Extra coolant reservoir behind the bumper

[-leman-]

I'm now looking to install a cheaper equivalent of superchanger cooling system upgrades sold by some brands, my cheaper alternative is a divorced system with bigger front heat exchanger (single-pass) and an expansion tank. That's it. No extra pump which I'm totally happy with.

Now the easy modifications to further improve this contemplated upgrade would be to make the front heat exchanger triple-pass and add the extra coolant reservoir to increase the coolant volume in the system. I'm not too sure if the triple-pass is a good idea; I note the only aftermarket system which features it (AMS Alpha one) has an extra pump so maybe it is a must for (presumably) more restrictive triple pass deisgn, and I'm not planning to go for extra pump anyway. Adding more coolant on the other hand won't hurt as the only immediate effect IMO is more heat capacity, hence lower IATs increase during a single pull, with no immediately seen disadvantages.

Any chance of more economic alternatives to the coolant reservoirs of APR / PLM and the likes? Maybe it's just me but I don't fancy paying 400$ for a simple aluminium tank with a bracket...

This is what I'm talking about, would be happy on any thoughts for best bang for the buck improvements.
https://www.privatelabelmfg.com/heat...-reservoir.htm

[whiped]

Have you seen this thread? http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ervoir-upgrade

Might give you some ideas.

[-leman-]

Yep, read that, lots of ideas but not for what I'm looking for unfortunately.

This is what I'm planning to go with (HX and expansion tank included):


What I'm looking to add is an extra coolant tank somewhere, similar to the ones found in APR v2, PLM (as in my link above) or AMS systems.

[SteveYem]

While on the topic of coolant - which coolant is everyone using when topping off the factory / Audi shop fill? ECS shows it as the G13 coolant (link) but I want to be sure that's correct before buying a bottle.

[-leman-]

I had G12 coolant in my 2011 S5 from the factory, replaced with G13 at some point. Both were Audi OE concentrate (need to mix with water). G12 is bright pink, G13 is purple, otherwise I can't tell the difference. I also mixed some Redline WaterWetter in mine, no difference seen as well )))

[whiped]

I picked up some G13 to refill my loop with once I divorce the systems.

Here is a compatibility chart:

[SteveYem]

I had G12 coolant in my 2011 S5 from the factory, replaced with G13 at some point. Both were Audi OE concentrate (need to mix with water). G12 is bright pink, G13 is purple, otherwise I can't tell the difference. I also mixed some Redline WaterWetter in mine, no difference seen as well )))

Interesting. I'm glad I asked. I was going to buy G13, but the existing fluid is red/pink so I presume that means it's G12.

EDIT: I just spoke to a friend who is an Audi tech and he says that they only put G12 (the pink stuff) in at the shop. When I shop for genuine Audi G12 coolant on Amazon, the only OEM Audi results are p/n G013A8J1G which I understand to be G13 coolant. The chart posted above indicates that G13 is reverse-compatible with G12, but I always prefer to use exactly what the OEM shop uses so that I don't have to lay there at night questioning whether I did the right thing.
Can anyone vouch for mixing the OEM G013A8J1G fluid with the existing red/pink coolant from the factory/Audi shop?

[-leman-]

G012A8GM1 is G12++
G012A8FM1 is G12+
G012A8FA4 is G12 (I think)

If I were you I'd pit in G13, seeing you have a 2015 S4 it's most likely what you have in there, keep in mind that the definite purple colour is for the concentrate, when mixed with water it may look pink.

I just checked the Audi catalogue and it lists the G13 part number you posted above even for my 2011 VIN (not that it's a 100% compatibility guarantee with these third party catalogues, but still).

[lowjonathan]

Yep, read that, lots of ideas but not for what I'm looking for unfortunately.

This is what I'm planning to go with (HX and expansion tank included):


What I'm looking to add is an extra coolant tank somewhere, similar to the ones found in APR v2, PLM (as in my link above) or AMS systems.

i saw there is a expansion tank in the picture.
can u share more details on that?

i am looking for a simple one to divorce my SC loop

tks

[Siopao]

Looks into this revo set up. Just got it installed about a week ago. Haven't had enough time to see the benefits. This system seems to fit what your looking for

2013 S5 | TSW Portier 20x10 | AWE track exhaust w/resonated dp | P3 gauge | Revo stage 1+ | roc euro intake | Revo charge cooler package | DSG tune

[-leman-]

i saw there is a expansion tank in the picture.
can u share more details on that?

i am looking for a simple one to divorce my SC loop

tks

I did not yet have a chance to put my hands on the actual system (only have the pic above), so I only know it is an OE tank from some Porsche. Will probaby have more info later.

Looks into this revo set up. Just got it installed about a week ago. Haven't had enough time to see the benefits. This system seems to fit what your looking for

My option is similar to Revo (but not as nice looking and twice cheaper - at least when sourced in Russia). What I'd like to do is to add an additional coolant tank to the small expansion one you have in your pics. In APR / PLM / AMS systems its located behind the front bumper, passenger side.

[Loe]

can someone confirm of the OEM pump pushes the coolant upwards into the S/C after being intercooled? Or does it "suck" the fluid downwards from the S/C through the pump and then into the intercooler?

I asked AWE and they gave me this answer:
S/C -> AWE reservoir -> AWE pump -> front HX -> S/C

which is a reverse flow of all of the charts posted for the OEM s/c loop. I always thought based on those photos that it should be this:

S/C -> front HX -> AWE pump -> AWE reservoir -> S/C

It's almost as if when you add an aftermarket pump, the flow gets reversed to where the reservoir becomes pre-intercooled versus post-intercooled...

[-leman-]

Looks like AWE is reversed flow then. At least APR v.2 system (which uses OE pump, as far as I understand) shows this in its installation manual:

[jygesq]

Interesting. I'm glad I asked. I was going to buy G13, but the existing fluid is red/pink so I presume that means it's G12.

EDIT: I just spoke to a friend who is an Audi tech and he says that they only put G12 (the pink stuff) in at the shop. When I shop for genuine Audi G12 coolant on Amazon, the only OEM Audi results are p/n G013A8J1G which I understand to be G13 coolant. The chart posted above indicates that G13 is reverse-compatible with G12, but I always prefer to use exactly what the OEM shop uses so that I don't have to lay there at night questioning whether I did the right thing.
Can anyone vouch for mixing the OEM G013A8J1G fluid with the existing red/pink coolant from the factory/Audi shop?

the audi coolant I purchased from Amazon was G13 , had a part number starting with G 13 and it was pink!

[Loe]

can someone confirm of the OEM pump pushes the coolant upwards into the S/C after being intercooled? Or does it "suck" the fluid downwards from the S/C through the pump and then into the intercooler?

I asked AWE and they gave me this answer:
S/C -> AWE reservoir -> AWE pump -> front HX -> S/C

which is a reverse flow of all of the charts posted for the OEM s/c loop. I always thought based on those photos that it should be this:

S/C -> front HX -> AWE pump -> AWE reservoir -> S/C

It's almost as if when you add an aftermarket pump, the flow gets reversed to where the reservoir becomes pre-intercooled versus post-intercooled...

nevermind ignore. When you look at the AWE install directions, the "A" line (inlet) from the S/C feeds into the drivers side, and then exits to the "B" line (outlet) that feeds into the pump. So the flow isn't different from the OEM unit and the main differences are simply just how B8 and B8.5 models flow through the front HX themselves.

[BlownOne]

Just use distilled water to top off your coolant expansion tanks guys...

[SteveYem]

Just use distilled water to top off your coolant expansion tanks guys...

Is that really kosher? In my case, the cold coolant level in the reservoir is about a quarter inch below the 'Min' line. I'll be running this fill of coolant through the winter which can get pretty cold around here, so I don't want to dilute my anti-freeze capability....but at the same time, it seems a waste to spend $28 on a jug of undiluted G13 only to use such a small amount to top off.

[BlownOne]

Is that really kosher? In my case, the cold coolant level in the reservoir is about a quarter inch below the 'Min' line. I'll be running this fill of coolant through the winter which can get pretty cold around here, so I don't want to dilute my anti-freeze capability....but at the same time, it seems a waste to spend $28 on a jug of undiluted G13 only to use such a small amount to top off.

Yea brotha the amount of water you are adding isnt going to effect anything negativity, even in the coldest of winters. Think about the total capacity of the system and figure you would be adding 1/3 gal or less of distilled to bring it to the cold full level. Ready to use coolant is 50% water anyways. Hope that helped.

[SteveYem]

Yea brotha the amount of water you are adding isnt going to effect anything negativity, even in the coldest of winters. Think about the total capacity of the system and figure you would be adding 1/3 gal or less of distilled to bring it to the cold full level. Ready to use coolant is 50% water anyways. Hope that helped.

Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. I've never drained out the cooling circuit for this car so I don't have an idea of how much total fluid is in the system.

[whiped]

I now understand what you are asking and am also interested if we can source one fairly cheaply.

I know S4Matty made one for his car. I will do some research and see what I can dig up.

---

Edit: We might try reaching out to PLM.

When it is bundled with their HE it is only $200 more than the HE itself. This leads me to believe the actual cost must not be that high.

I'd be interested in joining a group buy if we can get the price low enough, I'd rather spend and extra $100 than waste a whole day attempting to fit a cheaper kit.

[-leman-]

Agreed on $200 being closer to fair price for this being an exact fit and all (compared to cheaper universal tanks which may be found). So I may be on a group buy as well, depending on the shipping (I'm in Russia).

[whiped]

Just bumping this in case anyone is interested.

Heard back from PLM and they are willing to do a discounted price.

I don't feel like draining my loop again so I will personally wait a few months before ordering.

[jason bouchard]

Bump for an old thread but I have similar questions

So I am Dual Pulley and catless and I have an upgraded ColdFront AWE divorced front HX and the smaller round tank cold front AWE reservoir, but has anyone installed a PLM large reservoir with all the parts I have mentioned ? I am looking for extra capacity which would only help cooling my IAT's

Thanks guys

The short: I want to install this: https://privatelabelmfg.com/products...a4-s4-b8-b8-5?

But I already have this and this installed: https://www.urotuning.com/products/a...s5-4510-11032? & https://www.urotuning.com/products/a...s5-4710-11018?

[Cerbera9]

Bump for an old thread but I have similar questions

So I am Dual Pulley and catless and I have an upgraded ColdFront AWE divorced front HX and the smaller round tank cold front AWE reservoir, but has anyone installed a PLM large reservoir with all the parts I have mentioned ? I am looking for extra capacity which would only help cooling my IAT's

Thanks guys

The short: I want to install this: https://privatelabelmfg.com/products...a4-s4-b8-b8-5?

But I already have this and this installed: https://www.urotuning.com/products/a...s5-4510-11032? & https://www.urotuning.com/products/a...s5-4710-11018?

How is adding a coolant reservoir and extra capacity going to lower your IAT's? When to coolant exits the HX its at its lowest temp and should be pumped straight to the IC's, I can't see how storing a tank of coolant anywhere is going to do anything other than add weight and complicate the system.

[djn876]

How is adding a coolant reservoir and extra capacity going to lower your IAT's? When to coolant exits the HX its at its lowest temp and should be pumped straight to the IC's, I can't see how storing a tank of coolant anywhere is going to do anything other than add weight and complicate the system.

On a divorced system the pump suction is from the new reservoir, and the return goes back to the reservoir. The fluid coming out of the HX is probably still hotter than the fluid in the reservoir depending a little on ambient temps when WOT. So if you start with a bigger volume of colder water where the pump is actually going to draw from, it will provide better cooling and IAT will stay lower. Basically the larger volume of fluid takes more energy to heat up.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[Izzyz28]

On a divorced system the pump suction is from the new reservoir, and the return goes back to the reservoir. The fluid coming out of the HX is probably still hotter than the fluid in the reservoir depending a little on ambient temps when WOT. So if you start with a bigger volume of colder water where the pump is actually going to draw from, it will provide better cooling and IAT will stay lower. Basically the larger volume of fluid takes more energy to heat up.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Audizine Forum mobile app

If that reservoir is anywhere under the hood, its contents are going to be about 200 degrees. I think it's best to keep as much of the coolant in the HX as possible out in front of the car, but if you want a $400 tank of hot water that's totally cool.

[djn876]

If that reservoir is anywhere under the hood, its contents are going to be about 200 degrees. I think it's best to keep as much of the coolant in the HX as possible out in front of the car, but if you want a $400 tank of hot water that's totally cool.

My AWE one sits right next to the drivers headlight and my IATs when cruising around are always about 8 deg C over ambient and go right back to that within a few minutes of cruising after any kind of pull (1/4 mile or whatever) so that's not really an accurate statement. It's always got flow through the HX, it's not like it's just sitting there stagnant heating up.

My comment around a 3 gal reservoir was specifically for a chiller system and there are plenty of Camaros, corvettes, etc. running a chiller system with a 12L reservoir under the hood and coolant temp when measured in the tank stays around 40 F or more below ambient with a good chiller system, but the concept is the same.

Plenty of people run an additional 1/2 to 1 gallon reservoir. As long as you keep the fluid moving it's not going to heat up that fast through the wall of the reservoir.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[wrxkyle]

My AWE one sits right next to the drivers headlight and my IATs when cruising around are always about 8 deg C over ambient and go right back to that within a few minutes of cruising after any kind of pull (1/4 mile or whatever) so that's not really an accurate statement. It's always got flow through the HX, it's not like it's just sitting there stagnant heating up.

My comment around a 3 gal reservoir was specifically for a chiller system and there are plenty of Camaros, corvettes, etc. running a chiller system with a 12L reservoir under the hood and coolant temp when measured in the tank stays around 40 F or more below ambient with a good chiller system, but the concept is the same.

Plenty of people run an additional 1/2 to 1 gallon reservoir. As long as you keep the fluid moving it's not going to heat up that fast through the wall of the reservoir.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Audizine Forum mobile app

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001...c00sV03A2&mp=1 i think oleg uses one like this to add chiller fluid capacity .

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...690721255697-1

closed cell foam with adhesive is used in automotive sound treatment and there are a bunch of options online you can use to insulate the tank if worried about it.

[jason bouchard]

Nice!!! That looks promising. I was looking at the 4 liter PLM pass side reservoir that sits at the front bumper but If I can source the same thing from the above links, then I’ll still have enough money left over to still go W/M - ;-)

Has anyone tried or have experience with these AliExpress extended tanks??

Thanks

[jason bouchard]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001...c00sV03A2&mp=1 i think oleg uses one like this to add chiller fluid capacity .

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...690721255697-1

closed cell foam with adhesive is used in automotive sound treatment and there are a bunch of options online you can use to insulate the tank if worried about it.

So what your saying is that I can basically build this my self \/

- https://privatelabelmfg.com/collecti...-a4-s4-b8-b8-5

I am definitely interested in building an external extended reservoir to fit in the front behind the bumper myself, just not entirely sure how to do it, has anyone on the forums built there own extended reservoir ?

Thanks

[serg72]

I am definitely interested in building an external extended reservoir to fit in the front behind the bumper myself, just not entirely sure how to do it, has anyone on the forums built there own extended reservoir ?

Thanks

Yes, I built my own reservoir on my car. Under the right headlight, where the secondary air pump is located.

[wrxkyle]

So what your saying is that I can basically build this my self \/

- https://privatelabelmfg.com/collecti...-a4-s4-b8-b8-5

I am definitely interested in building an external extended reservoir to fit in the front behind the bumper myself, just not entirely sure how to do it, has anyone on the forums built there own extended reservoir ?

Thanks

yes, you would just need to get the fittings to fit it. i think the an fittings are about a 3/8 id equivalent but not sure, you could always Tee your 3/4" line and split it between openings for inlet/outlet if flow restriction was any concern. you'd need to either have the skill welding to weld aluminum brackets up or come up with some kind of bracket you can mount and support the water tank with. if you go with a killer chiller you'll need to also foam insulate it. if you come up with a mounting method i'd love to hear it, not sure how i'm going to shoehorn this thing in securely diy. if not going diy i'd just go plm to have it all figured out already.

[jason bouchard]

Yes, I built my own reservoir on my car. Under the right headlight, where the secondary air pump is located.

Very nice!! Care to share more on how the DIY went etc? Instructions etc lol

[serg72]

Very nice!! Care to share more on how the DIY went etc? Instructions etc lol

Reservoir of 1/2 gallon
20201110_182546.jpg

[jason bouchard]

Reservoir of 1/2 gallon
20201110_182546.jpg

Awesome thank you, are you running more than one pump or just the OEM one?

[serg72]

Awesome thank you, are you running more than one pump or just the OEM one?

I have two OEM pumps. One in front of the HX, the one in the photo, the passenger's side and the other after the HX, the driver's side.

[jason bouchard]

I have two OEM pumps. One in front of the HX, the one in the photo, the passenger's side and the other after the HX, the driver's side.

Okay, I'm gonna give this a shot - I ordered the PLM 4 liter reservoir, and researching a second pump definitely a little shaky about the install/ fabrication