Too hot, or just right?

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Jul 17, 2005 | 03:48 PM

Fork501

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Racer

Joined: Jul 2005

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From: Weston Fl

Too hot, or just right?

I just bought myself an '88 Vette last week. It always seems to run really hot, even though the temperature gauges have it within a reasonable temp. (Usually between 200-210 for Coolant, and about 220 for oil). Yet when I get out of my car, I can feel the heat from the engine coming out of the side vents on the fenders. I went to change my spark plugs the other day, and even after sitting there for 3 and a half hours in the evening, it was still pretty hot to the touch. Is this normal? I'm going to try cleaning my radiator tomorrow and see if that helps any, but even though my dad says it's all fine, I don't think it is. He's not the one burning his hand on my engine =P

Jul 17, 2005 | 03:53 PM

65Z01

Team Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: SE NY

Cruise-In II Veteran

That is pretty much normal for a factory stock L98; that is why I now run a 160deg T-stat setup as I really don't want my engine operating that hot.

Jul 17, 2005 | 05:30 PM

zaragoza

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Rockledge Florida

St. Jude Donor '07 thru '14, '24

that is normal readings.

Jul 17, 2005 | 05:35 PM

Aardwolf

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: WI

Normal for stock. You could search up the thread, cowl induction. Cutting the front weatherstrip away lets more heat out. If you want to work on the car after driving it, open the hood, pointing a fan at the engine is good to.

Jul 17, 2005 | 06:07 PM

yellow dragon

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2005

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From: woodinville washington

the L98 is supposed to run hot, thats how you get your 25 Miles per gallon.

Jul 17, 2005 | 06:12 PM

CoolVette86

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey

Normal temps. Nothing to worry about. When you get a free afternoon, try to clean the crap off in between the radiator and the condenser to ensure maximum efficiency in your cooling system.

Jul 17, 2005 | 06:32 PM

rws.1

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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ

Absolutely normal. My '88 runs about 10-20 degrees below that but I use Redline watter wetter which is supposed to drop coolant temps by 10-20 degrees.