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Pete W

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
What's under your hood? HEAT!

I read an article a few month's back that gave pointers on the care of your muscle/show car and it finally hit home.

A few days ago I had the Firebird out for a drive and put here through her paces,outside temp. was approx. 80 degree's.
Got home and drove the car into the garage, shut her off and went into the house.
10 minute's later I remembered I left my cell phone in the console, ran out to get it,opened the garage door and was blown away with the heat in the garage, it had to be 95 degree's, NOW I GET IT!

The article suggested that when you stop from a trip with your car and you turn off the ignition raise the hood and let it cool down and most importantly cool down without keeping the heat under the hood.

Heat is hard on your belt's, hoses,gasket's,wires,electrical components the rubber on your suspension ect.

Not only that what do we want to keep away from our old muscle/show car's......MOISTURE!
My garage was so humid when I went back in it blew me away, I opened the hood and the large garage door and within minutes the heat from under the hood and in the garage was way down closer to normal.
If there is even a micro spot of rust on your car the heat and moisture created is the perfect breeding ground for future rust problem's!

Now when I get back from a drive the hood goes up and the large door stay's open, even when out cruising once stopped I raise the hood and let the heat escape.

Overkill? Excessive? Not if you truly want to look after your car to the fullest and hey we do drive Firebird's which makes it worth it right there!
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thank's Kansas, when I read the article I thought well it makes sense but I don't know if I would bother, kinda of a pain but after the garage experience I totally get it.
Looking after a car to the level we do is hard work but with good reason.
Take care, Pete
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
i can add this

in my shop if a car will sit in one spot not even a motor in it when i move it there was always a perfect square of moister where it was sitting so to cure this a have left the ceiling fan on low to circulate the air and it hasnt happend since so i would also sugjest a small house fan or a ceiling fan is also a good adition to any garage
Excellent Jay, that is great info!
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Well guy's since I found this information I have talked to many high end engine builder's and they all 100% agree that this practice will add years to your engine and all component's.
At first it seems weird and kinda a pain but once you get used to it its no big deal.
When you think about it it costs you nothing to pop your hood and the benefit far outweighs the hassle.
I wouldn't bother I suppose if I had a Ford but hey we own Pontiac Firebirds!
 
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