Optimum operating temp fpr a small block
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (flynhi)
200-220 is fairly common. Depends on mods and outside temps as well as how hard you are beating the motor.
Dep
Dep
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
Likes: 257
From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Ryan77)
I use to run at 210. Changed to a high flow water pump and now run consistently at 180. Sorta happy with that. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (flynhi)
Take a look at this:
http://performanceunlimited.com/documents/img99.gif
[Modified by Larry82, 7:51 PM 11/11/2003]
http://performanceunlimited.com/documents/img99.gif
[Modified by Larry82, 7:51 PM 11/11/2003]
Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire WI
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (flynhi)
i've run from 150 to 230. my engine is the happiest at 170-180. above that i can feel the carb starting to have problems. below that gas milage sucks and it doesn't want to idle.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (flynhi)
My ZZ4 normally runs around 200 in the summer, and less than that in the winter. I have a non AC car so I use the small aluminum radiator. I also have a stewart High flow stage 2 pump and a 180 stat.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (flynhi)
I think to answer this correctly two engines would have to be tested at different temps and run for a very long period of time. Then broken down and all parts compared. No one has yet to do this that I know of, therefore, every engineering theory is really just a guess until proven by test.
I have recently switch to 160 thermo and have a 30 deg cooler engine than previously. I'm not sure if that is good or bad? Oil pressure goes up with cooler temps.
I have recently switch to 160 thermo and have a 30 deg cooler engine than previously. I'm not sure if that is good or bad? Oil pressure goes up with cooler temps.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 792
Likes: 2
From: Norcross GA
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Surfer69)
No lower than 180 degrees. Numerous studies and posts that indicates that running in the 160 degree range causes premature engine wear.
I've heard 180 - 220.
I've heard 180 - 220.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,059
Likes: 266
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Surfer69)
I have recently switch to 160 thermo and have a 30 deg cooler engine than previously.
It just dictates when the thermo will open up.
I refuse to believe that changing to a 160 thermo has lowered your
temp. If true, everyone would be doing that, and not spending $500-$800
to replace with a new aluminum radiator.
I am not calling you a liar, but just don't believe what you said :nono:
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Electron Blue '02)
I have recently switch to 160 thermo and have a 30 deg cooler engine than previously.
The thermostat has no effect on operating temps.
It just dictates when the thermo will open up.
I refuse to believe that changing to a 160 thermo has lowered your
temp. If true, everyone would be doing that, and not spending $500-$800
to replace with a new aluminum radiator.
I am not calling you a liar, but just don't believe what you said :nono:
The thermostat has no effect on operating temps.
It just dictates when the thermo will open up.
I refuse to believe that changing to a 160 thermo has lowered your
temp. If true, everyone would be doing that, and not spending $500-$800
to replace with a new aluminum radiator.
I am not calling you a liar, but just don't believe what you said :nono:
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Fevre)
Temp gauge and oil pressure gage dont lie. Went from 195 to 160 thermo.
Everyone thinks it has nothing to do with operating temps but it does.
Everyone thinks it has nothing to do with operating temps but it does.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Electron Blue '02)
ElectronBlue 02 it is possible. I agree that the thermostat only opens at a certain temperature but if the system is efficient enough the thermostat can control the temperature. I run no thermostat and only drive in the nice weather but I found on cool night the engine never warmed up, would sit at 150 or 160 so I installed a manual switch to turn off the electric fan to drive engine temperature up to my preferred 190.
I have also seen an article that states that gas need 185 to properly atomize and engine wear at 160 is 4 times greater then at 190. The test did state that the motors were only run for 50 hours before tearing down and measuring wear.
Also qualifying engine for Nascar would run at up to 230 and very lean to qualify then drop the temperature and run a little richer for longevity. This practice has been stopped.
[Modified by norvalwilhelm, 10:09 AM 11/12/2003]
I have also seen an article that states that gas need 185 to properly atomize and engine wear at 160 is 4 times greater then at 190. The test did state that the motors were only run for 50 hours before tearing down and measuring wear.
Also qualifying engine for Nascar would run at up to 230 and very lean to qualify then drop the temperature and run a little richer for longevity. This practice has been stopped.
[Modified by norvalwilhelm, 10:09 AM 11/12/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (norvalwilhelm)
norval: Took the words right out of my mouth! :D
My buddy also ran no themostat for strip only and temps were definitely LOWER than with thremostat.
Dep
My buddy also ran no themostat for strip only and temps were definitely LOWER than with thremostat.
Dep
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Dep)
My theory is 195 kept closing and opening maintaining high temp since radiator would drop temp only so much for a little while. But 160 thermo opens and stays open more allowing coolant to constantly be cooled.
I believed operating temp not effected also but after driving hiway for half hour and exiting, temp is still 160 and it used to read 190-200. It amazes me that my temp is so low all the time. Im still worried about engine wear.
Thermos both same brand.
I believed operating temp not effected also but after driving hiway for half hour and exiting, temp is still 160 and it used to read 190-200. It amazes me that my temp is so low all the time. Im still worried about engine wear.
Thermos both same brand.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
Re: Optimum operating temp fpr a small block (Surfer69)
If you want to make power, you want cold air, cool water, and hot oil. I run my '64 with a 160 degree stat and it always runs at about 165 except when sitting in traffic for prolonged periods (mechanical flex fan). With a 180 degree stat, it sat at 180 deg.
Worried about a little extra wear? How often do you really drive the car such that wear is really an issue? I drive mine less than 500 miles a year and the engine was built over 15 years ago, so I'm not. Also, I use a synthetic oil so I can run a lighter weight with better lubrication propeties than the original factory recommendation. The other day, this little mildly built 331 CI spun the wheels to the tune of 293 hp and 293 ft-lb on the dyno, so I must be doing something right.
Maybe these factors are also something to consider.
Worried about a little extra wear? How often do you really drive the car such that wear is really an issue? I drive mine less than 500 miles a year and the engine was built over 15 years ago, so I'm not. Also, I use a synthetic oil so I can run a lighter weight with better lubrication propeties than the original factory recommendation. The other day, this little mildly built 331 CI spun the wheels to the tune of 293 hp and 293 ft-lb on the dyno, so I must be doing something right.
Maybe these factors are also something to consider.
