Temperature Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Mo
Temperature Question
My 1992 LT1 Has 90,000 miles runs great however I 've noted when idling for extended periods the temperature will be in the 220/230 range. Normal street cruising temp is in the 190's. I purchased the car last fall so this is my first experience driving the car in warmer temps. Is this normal temp range for the car. I see were many change to a 160 thermostat. Are any other chages needed when changing to a 160 thermostat ?
I did flush the radiator when I purchased the car last fall.
Any info would be great Thanks!!!
I did flush the radiator when I purchased the car last fall.
Any info would be great Thanks!!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Re: Temperature Question (oldtimer)
Nothing to worry about. The fans typically kick on around 225 and off around 205 or so. 190 cruising is perfect. C4 Corvettes are "bottom feeders", that is, they draw cooling air from below the nose of the car. They also inhale every piece of stray garbage and debris floating around. If you haven't already done so, you should remove your radiator and clean the front of it. You will be amazed what is stuck there. No, there is no way to properly clean it without removing it. It's a simple 1 hour R&R, and probably another hour to clean it and straighten any bent fins. My car ran 10 degrees cooler after doing this.
Do a forum search on this, it will give you all the particulars.
If crusing temps are 190, a 160 stat ain't gonna make a lick of difference. It will just open 30 degrees sooner.
Do a forum search on this, it will give you all the particulars.
If crusing temps are 190, a 160 stat ain't gonna make a lick of difference. It will just open 30 degrees sooner.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Temperature Question (oldtimer)
normal temps for idle, if you see those temps at speed, somethings wrong.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: Temperature Question (Mr Mojo)
normal temps for idle, if you see those temps at speed, somethings wrong.
Unless you are going at very great speed, then they might be normal :D
LT1-4 are designed to run hot. Don't panic till they get about 255 degrees, then back off a bit and see if the temps drop. If they do, nail it and keep on going. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Temperature Question (oldtimer)
To enjoy the benefits of a 160 deg stat in city driving you need to bring the fans on/off around that temp. This can be done with a chip or a fan switch.
The main reason (IMHO) for installing the 160 deg stat is that cooler (denser) intake air generates more hp, about 10hp for every 30deg F drop. So you could see a 10-20hp gain...not too shabby for a nearly free mod.
You might also remove the radiator shroud and clean the debris from between the radiator and the A/C condenser.
The main reason (IMHO) for installing the 160 deg stat is that cooler (denser) intake air generates more hp, about 10hp for every 30deg F drop. So you could see a 10-20hp gain...not too shabby for a nearly free mod.
You might also remove the radiator shroud and clean the debris from between the radiator and the A/C condenser.
