78 water temp question

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Jun 18, 2008 | 01:36 PM

martinjp

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Instructor

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From: Shingle Springs California

78 water temp question

What temp should a 78 L-48 run. Obviously different thermostats will allow different opening temps, but what is normal for this era corvette? The car I am looking at runs just over 200 deg. Sounds a little high to me. My other vettes 68-72 have always stayed around 175. Your thoughts???

Thanks

Jun 18, 2008 | 02:09 PM

fauxrs2

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From: San diego ca

my 78 runs a 190 deg thermostat and runs pretty much right at 190 regardless of conditions. I have a cheap replacement radiator and a clutch fan.

Jun 18, 2008 | 02:20 PM

Ironcross

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From: Taylor Michigan

computerized Vettes with heavy emissions burdons run hotter than a early model. 195 thermostat is also necessary to accomplish this in States where the requirements are enforced. If in Michigan, your home free with anything. A fender or bumper could be falling or in danger of falling off and it would still be roadworthy here. The State is run by Democrats,,,

Jun 18, 2008 | 03:45 PM

wildchris

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From: New Bedford MA

Mine is a L82 it runs@185deg climbs to 195deg in 4th at 3,000rpm and up never hits 200. I just whent all the way to Providence and back about 80miles on saturday and it was like 85deg. I was a little nervous because I has not taken it on a long trip like that but it never hit 200deg.

Jun 18, 2008 | 04:00 PM

rayluka

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From: Kingman AZ

My 76 runs at 190 all day. I was told you can put a lower temp thermostat in. It will open earlier and allow for more cooling

Jun 18, 2008 | 04:24 PM

fauxrs2

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From: San diego ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironcross

nothing computerised about a 78 though...theres no reason he shouldnt be able to cruise all day at 180-190 depending on the thermostat he runs

Jun 18, 2008 | 06:24 PM

65GGvert

Team Owner

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From: Kannapolis NC

My 78 runs 165 in cool weather. On a hot day with the air on, it will climb to a touch over 200. Don't know how accurate that analog gauge is, but it's pretty consistent. On a hot day with the air off, it's around 185 or so.