Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

[JLS]

Interested in buying a 2005 Chaparral 256 with 8.1 Volvo.<br /><br />Want to add closed cooling if possible. Wil use mostly in freshwater but also want option to run in Ocean 10 times a year.<br /><br />What is reasonable cost for this?<br /><br />Any feedback or suggestions appreciated.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

its very expensive but doable. last I looked the kit was about 1300 dollars.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

Do a search for San Juan Engineering. They are in the Puget Sound area. Not sure how far they are from you BECAUSE you didn't bother to post your location. <br /><br />I installed one of their systems several years ago and it was under $500. I'm sure they are higher now but it fit very well and was easy to install.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

the 8.1 is a special dog, has a funny cooling system manifold and t-stat housing. only place I know to get a system that will fit the volvo correctly is volvo. merc usues a sligtly different set up.<br /> but that motor in a light hull with a duo-prop is a blast

 

[Norm Malcosky]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

JSL -<br /><br />Just a thought . . . you might want to check with your Volvo Penta dealer to see if you can get a "salt water flushing kit" installed on that engine. I believe VP offers a kit that flushes a chemical solution through the block when you are finished boating each the day. It displaces the salt and salt water in the cooling system and protects the engine/manifold/risers from corrosion. I belive it would be much less expensive than converting to a closed cooling system.

 

[QC]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

I know this guy, and I suggested that he post. He is from LA. Anyway, it is at a dealer and I am suggesting to him to get them to throw an OEM CC system in the deal or for him to have it done. Brand new boat (if he buys it) and he lives about 10 miles from Newport Beach, so he will be in salt quite often. Really trying to understand what the value of that is. I know the salesman too and he should be fair, but it would be nice to have the info. I am recommending against the flushing kit if he is serious about running in the salt.

 

[JLS]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

Heard from the dealer who quoted a price at $1600 installed for fully closed cooling system. He recommended against it saying that engine would still need flushing and exhaust is still subjected to salt corrosion.<br /><br />I called mechanic and asked his opinion and he said it couldn't hurt and would improve resale value.<br /><br />I think it would be a good protective measure but do not want to sacrifice performance. Also, i heard that CWCC sometimes result in engine running hotter than normal.<br /><br />Anyone have insight into performance sacrifices?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

Originally posted by JLS:<br /> Heard from the dealer who quoted a price at $1600 installed for fully closed cooling system. He recommended against it saying that engine would still need flushing and exhaust is still subjected to salt corrosion.<br /><br />I called mechanic and asked his opinion and he said it couldn't hurt and would improve resale value.<br /><br />I think it would be a good protective measure but do not want to sacrifice performance. Also, i heard that CWCC sometimes result in engine running hotter than normal.<br /><br />Anyone have insight into performance sacrifices?

Quite the contrary. A properly sized heat exchanger lets you run a 180 deg thermostat. Allows for a much more ideal combustion chamber temperature plus you eliminate the constant expansion and contraction of the cylinders that occurs when cold raw water is allowed to enter the motor via the thermostat.

 

[QC]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

Jeff,<br /><br />Boomer is right. They do run hotter and it is better . . . Your car runs at 200+ often. Will need flushing but only for the heat exchanger and exhaust, the rest of the engine will never see anything but engine coolant. I am kinda tweaked at Mike if he is saying that. He is an outboard guy, so maybe . . . but he should know it is better.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Adding Closed Cooling to Volvo 8.1GXI

dude<br /> fresh water cooling is the only way to fly.<br /> heads off a lot of problems. if you dont believe it fill your car cooling system with ocean water each morning before your commute and see how long it lasts.<br /> you will find the 8.1,even raw water cooled will run close to 180*F. its part of the FI set up.<br /> the manifolds and risers on volvos tend to be short lived, a replacement every 3rd season is almost mandatory. anything longer and your on borrowed time.<br /> myself I wish volvo would offer the same full cooling that merc has on their 8.1's. but in the interim they dont so we change them often.<br /> at least on the volvo the fuel system is accessible.