Corvette problem
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,137
Likes: 1,360
From: Mid-Atlantic
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 803
From: Saskatoon Sask.
I totally agree with your statement. I know this is very hypothetical but with everything you know now if you could go back to when the LT1 C4 cooling system was designed would you have advocated for any of the following:
1. Larger and more powerful cooling fans.
2. Starting the cooling fans at a lower temperature.
3. A bigger or thicker or better designed radiator.
4.A lower temp factory thermostat.
Thanks, Dan
1. Larger and more powerful cooling fans.
2. Starting the cooling fans at a lower temperature.
3. A bigger or thicker or better designed radiator.
4.
Thanks, Dan
.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1,308
From: LeClaire Iowa
Fixed it for you. Your questions have merit but you said "any". In order for these questions to be totally valid in relation to lower temperatures, they ALL must play a role. Switching to a lower temperature thermostat will NOT by itself lower engine temperatures. I thought after these many years that issue had been .
.Last edited by Whaleman; Dec 7, 2025 at 11:08 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 803
From: Saskatoon Sask.
I agree again. What WILL affect the engine temp is the SPEED the thermostat opens. An engine will show different temperatures with a 195 thermostat that is fully open at 199 as compared to a 195 thermostat that is not fully open until 225. I have tested thermostats in a pot of boiling water and I can attest that they do not all open at the same speed. The stock AC Delco is a very slow opening thermostat. I should have said "Faster opening thermostat". Dan
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1,308
From: LeClaire Iowa
Sorry Hoss, but if you think you can make me believe that a 195 thermostat won't open till 225, then you are possibly delusional. The rate a thermostat opens is directly related to the rate the heat is being created/rejected. If the rate of creation is greater than the rate of rejection, then yes, the stat will open faster. Nothing more. Yes, there might be slight manufacturing tolerances but certainly not 30 degrees!
