In roadracing (and some trackdays, usu depending on the speed/skill of the rider), most organizations won't allow antifreeze in the coolant. The glycol is very slick, makes a nasty slick spot almost like oil if someone crashes
So most racers run straight water w/ something added, like engine ice / water wetter (made by redline i believe)
I really like water wetter. I run it in almost every vehicle I own. It can be used with antifreeze / water mixes or straight water.
From what I understand, it helps reduce the size of the bubbles that form in the coolant passages. Ever see a pot of water that is about to boil? Tons of little bubbles form along the inside surface of the pot.
Well, thats the same thing that happens in your engine when it gets hot - all these little air pockets form - and these reduce the cooling capacity. If the fluid is not in contact with the surface it can't pull heat out of it, can it?
Water wetter is supposed to make those bubbles smaller. Smaller bubbles = more surface to liquid contact = more heat transfer to the coolant.
it essentially makes "water more wet" hence water wetter
I think it does have some anti-corrosive properties, but its said to not have any antifreeze properties - ie, if you run water + water wetter w/o antifreeze, the engine could freeze in cold weather just like if the engine just had pure water in it........... something to keep in mind.........
So if I had something that was overheating, I'd certainly think about using a little water wetter in it, couldn't hurt, but its only going to pull, max, like 10 degrees out. If you have a serious overheating problem fix that first
-sb