How HOT can it get?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Shreveport LA
How HOT can it get?
Today I reached 230 degrees while stuck in traffic. I didn't let the temperature stay there long, and the red warning light never came on, but it did unnerve me a bit.
Does anyone know at what temperature the warning light comes on, and what the "prefered" max operating temperature is??
Thanks
Does anyone know at what temperature the warning light comes on, and what the "prefered" max operating temperature is??
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
Likes: 3
From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
I've taken my 96LT4 up to 238 in traffic *once*... I was stuck in the Phoenix heat after a college graduation ceremony and there was just no way to avoid it (short of turning off the motor completely). No light ever came on...
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 0
Your car is designed to run hot for pollution control.I think that much heat is bad for everything.
I made mine cooler.It still runs great.
I have a 180 thermostat,& a fan switch that comes on at about 210.
When the fan comes on you should see the temp guage drop.
At least thats how mine is.
If yours doesnt mabey you need to clean the radiator inside & out.
I made mine cooler.It still runs great.
I have a 180 thermostat,& a fan switch that comes on at about 210.
When the fan comes on you should see the temp guage drop.
At least thats how mine is.
If yours doesnt mabey you need to clean the radiator inside & out.
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
Main fan comes on at 228, aux at 238, so you are not in danger at 230.
That is about as high as I like it to get though.
250 is danger area, dont let it get that high in street use.
That is about as high as I like it to get though.
250 is danger area, dont let it get that high in street use.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 0
From: Dixon Ca
Hit 250 the other day in 105 degree heat and bumper to bumper traffic for approx. 25 min. Both fans on. No radiator obstructions. No problems but a slight oder of coolant. No leaks. Vette did fine. 
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Memphis Tn
Forgot to turn my fans on when in bumper to bumper traffic and then I parke din an enclosed parking garage and left for about half an hour. When I came back and started her up and had smoke blowing through the AC vents and side of hood. I thought I was doomed until I realized what I had done...no problems after it cooled down....live and learn right? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 81
From: Fishin' Pole FL
Had a 40 mile round trip the other day, temp was 195 running, 205 traffic on the way up. on the way back temps got to 235 in traffic. When i got home i crawled under the front of the car and pulled a flattened one gallon milk container out from the radiator. Never noticed when it happened. It's amazing what these cars can suck up off the highway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Heat
Originally Posted by RED-85-Z51
Warning light comes on at <255, dont ask how I know this.... 
I keep mine at around 189 cruising, and 198 in traffic. Of course my fans are basically always on....but hey, whatever it takes right?
I keep mine at around 189 cruising, and 198 in traffic. Of course my fans are basically always on....but hey, whatever it takes right?
198 is heavy traffic. Answer to the question, how hot? 255.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
I'm old school too about this being too hgih for my comfort !
I eneded up finding a Hypertech programmer off ebay. It lets you change the temp the fans kick in at. Something like 200-220 unless you put in a lower t-stat then you can lower the fan settings more.
I eneded up finding a Hypertech programmer off ebay. It lets you change the temp the fans kick in at. Something like 200-220 unless you put in a lower t-stat then you can lower the fan settings more.
