Winter maintenance is a necessary evil for hot rod enthusiasts. As the weather turns cold, one task I dread is draining the water from my El Camino’s cooling system. This year, I decided to explore alternatives that could keep my car safe through winter while still being acceptable for drag strip use.
Why Water Instead of Antifreeze?
Most drag strips prohibit antifreeze or ethylene glycol-based coolants. Why? They’re notoriously difficult to clean from a prepped drag strip surface. Water, on the other hand, is easily cleaned up.
The Drawbacks of Running Straight Water
While water is drag strip-friendly, it comes with some challenges:
- Corrosion: Without antifreeze’s corrosion inhibitors, bare cast iron blocks are vulnerable.
- Water Pump Lubrication: Antifreeze has a slightly oily feel that helps keep water pumps spinning smoothly.
- Electrolysis: Water increases the risk of electrolysis between dissimilar metals like iron blocks and aluminum heads or radiators.
The main advantage? Water is cheap.
The Great Water Debate
As I delved deeper, I found conflicting advice on what type of water to use:
- Distilled water
- Reverse osmosis filtered water
- Tap water
Surprisingly, there’s little concrete evidence supporting any of these choices. It’s mostly conjecture.
Exploring Glycol-Free Alternatives
My search led me to several glycol-free coolants. While some claimed minimal freezing protection, manufacturer documents often contradicted these claims.
One exception stood out: Evans Waterless Coolant. It’s both drag strip acceptable and offers freezing protection. The catch? It’s pricey at $52 per gallon, plus you need an equal amount of their prep fluid. That adds up quickly.
The Ongoing Search for a Solution
As of now, I haven’t found the perfect solution. I’m still weighing the pros and cons of each option:
- Continue with water and thorough winter draining
- Invest in Evans Waterless Coolant
- Explore other emerging alternatives
I promise to update you as soon as I make a decision or find a better option!
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