Cadillac STS-V RX Performance Products Intercooler Tank Project

I have been exchanging fitment photos and details with RX Performance Products in Florida regarding a variant of their new Cadillac CTS-V intercooler expansion tank for the Cadillac STS-V.

Cadillac CTS-V supercharger expansion tank from RX Performance Products Image by RX Performance Products

On the Cadillac CTS-V and the Cadillac STS-V there is an air escape (bleed) from the intercooler coolant system at a Tee-fitting, and this is where coolant may be added to the system when needed.  The idea RX Performance Products has had is to replace the T-fitting with a small tank and fittings.  This part of the intercooler coolant flow is on a ‘side-track’ to the main coolant loop.  If the intercooler coolant pump can’t pull fluid from its normal intake, for example when there is air in the system, it can pull coolant down this side-track and the air can escape up the side-track.

STS-V T-fitting fill tube

When one does need to add coolant to the system, the T-fitting tube will only accept a tube full, or under a pint of fluid.  Once the intercooler pump pulls that into the system you can add a bit more, rinse, repeat.  Each time even with a funnel there is some spillage during the add process.

With the small tank — the CTS-V tank is 1 quart– it will be easier to add fluid, and “overfill” the system a bit so that as the system does bleed air there is plenty of coolant to replace it.

The CTS-V T fitting is slightly different from the STS-V T-fitting; the CTS-V one has the same size in and out flow fittings, while the STS-V has a larger in than out.

I have emailed images along to RX Performance Products of my STS-V engine bay with various measures in order to help them to fab a tank for the STS-V.   In this photo I cut a granola box to 4″ x 4″ x 10.5″ to try to model what size tank might fit under the strut brace on the STS-V where the T-fitting is.

RX Performance Products
2200 US Hwy 301N
Ste 6
Palmetto, FL 34221

Based on the pictures and measurements we are hoping to size a tank for the STS-V similar to the CTS-V tank.  Stay Tuned.

Taking Cooling Cues from the ZL1

The May 2012 GM High Tech Performance Magazine has a nice article (not on the website yet)  about the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 development.  The ZL1 uses some parts in common with the Cadillac CTS-V, only with the opportunity for the team to tweak a few things.

  • Intercooler pump:  the ZL1 uses the water pump from the Chevrolet Volt — which is super efficient — but runs it at 80W instead of the Volt’s 50W.
  • Dual mode muffler setup
  • Secondary air inlet to the airbox
  • Redesigned intercooler brick with higher water flow rate and higher air flow rate so less pressure drop

Is this the battery cooling pump perhaps:

13579713 PUMP. Drive Motor Battery Cooling. Engine Coolant.
PUMP,DRV MOT BAT COOL. Required: 01

and the Volt Battery cooling radiator is this one:

20925998 RADIATOR. Drive Motor Battery
RADIATOR, DRV MOT BAT COOL. Required: 01For: RC (2011-2011)

Actually, the Volt battery cooling system looks a lot like an intercooler heat exchanger system:

Chevrolet Volt Battery Cooling System

 

The ZL1 is rated for 580 hp instead of the CTS-V’s 556 hp — and based on the improved intercooler work it should be more resistant to heat soak.

Cadillac CTS-V Wins About.com Best Performance Car Award 2012

NEW YORK — The Cadillac CTS-V is the winner of About.com’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Performance Car.

Now in its fifth year, the About.com Readers’ Choice Awards honor the best products, features and services across more than a dozen categories, ranging from technology to hobbies to parenting and more, as selected by its readers.

“This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards program had a record number of nominations submitted across dozens of categories and featured hundreds of finalists,” said Margot Weiss, managing editor, About.com. “We are thankful to all our readers for their participation and congratulate Cadillac on their success.”

Cadillac CTS-V was selected by About.com readers over other finalists including the Ford Mustang Boss 302, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW M3 and Lotus Evora.

The family of CTS V-Series performance models includes a sedan, coupe and wagon – all powered by a supercharged 6.2L V-8 that delivers 556 horsepower (415 kW) and is backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. A collection of technical and performance elements complement the powertrain, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

“It’s no surprise to me that readers chose the CTS-V — its blend of outlandish power, precise handling, and breathtaking styling, especially in coupe form, make it one of the best performance cars in General Motors history,” said Aaron Gold, Guide to Cars, About.com.