94: Beginner, advice needed

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Jun 22, 2006 | 07:12 AM

hollan62

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 17

Likes: 0

From: Lansing MI

94: Beginner, advice needed

Hey guys,

I just got a 94 a month ago, shes running a lil hot (up in the 220s in traffic). For now I want to change the fan temps, also in the future I would like to play around with the performance after I learn more about it.

I have a laptop with out a serial port, so I need a serial port adapter recomended, can you guys recomend some cables that I can compare, and some (free) software that will allow me to change the fan speeds for now and some software to mess with the performance in the future.

Thanks

Kent

Jun 22, 2006 | 09:10 AM

Casethecorvetteman

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 5,214

Likes: 66

From: Queensland, AUSTRALIA

You dont need to change a thing. Its an LT1, they run at those kind of temps and its perfectly normal and wont harm a thing, youre not losing any power til at least 230*F, so leave it as it is

Jun 22, 2006 | 09:45 AM

pcolt94

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 5,621

Likes: 207

From: Orlando FL

If you want to do something first start with changing the thermostat and flush the system. Get the right one for the LT1. That helped me, mine was going bad, did not open all the way. You can also change the radiator, I did with a stock GM replacement which was actually thicker (1 ¼ inch) than the one I pulled out. Brought my temps down 10-15*. I live in FL, 90 to 100 when I drive home in summer. I run under 210 in normal traffic, moving. Stand still for 1 hr and all of them will climb but secondary fan will kick in about 235-239. Normally run, 200 +/- 5*.

Your engine cooling system has to be in good shape before you think about reprogramming. It is a bigger challenge than you think especially with USB. Just a word or caution, if you blow the programming in the chip in the PMC, it is not a user replaceable chip and in some of the ECMs. Then your buying a PCM, not worth the chance for fan settings in my opinion. As far as reprogramming for power, that is a whole different topic and knowledge level for a post.

Fill out your profile, where do you live? Welcome to the Forum

Jun 24, 2006 | 06:13 PM

VenkmanP

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 3,793

Likes: 9

From: VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollan62

As mentioned above, 220 is not hot.

There is no free software for reprogramming. Cheapest option will cost you about $100.

You certainly don't need to go replacing the thermostat and radiator. The stock items are plenty for a street car. Reprogramming the fans is a much cheaper and easier way to bring the temps down. I've spent a fair amount of time in the desert in temps of 120+*F ambient and my oil temp gets up to high 230s. The other day it was 98*F out and my oil got to 229 (coolant 205).

Read the FAQ in this section, search this forum, and search the internet and you'll find everything you need to reprogram the fans and "mess with the performance."

Jun 27, 2006 | 04:34 PM

Da Mail Man

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 3,845

Likes: 30

......... a helms field service manual would be a great addition to your tool box. it has helped me immensly.......

Jun 28, 2006 | 09:45 AM

hollan62

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 17

Likes: 0

From: Lansing MI

What do you guys think about the "Preliminary factory service manual", which is only 1 book, compared to the 2 book factory service manual. Pros/Cons

Thanks

Jun 28, 2006 | 10:23 AM

Scooter 94

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 1,483

Likes: 4

From: middle TN

Get both Book 1 and Book 2. You'll search yourself silly trying to find something in B1, only to find out it's actually in B2. Happened to me several times.

Jun 28, 2006 | 11:47 AM

Casethecorvetteman

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 5,214

Likes: 66

From: Queensland, AUSTRALIA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter 94

Get both Book 1 and Book 2. You'll search yourself silly trying to find something in B1, only to find out it's actually in B2.

Without a doubt. You need both parts to the book or youre going to think youve been sold a copy with pages missing. It only cost me $119 USD for the pair, i cant remember what the shipping to Australia was but i know it got here in about 3 working days.