k-rub
Full Access Member
With the removed lights, I'd wager his issue will be solved. If for whatever reason, the cooling system still needs a little help, having the Tstat open sooner may give him the needed head start on waterflow to postpone the heatsoak point enough that he'd make it up the hills without overheating. The downhill or flat sections coupled with the tstat continuing to be open longer would give him quicker recovery ( cooling wise) .
Does it totally fix the "problem?" NO. Will it potentially treat the symptoms enough to stave off the "disease" , you betcha.
Exactly. If airflow is impeded, a bigger surface area radiator won't really do shit. The CBR variant would have to have enough thickness and fin surface area where air IS flowing, to make up for a 15% loss in height x width surface area due to the lights blocking airflow.
What about plugs? Didn't you say yours showed you were running hot? I wonder if the colder SP542 plugs would make a difference.