot (110 degree) weather

 

as long as the theres no leaks, the radiators arent plugged, and the fans are working you will never have a problem

 

Shouldn't be a problem. Here in FL ambiant temps often are in the upper 80's and 90's with plenty of humity...and the track temps often exceed 110 ++, but as has been said, the needle will "lean" to the right in the "0" in "180." Temp guage always requires policing as do all of the other functions to ensure that your car does not get into trouble. Good luck.

 

You people DO understand that when your temp needle is just right of the "0" in 180 that your coolant temp is 220F? If you don't think running at that temperature is a problem or robbing you of substantial hp, then I guess you dont have a problem.

Engine is designed to run below 200F.

 

Alright then! this would not be an online forum if someone didn't come along and throw a wrench into the general consensus! ; )))

There must be some reason why the cooling system was substantially upgraded mid-model. I guess if 996s had zero cooling issues in hot weather then there would have been no reason to upgrade. That's why I asked.

 

Yeah, but most people who drive the new 997's swear that their coolant temp is always 175F.........cuz that's what the gauge says. That's about 20F less than acutual temperature. And, no, there were no substantial modifications to the cooling system mid model year, except they installed an even less accurate temperature gauge.

 

The optimal temp for an engine is about 190F. I live in LA and have similar hot weather to FL in the summer and have not have any high temperature concerns. The temps do run a little hot on very hpt track days, but it would not be detrimental to the engine unless you are running it for long periods of time. In general there is no issues unless you use the car as a track car, thus the 3rd radiator. For normal use I would not be concerned.

 

same here in greece....

no probs at all almost 4 years now and nearly 50.000 miles on the clock....


harris

p.s. 3rd radiator is an option for additional cooling if you want

 

not for me again no prob.....around Athens Greece....115 F +