Normal operating temp.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2003
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From: Sandy Utah
Normal operating temp.
I have been running a thread on my Corvette's operating temperature. I thought that my car was operating at 192 degrees in normal freeway driving at max allowable speeds last fall. This month, during warmer weather (25 degrees but no snow on the roads) I took her out for a spin and noticed that the normal temp was now 196 degrees!! I got concerened and ran the aformentioned thread. As a result, I "burped" the cooling system and cleaned the radiator. The temp is still 196!! So, I got to thinking (sometimes that is hard to do) just maybe the normal temp should be 196 and that my memory was wrong thinking that it was 192. My temp guage at running temp is exactly like the illustration in the owners manual -- I.e., the needlles are in the same position. SO, WHAT IS THE OPERATING TEMP OF THE VETTES OF ALL OF THE REST OF THE FORUM? IS EVERYONE WITH A STOCK ENGINE SHOWING OP TEMPS OF 196 degrees??? 
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My 02 runs between 192 and 196 out on the open road. My old 98 ran at 192 almost always on the open road.
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In the winter months with temps about 30 I will be around 185 and in the summer with temps in the 90s I will run 200 give or take a few.
Keeping in mind I have a lower tstat and a fan tune.
Keeping in mind I have a lower tstat and a fan tune.
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I really don't think that the 4 degree difference is that big of a deal. I'd say you are OK at the 196. If I recall right you had already checked the radiator area to make sure it was free from debris.
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