- great opportunity to work the bugs out.
Cooling question on an '81....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach Florida
Cooling question on an '81....
Blew a lower hose Thursday. Called the local Chevy dealer and they couldn't get me a replacement until Monday Afternoon! 
NAPA had one in stock, so I went with them. 
Replacement went fine this morning. (Protip - it's much easier when you remove the A/C belt!) Before replacing all of the plastic air-directing pieces I took it on a cruise. I swear it ran cooler! Do I really need to put all of these snorkels back on? Car is in Florida - engine is stock L81.
Also, I discovered the PO removed the thermostat.
I remember past posts saying I need to have one. Do I really need one in Florida?? I've used the heater once and have removed all smog equipment.
Comments?
Thanks! ...Alan K.
NAPA had one in stock, so I went with them. Replacement went fine this morning. (Protip - it's much easier when you remove the A/C belt!) Before replacing all of the plastic air-directing pieces I took it on a cruise. I swear it ran cooler! Do I really need to put all of these snorkels back on? Car is in Florida - engine is stock L81.
Also, I discovered the PO removed the thermostat.
I remember past posts saying I need to have one. Do I really need one in Florida?? I've used the heater once and have removed all smog equipment.Comments?
Thanks! ...Alan K.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach Florida
markdtn - Thanks for the input.
Restrict the flow of coolant - that makes sense! I'm really mad at myself for not just taking an extra 15-20 minutes out and changing the thermostat since I had the system drained!
What temp should I go with?
You're right about the cold air intake. I was kinda hoping somebody out there has had some wonderful results by eliminating these pieces.
Oh well.
Thanks again! Alan K.
Restrict the flow of coolant - that makes sense! I'm really mad at myself for not just taking an extra 15-20 minutes out and changing the thermostat since I had the system drained!
What temp should I go with?You're right about the cold air intake. I was kinda hoping somebody out there has had some wonderful results by eliminating these pieces.
Oh well.
Thanks again! Alan K.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach Florida
If you look at the temp gauge on my '81, there is a hash mark at the 11:00 position - but the numerals "200" are at the 12:00 position. Quite confusing! 
Temp has been running consistantly at the 11:00 hashmark when the A/C is on and have been driving at least 30 minutes.
Was not low on coolant as I checked after I noticed the bad hose - radiator was full, but reservior was empty.
...Alan K.
Temp has been running consistantly at the 11:00 hashmark when the A/C is on and have been driving at least 30 minutes.
Was not low on coolant as I checked after I noticed the bad hose - radiator was full, but reservior was empty.
...Alan K.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Near Round Top (pop. 90) Texas
The factory stat is a 195 degree, I run a 180 degree here in Texas. Yes you do need a thermostat. If the coolant is allowed to run freely without staying in the radiator long enough to cool off all the water in your system could eventually get hot.
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Enterprise Alabama
I just installed a 160 degree thermostat in my 78 L82 Pace car. I live in S.E. Alabama where it gets pretty darn hot and my vette runs between 170 ( up to 80 degree outside temp) to 195 (above 80 degree outside temp) now. Before with the 190 degree thermostat, she ran around 200 to 210 degrees. (too hot for me)
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
I would run at least a 180 degree T-Stat. If the computer is still functional and hooked up, it needs to detect the temp to allow the converter lock-out to work. Stock is 195 degrees.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 482
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From: Near Round Top (pop. 90) Texas
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
