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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.