Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: harvest al
Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1?
I'm a relatively new owner of a 95 LT1, 6M. I've been watching the engine temp in the digital mode which may not be really accurate, but at least it's relative. I drive about 12 miles to work and in light traffic, the temp hovers around 200. In heavy stop and go traffic, I've seen it up around 230 and I don't hear any fans coming on. Once I break free of the traffic, it comes back down pretty quickly. This is all without the AC on. When I punched on the AC with the temp at 230, it came down quickly to about 220. This is all with the outside temp no more than about 75-80. Does all this sound pretty normal or indicate some problem?
Thanks, John :confused:
Thanks, John :confused:
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Fairmont WV
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (sundbergjc)
I have had my Corvette now for about a year. Those temps seem normal according to my 94 LT1. When your temps dropped rapidly that indicated to me that both your fans kicked on when AC was started. These cars naturally run hot. The guys on this forum will tell you to be sure and keep radiator clean!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (sundbergjc)
Its normal to see those temps. The LT1 likes to run a little hotter.
But Id make sure it doesnt see temps over 230 regularly, thats pretty hot, and engines dont make the optimum power up there.
I would still remove the radiator shroud and clean in between the condenser and radiator, that will lower those temps by a good 10F. Id also flush the system and refill. You can switch to a 160 thermo if you wish, but the LT1 already has a 180.
But if it worries you then Id get a hypertech PP and change the fan settings or wire in a fan switch to make the main fan come on earlier.
But Id make sure it doesnt see temps over 230 regularly, thats pretty hot, and engines dont make the optimum power up there.
I would still remove the radiator shroud and clean in between the condenser and radiator, that will lower those temps by a good 10F. Id also flush the system and refill. You can switch to a 160 thermo if you wish, but the LT1 already has a 180.
But if it worries you then Id get a hypertech PP and change the fan settings or wire in a fan switch to make the main fan come on earlier.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 428
From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (sundbergjc)
Everything looks normal except for one comment you made...the fans should come on at 228 degrees without the a/c on which is the factory setting...you say you can't hear them come on...double check that to make sure...when you turn on the a/c they come on immediately no matter what temp your coolant is at.. good luck
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Fremont CA
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (_freakmonkeydogboy_)
I have a 96 LT1 and it ran the same. I put in a hypertech 160 thermo, and it now stays around 175 while moving, and goes up to around 190-200 stopped in traffic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (sundbergjc)
Mine was running that hot, then I had my PCM reprogrammed so it wouldn't. I keep thinking those kind of temp variations can't be good for the head gasket.
Eric
Eric
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 253
From: Little Elm TX
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (silver & red CE)
Normal for a normal LT1. You might check the radiator to make sure it doesn't look like this one. 
:mad
Cleaning it will drop it a few degrees. :D
[Modified by R94 LT 1, 11:39 PM 4/23/2003]
:mad Cleaning it will drop it a few degrees. :D
[Modified by R94 LT 1, 11:39 PM 4/23/2003]
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (sundbergjc)
Try Water Wetter. I had the same concern and it dropped the temperature about 15 degrees all around. It's the cheapest first step. Here in Houston, we run into those temps all the time.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (Tom Meehan)
For what its worth my 94 ran at that same temp.One day i decided to change the cam & when I pulled the rad out it was clean[40000 miles]but very heavy!At this point I had the rad flushed[for 20 bucks cash we should all be flushing]The guy at the rad shop says it was plugged-when I got it back it was much lighter.Well it still ran up to 230. in traffic.I then used a hypertech & 160 stat & now it stays around 170-180.If it worries you flush your WHOLE system for piece of mind!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Sumter South Carolina
Re: Are these TEMPS normal for an LT1? (richy rich)
I have the 160 degree thermostat and I see 175-177 on the highway, even at 85mph+, but around town I see 185. If you don't like the high temps, I would suggest replacing your thermostat.
