I tried using the search function, but the computer is too smart for me. What should my 90 run at normally? It seems to run kind of hot at times and our weather has been very reasonable lately. It hasn't over heated, but it's high enough to make me nervous some times. :skep:

Dave

 

Without AC on, the fans usually come on at 230 degrees, go off at 185. With AC on, the one fan works all the time so temp will stay down around thermostat range. Here in Phoenix in July, cars always run at 230, even with AC on or off. In the winter, around 200. With you at the beach in traffic with no AC on, I'd say 220 most of the time. Hope that helped. :chevy

 

Man, that just seems kind of high. Your right about the temperature. Of course, GM didn't put a good temp gauge into the car so that you can get accurate reading. The only thing the dummy gauge tells you is it's not up to 260 yet. I have heard that putting a lower temp thermstat in can help too. Any experiences out there?

 

The higher temps are there because it provides a more complete combustion cycle. Lower stats are used by many who still think that cooler temps are key to max power.....true and not so true...depends on what you believe or read or experience.

There was a thread a couple weeks back about stats and differences. Find it for some good info.

 

When on the hwy, before i made any cooling mods, avg about 200-210 at cruise (oil)

In town they are goin to go straight up thru the roof, the radiator is too small and the WP is inefficient for such a small radiator.

Thats why we reprogram fans or use fan switches, and change to lower tstats, bigger radiators and better WPs.

 

Warrant, you're right they are on the high side, which is just what GM intended.

For better temps and long term durability - both underhood componentry and engine life, do yourself a big favor and switch out the t-stat from stock 195 degree (L98) to a 180 degree, possibly 160 since you're in CA....However the lower t-stat won't solve the issue by itself so coupled with this, definitely get a low-temp fan switch + harness (Mid-Am, Ecklers, Summit, etc.) for your '90 L98 - get one that operates with the t-stat rating. You'll run at around 170-190 which is far better than those 230+ temps. High temps = plastic/rubber parts degradation & accelerated cylinder wall wear) = more expense and an unhappy owner down the pike.

The point at which the modern 350 both runs best and lasts longer are with coolant temps in the 180's range. Although those higher temps are considered "normal" (which is a crock, unless you're an emissions-happy lemming, and since you're USMC my instinct tells me you're not) you DO NOT have to, nor should you put up with it - so GM and the Feds can go stick it.

You might find this article fascinating: http://performanceunlimited.com/illu...ermostats.html

Also, be sure to keep the radiator area clean from old ladies' huge plastic shopping bags & purses, ducks, cats, sticks, bombs, leather coats and/or other nasty radiator-choking debris :D :flag


[Modified by bradvette, 12:22 AM 11/19/2003]

 

Check out Corvette forum:some facts about thermostats, by Alex D
the forum is really great.I"ve been printing off all kinds of Information from people responding-I've almost got my own book put together covering a variety of subjects that I haven't even needed yet! :smash: :yesnod: