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LS swap engine temps

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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 04:27 PM
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Default LS swap engine temps

Curious on comparing engine temps for those that have LS swapped their C3.
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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 04:58 PM
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I have a few swapped cars. In the Vette it runs about 180ish, unless it's cold out, then it'll be around 160.

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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 05:03 PM
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Likely LS swaps include the cooling system. My electric fans only seem to come on when I shut off the motor.

The general subject was discussed here

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-cooling.html

and I posted separately here

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-my-69-a.html

Here in the California bay area I don't much see really really hot days but when I do its still not a problem
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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 05:54 PM
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LS engines are designed to run a little warmer than a Gen I SBC. Most LS operating temp is around 200-220 degrees, not unusual to see 220-225 degrees sitting in traffic on a 100 degree day with A/C on.
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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Corey_68
LS engines are designed to run a little warmer than a Gen I SBC. Most LS operating temp is around 200-220 degrees, not unusual to see 220-225 degrees sitting in traffic on a 100 degree day with A/C on.
I guess I never really answered the OP's question. I did look up the specs on the thermostat that came with my motor, a 12600171 part #. It opens at 185 degrees. After opening, I would assume it is the cooling system which governs what the motor heats up to.

Despite all the fooling around with underhood air temps in my posts, I never thought to measure my motor with an IR thermometer. My gauge I've calibrated and it always falls in the normal range. Heat has never been a concern.
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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Tranz Zam
I have a few swapped cars. In the Vette it runs about 180ish, unless it's cold out, then it'll be around 160.
160-180 seems low for an LS. Are you using a bypass hose on the water pump to get 180F?
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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 09:02 PM
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On my LS swaps it depended on the radiator size a bit.
On my summer driver LS swaps I run a 180 degree thermostat. ECM set to turn on the fan at 205 and off at 195.
Having said that I run a 195 degree thermostat in my 98 Wrangler with LS6 swap to get more heat in the cab when I'm plowing snow. The ECM is set at 210 on and 195 off.
When I did my 71 C3 LS swap I used a generic LS swap rad. Biggest I could fit. Never had any kind of cooling issues. Single 16" Spal fan.
Keep in mine my stock 2020 Silverado ran at 210 day in and day out.
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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 11:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 71 Vert LS1
On my LS swaps it depended on the radiator size a bit.
On my summer driver LS swaps I run a 180 degree thermostat. ECM set to turn on the fan at 205 and off at 195.
Having said that I run a 195 degree thermostat in my 98 Wrangler with LS6 swap to get more heat in the cab when I'm plowing snow. The ECM is set at 210 on and 195 off.
When I did my 71 C3 LS swap I used a generic LS swap rad. Biggest I could fit. Never had any kind of cooling issues. Single 16" Spal fan.
Keep in mine my stock 2020 Silverado ran at 210 day in and day out.
Trying to determine if my coolant temps are correct @ 205-215F with 187F Tstat, Champion 3 row rad, and C5 fans. Fan settings are turn on 195 and off at 190.
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Old Dec 31, 2024 | 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by TorchZ51
Trying to determine if my coolant temps are correct @ 205-215F with 187F Tstat, Champion 3 row rad, and C5 fans. Fan settings are turn on 195 and off at 190.
The engine will be happy at those temps. I set mine up to run a little cooler, but I have one setup running at that temp for years and it's fine.
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Old Jan 5, 2025 | 01:02 PM
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I installed a 180 Tstat and temps stay in the 195-200 range now. Set Fan On 200 and Fan Off 190.

Last edited by TorchZ51; Jan 5, 2025 at 01:37 PM.
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