[Z06] Operating temperatures
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
Operating temperatures
Hello
I am somewhat new to Vettes and Z06s. I just finished doing a low speed track event. 90mph or so. Nothing too punishing. There other Z06s there. My temp ran max 223 and the other owners said they ran lowere. Should I be concerned and should I get the lower temp set thermostat. Thanks for your advice
I am somewhat new to Vettes and Z06s. I just finished doing a low speed track event. 90mph or so. Nothing too punishing. There other Z06s there. My temp ran max 223 and the other owners said they ran lowere. Should I be concerned and should I get the lower temp set thermostat. Thanks for your advice
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: granada hills california
Re: Operating temperatures (AR)
My z was getting up to 230 with the ac on, I put in a 160 thermostat and it still got upv to 220. I noticed that the high speed fan mode didnt come on until it got up to around 220. I added a fan controller and now i dont get above about 210 max on a super hot california day with the ac on. If you do the thermostat yourself, which is super easy, you might be able to find someone with one of the many computer programmers and use it to lower your fan turn on temperatures. I is a good idea to lower your temp synthetic oil starts to take a dump at around 250. Although heat makes horsepower I would rather get some extra engine life. Peace out.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: ********************* Florida's Space Coast *********************
Re: Operating temperatures (SQEZN BI)
Synthetic oil can handle temps above 300 F without any problems according to both Amsoil and Mobil 1 websites. I have seen my car oil temp at 230+ and figured I was well below the "problem" temp.
Where did you hear 250? My curiosity is peeked!
Where did you hear 250? My curiosity is peeked!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: granada hills california
Re: Operating temperatures (AR)
Actually, this is chevrons synthetic oil and this was a few years ago. We know that mobil 1 is good oil aparently much better than the chevron oil of the past. Ive seen my oil temp up to 230 too. Actually would like to get an oil cooler but the prices Ive seen are pretty steep. :chevy
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Operating temperatures (SQEZN BI)
Just got back from running at VIR, saw oil temps of 304 :eek: and coolant of 250+ :eek: :eek:
Got to figure out a way to cool this thing better. Guess it's time for an oil cooler and fan adjustment.
Got to figure out a way to cool this thing better. Guess it's time for an oil cooler and fan adjustment.
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Foster City Calif
Re: Operating temperatures (SQEZN BI)
My z was getting up to 230 with the ac on, I put in a 160 thermostat and it still got upv to 220. I noticed that the high speed fan mode didnt come on until it got up to around 220. I added a fan controller and now i dont get above about 210 max on a super hot california day with the ac on. If you do the thermostat yourself, which is super easy, you might be able to find someone with one of the many computer programmers and use it to lower your fan turn on temperatures. I is a good idea to lower your temp synthetic oil starts to take a dump at around 250. Although heat makes horsepower I would rather get some extra engine life. Peace out.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,264
Re: Operating temperatures (EasyMoney)
160 thermostats are a waste of time and money and overcool the engine in cold weather. The thermostat estabalishes the LOWEST engine operating temperature. The highest temperature is a function of vehicle speed, engine load, and ambient temperature. Since the fans don't engage until 228 with the AC off running 220 is normal, acceptable, and actually preferential.
All engines run with lower piston/ring drag at high jacket temps and high jacket temps also yield better thermal efficiency which means more power, and this is particularly the case with aluminum engines that transfer heat more readily from the combustion chamber to the cooling jacket.
With a 50/50 mix of Dexcool and water the boiling temp is 265 minimum, so you've still got lots of margin at 220-230.
The biggest problem with the C5 operating temp is high oil temps at the track - both then engine, gearbox, and axle. Though 300 degrees may be considered acceptable with synthetic lubricants, a lot of high temp time is going to take a toll on elastomeric materials such as seals and gaskets.
Duke
All engines run with lower piston/ring drag at high jacket temps and high jacket temps also yield better thermal efficiency which means more power, and this is particularly the case with aluminum engines that transfer heat more readily from the combustion chamber to the cooling jacket.
With a 50/50 mix of Dexcool and water the boiling temp is 265 minimum, so you've still got lots of margin at 220-230.
The biggest problem with the C5 operating temp is high oil temps at the track - both then engine, gearbox, and axle. Though 300 degrees may be considered acceptable with synthetic lubricants, a lot of high temp time is going to take a toll on elastomeric materials such as seals and gaskets.
Duke
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
Re: Operating temperatures (SWCDuke)
Duke
thanks for the scholarly response. I have been well aware of the trannies running hot and from my previous experience with porsches, I am well versed in oil temps and pressures. I have been doing mostly autocross type stuff recently. I think if I start venturing out on the longer tracks I may get the tranny cooler and the two in one radiator/oil cooler that Doug Rippie has. For now I think I am going to go to the dealer to reprogram the fan on point to a lower temp like 190 or so
thanks
AR
thanks for the scholarly response. I have been well aware of the trannies running hot and from my previous experience with porsches, I am well versed in oil temps and pressures. I have been doing mostly autocross type stuff recently. I think if I start venturing out on the longer tracks I may get the tranny cooler and the two in one radiator/oil cooler that Doug Rippie has. For now I think I am going to go to the dealer to reprogram the fan on point to a lower temp like 190 or so
thanks
AR
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: South
Re: Operating temperatures (woosch)
Just got back from running at VIR, saw oil temps of 304 :eek: and coolant of 250+ :eek: :eek:
Got to figure out a way to cool this thing better. Guess it's time for an oil cooler and fan adjustment.
Got to figure out a way to cool this thing better. Guess it's time for an oil cooler and fan adjustment.
For my last session I ran about 20 mins then started to run out of gas. (started with 3/8 tank) I went into the pits and they said I could come back in a few mins and run with the next group. So I got some gas, parked on pit road for 5 mins with the hood open. Got some water and then returned to the track. In 5-6 laps I got the "high trans temp" lite on the dic. Hitting the reset button I had a temp of 272* I took it in and called it a day. That was the only time I got the trans temp warning the entire w/e.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: granada hills california
Re: Operating temperatures (AR)
I see where the confusion was on my previous response when i refered to the temp of 250+ i was refering to the engine temp not the actual oil temp which is higher. my bad . :smash: :smash:
