Check out a few shots of this prototype installed!

The image above shows the tank with a sight tube instead of a sight glass, which we used on our previous 3D models. We are experimenting with both designs to determine which is easier to read and which is going to provide the most durability. Let us know what you think!

Along with the mounting points, we also need to ensure that all the hose connection points are in the same location as the stock tank.

A few minor adjustments are needed on the design, but this first prototype fit quite well.

Coming Up – Functional Prototype

Now that we’ve made design adjustments, we can begin constructing our first functional prototype. Check back next time for a look at our aluminum expansion tank.

We’ve been very hard at work on these 2016 Camaro parts and numerous other projects, some of which have presented exceptionally unique, unexpected challenges.  For example, take a look at our 2016+ Camaro 2.0T Catch Can R&D. See what I mean?

Expanding on the Stock Design

Now this project is not without its challenges, either. As we examined in our opening post, the 2016 Camaro coolant expansion tank, despite the term we use to refer to it, is much more than just an expansion tank. With the top part of the tank comprising a pressurized expansion enclosure that works as an integrated part of the cooling system, and the bottom part of the housing being a non-pressurized overflow chamber, there is more to this tank than meets the eye. Check out our stock review of the 2016 Camaro coolant expansion tank for more details on this clever design.

Per usual, we will be incorporating all OEM functionality into our version of this part. The baffling and channeling necessitated by the hybrid design of the tank are intricately implemented into our aluminum prototype, which features smooth bends and clean welds that contribute to the unit’s suave, muscular profile. Having experimented with both a sight tube and a sight glass, we have decided to move forward with the sight glass for this prototype, as it looks much more refined and doesn’t require as many holes to be drilled – this minimizes any possible leak points and simplifies the design. That said, this is not necessarily the final design revision, so the ‘ol tube vs. glass issue may still be subject to change.

Overflowing with Style

We’ve made a huge amount of progress on our 2016 Camaro coolant expansion tank, and I’m proud to say that we’ve assembled a solid-looking prototype and installed it in our SS. As this product is primarily an aesthetic upgrade, this post would be nothing without more photos!

Check ‘em out below.

Tanks for the Update, but What’s Next?

We’ve got a couple small adjustments to make after test fitting our prototype, but we should have a final version ready to go in relatively short order. Stay tuned for some glamour shots of the tank by itself and any more updates on the design, and an announcement to kick off our discounted pre-sale!

They say that good things come to those who wait, and we’d certainly say that’s the case with the Mishimoto 2016+ Camaro expansion tank. Note that I did not specify “SS” here. This tank also fits on the 2.0T, but we haven’t gotten a change to test it out on a V6 model yet, though it should fit. If any V6 owners are local to the Philadelphia area and want to come on by for a test fit so that we can be 100% sure, please reach out!

We’ve tested the tank on both of our Camaros, and we’ve gone through several stages of refinement, ultimately ending up with quite the fine-looking aluminum piece. Oh, and did I mention it’s already on Pre-Sale?

Let’s take a gander at how the final product came out!

Expanding on the Stock Design

As a reminder for those of you who have been following along the whole time, and as a quick catch-me-up for those of you who are just joining us, the stock tank design in this car actually comprises two different enclosures: an overflow tank and an expansion tank. The expansion tank is a pressurized cavity that serves as a direct part of the cooling system, serving as a reservoir for excess coolant to collect as it expands and contracts with variance in temperature.

The overflow tank, the bottom section of the unit, is not pressurized, and simply serves to collect coolant that has been “bled off” or purged from the system in an over-capacity condition. There is a line that leads into the overflow tank to allow the primary system to re-absorb “overflow” coolant when vacuum conditions create a draw.

Think of the coolant overflow reservoir as a nice cool bottle of lemonade, and the re-absorbing line as a straw through which your Camaro slurps that stuff up once conditions require it. Early prototypes featured bendy-tubes and tubes shaped like Mickey Mouse, but after losing a few engineers to a refreshing drink of coolant, we decided to nix that idea. I’m only kidding, of course. (WARNING – I think this probably goes without saying, but one never knows: please DO NOT drink coolant.)

Our tank, like the stock system, features an expansion tank up top with an integrated overflow tank below. We’ve taken the design one step further, however, and added a sight glass in the expansion tank and a sight tube in the overflow tank. And, of course, we’ve replaced the ugly plastic tank with a fine-looking aluminum construction in your choice of two great colors!

These integrations will allow you to easily observe whether your car is satiated, or whether it needs a little more coolant to keep things chilly. Somehow, I don’t think you guys will need these too much on your brand-new Camaros. As the owner and operator of both a 15-year old Subaru engine and a 25-year old BMW engine, however, I can tell you that these features come in handy. Not having them can result in some very frustrating situations, and some very colorful language. While we’re on the subject of color…

Matte Black is the New Black

One more cool thing that I want to touch on is your other choice in color. Per usual, we are offering this tank in either polished or black, but we’ve decided to switch things up a bit for the black version. Traditionally, our black aluminum tanks have a glossy sheen to them, but with the menacing, understated, luxo-stealth aesthetic of all the other black plastic components under the bonnet of your Camaro, we wanted to ensure that our product was a perfect complement. For that reason, we’ve opted for a striking matte black finish. Check it out below.

There you have it, folks! As I mentioned before, the Pre-sale is up and running, so pick up your tank at the limited-time discounted price via the link below.