Normal operating temp on '87
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Normal operating temp on '87
Over the summer, the engine temp would slowly creep up while setting at at stop light or something to over 200 degrees. Now that it's in the 40's outside, the engine temp doesn't get much above 170. Takes a long time for the heater to put out really warm air too. Is this a normal condition or do I need a thermostat?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
My 87 would always go above 200 most of the year. The normal fan doesn't come on till about 220, and the auxiliary fan (in front of the radiator) doesn't come on till about 230. I have a chip now that turns the regular fan on at 200 and I added an on/off switch to the aux fan so I can throw that on whenever I think the car is going to be sitting with the engine running or in a parade. Sounds like you need that thermostat if your complaining about waiting for the heat.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,142
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
When its that cold, you really wont get her to warm up too much. Sounds to me like you already have a low temp thermostat, which is keeping the temps down a little.
If you plan to drive it all winter, you could go to a higher temp, but if you let her get to 180 or so, often, youre ok.
You just dont want it running alot of short trips and not getting hot, that leaves alot of contaminants in the oil.
If you plan to drive it all winter, you could go to a higher temp, but if you let her get to 180 or so, often, youre ok.
You just dont want it running alot of short trips and not getting hot, that leaves alot of contaminants in the oil.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
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Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
IM me with your mailing address. I will copy some good articles on C4 heating/cooling and mail it to you. Fellow 87 owner here. 
