1996 lt4 cooling issues
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,546
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From: Orlando FL
1996 lt4 cooling issues
My brother just bought a 96 SE with the lt4.. He is worried that the car is running to hot. It normally runs around 200-215 degrees while driving/traffic. He just ordered a 160 deg. thermo for the car. Will this help him lower the temp? Should be be lowering the temp. this much on the car? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Re: 1996 lt4 cooling issues (quiksilver458)
Actually using a colder temp stat will not effectively lower the temps while in traffic. The only way to do so is to reprogram your PCM so that the fans come on earlier. The stock PCM programming has the fans coming on at over 200*F. In traffic with a 160 stat I program the fan turn on temps to about 185*F.
Your car however will run cooler at freeway speeds with the 160 stat.
Your car however will run cooler at freeway speeds with the 160 stat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: 1996 lt4 cooling issues (quiksilver458)
The second fan doesn't come on until around 232 deg, so in traffic the temp will still get to this point. At speed it will be cooler. If he gets a hypertech or a computer reprogram, the fans will come on sooner.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Oh
Re: 1996 lt4 cooling issues (C4DC)
He doesn't have to worry about running too hot, as in he will damage anything at those temps. They came from GM that way, mine use to get to 225+ in traffic all the time. Now I'm never over 190, and run low 170's on the highway. Do everything above, t-stat, reprogram fans, and add an electric water pump.
