Rene

What size Cool Suit ice chest is best?

I have a 8qt but, im thinking of upgrading to a 12 or 24 or one with helmet cooling.

chrisp

I'm no expert (just installed my 12qt tonight) but I think the rule of thumb is get the biggest one you can fit in your car. The bigger it is the less often you have to replenish the ice.

DanR

I went with a fast 16 qt, nice inbetween size and fits in nicely

ApexPerformance

Here are some comparisons on the Cool Shirt models:

12 qt - 3+ hours of cooling time - dimensions 14"L, x 9.5"W x 11"H
24 qt - 6+ hours of cooling time - dimensions 15.5L x 10.5W x 13H

We recommend using a large block of ice with some cubes or crushed ice around the block and fill the cooler with just enough water to clear the pump. The water will stay cooler longer (the ice won't melt as fast if it's in a block).

IcemanG17

Another "dumb" ??? so the larger cooler is good for 6 hours of actual pumping cooling time..which is plenty for just about any race....but how about over the course of a typical DE day where your at the HOT track for 8+ hours....but only see maybe 2 hours of track time?

ApexPerformance

For the last run, we usually empty out some of the water from the Cool Shirt and dump in the ice that's been in the cooler for drinks. This gets you thru the last run of the day if it's been sitting there for more than 6 hours. It all depends on how hot/humid it is, how long you are actually running the system, etc. Sometimes, one fill lasts all day for us.

jrgordonsenior

I assume weight is important to any 951 racer, so I would suggest the 12 qt. I have both and the 24 qt weighs around 25-30 lbs. 1/2 full. The 12 weighs weighs considerably less depending how full you fill it. Replenishing is an easy task....

DarinB

go with the biggest cooler you can fit. You can always take some weight out of the car somewhere else to compensate. On 100 degree days, expect to top of the ice twice.
Darin

PedroNole

I would use my marine cooler if I could....