'94 LT-1 6spd temp range
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
'94 LT-1 6spd temp range
At what temperature should my 94 LT-1 run during a normal day? I'm in So Cal and when the temp is around 80 degrees it runs in the 230 range and the needle sometimes climbs up to 3/4 (just before the shaded area). Is this normal? I thought it should run in the 185 range. Summer is approaching and I'm afraid that when it gets over 100 here, I will have cooling problems. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Ricks94vette; Jul 13, 2004 at 11:39 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Keller Tx
You probably should be running in the 180 to 195 range in 80 degree weather, as long as you're not sitting in traffic or at idle too long. I have a '94 and live in Texas, where it has been in the low '90's for the past 3-4 weeks, but humid with a heat index of 100+. My car has been running in the 185-205 range during normal driving, and with the a/c on.
When I first bought it, I changed the thermostat to a 160 and re-programmed the computer to have the 2nd fan come on earlier than the factory settings. If I remember right, it I set it to come on around 190.
I am really surprised how cool it runs. During a hot Texas summer with the a/c running, it rarely hits 220, though it has at times. I had a '90 L98 that used to live around 225-240 and it always scared me, though I hear these engines (and the LT1's) are made to run hot.
I know that all vettes don't run at the same temps, but I think yours should be running a little cooler. You may want to try changing when your fans turn on, for a start.
When I first bought it, I changed the thermostat to a 160 and re-programmed the computer to have the 2nd fan come on earlier than the factory settings. If I remember right, it I set it to come on around 190.
I am really surprised how cool it runs. During a hot Texas summer with the a/c running, it rarely hits 220, though it has at times. I had a '90 L98 that used to live around 225-240 and it always scared me, though I hear these engines (and the LT1's) are made to run hot.
I know that all vettes don't run at the same temps, but I think yours should be running a little cooler. You may want to try changing when your fans turn on, for a start.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I too live in Tx, '95 vette. My car (in traffic) reaches as high as you are stating in the original post. I popped in a new thermostat but didn't program it. What actually helped the most was the water pump I installed. I'd suggest looking into a Meziere electric water pump, well worth the money. Sometimes temperatures still climb, but then they shoot down shortly afterward. Have your coolant flushed as well.
Also, clean out all the junk in front of your radiator. You'll be suprised at how much trash and scum you find in there. Many other people will tell you to do this as well.
Parts wise though, go with 160 stat (some will argue 180, but oh well), contact PCMforless and get your computer programmed ($150), don't deal with hypercrap or any other hand-held programmer. And get a water pump
Start with cleaning though. Maybe get some water-wetter, never know, might help.
Also, clean out all the junk in front of your radiator. You'll be suprised at how much trash and scum you find in there. Many other people will tell you to do this as well.
Parts wise though, go with 160 stat (some will argue 180, but oh well), contact PCMforless and get your computer programmed ($150), don't deal with hypercrap or any other hand-held programmer. And get a water pump
Start with cleaning though. Maybe get some water-wetter, never know, might help.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: bosie id
I am having a problem I think the same. I have an aftermarket fan switch and a 180 degree thermostat, an I am running at 197-210 all the time. Would a water pump going out cause the temp to go higher. My temp always used to be 190-194, then I had to replace a heater hose because it burst all over and ever since then the temp has been hotter. any suggestions. 
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Torrance CA
Rick, I'm in So Cal too. Your temps are hotter than normal.
To expand on what Bowtie said - debris tends to accumulate in front of the radiator, but behind the condenser. You have to remove the top of the radiator shroud to get to it.
Missing or extremely bent air dam makes a big difference.
Or the ECM could not be kicking the fan on. The backup fan switch will bring the fan on, but at about 230 degrees. (if LT1 is same as L98)
All of those things have happened to me.
A stock car doesn't need modifications to run cool, just maintenance.
To expand on what Bowtie said - debris tends to accumulate in front of the radiator, but behind the condenser. You have to remove the top of the radiator shroud to get to it.
Missing or extremely bent air dam makes a big difference.
Or the ECM could not be kicking the fan on. The backup fan switch will bring the fan on, but at about 230 degrees. (if LT1 is same as L98)
All of those things have happened to me.
A stock car doesn't need modifications to run cool, just maintenance.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '05
I've been watching this thread because I have the exact same problem, and just wanted to say thanks to the posters for the tips. 
Guess I'll clean out that radiator tonight.
Added question:
to keep a useful thread alive.
Can someone offer the proven techniques for flushing the coolant system here. I know there are some problems associated with trapped air, but its difficult to piece together all the nuances. Thanx
Guess I'll clean out that radiator tonight.Added question:
to keep a useful thread alive.Can someone offer the proven techniques for flushing the coolant system here. I know there are some problems associated with trapped air, but its difficult to piece together all the nuances. Thanx
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Here is how I flush mine (92) LT1: https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=222&TopicID=2
Oh, with an electric water pump, you don't have to start the engine, just turn on the key.
Oh, with an electric water pump, you don't have to start the engine, just turn on the key.
Last edited by Strick; Jul 13, 2004 at 07:55 AM. Reason: add text to tech tip
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
What is normal?
I have a 1996 LT1 and have an average temp of 190. Around 189 on
the highway and in traffic, around 191. I live in south Florida and it is
83 d. at 6:00 in the morning and it gets up to 92 by noon. The best
advice I can give you is with vacuum cleaner with a long neck(3 ft.)
and clean your radiator every month. I pull all sorts of leaves, paper
bags,plastic bags etc. out each time I clean it.
the highway and in traffic, around 191. I live in south Florida and it is
83 d. at 6:00 in the morning and it gets up to 92 by noon. The best
advice I can give you is with vacuum cleaner with a long neck(3 ft.)
and clean your radiator every month. I pull all sorts of leaves, paper
bags,plastic bags etc. out each time I clean it.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
Cooling Issues
I'd like to thank all of you for all the helpful information. I will attempt to contact some of you to find out how I can reprogram my ECM in order to get the fan to kick in at a lower temp. In the meantime, I will remove and really clean out the entire cooling system. I purchased this beautiful Polo Green vette back in September, so I am sure it is due for a good cleanout. Thanks again!
