[Z06] Mods
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Keller Tx
Mods
I am somewhat new to the fourm and was wanting to know what mods can be put on a Z06 that will not void the factory warranty are the extended warranty which I purchased at the the time I bought the Z06 back in Feb. 2002. Would like to put a ram air kit and cooler theromsat. Living in Texas this summer heat is giving tempatures up in the 220s when at idle at red lights.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Originally Posted by canesfins
What does a different thermostat do? I am in South Florida and like you I can run at temperatures of 220 in the sun.
Different thermostat won't lower your temps if you're idling in traffic. 220 isn't that high anyway. 260 and you should get a little concerned.
A lower thermostat simply opens up at a lower temperature, for example a 160 thermostat is closed when the engine is below 160 degrees (meaning no coolant is flowing thus allowing the engine to get warm very quickly) and then opens up at 160 to allow coolant to start flowing throuigh the engine. Your engine will then stay at around 160 if you have constant airflow over the radiator.
If there's no airflow, the coolant temp will rise, no matter what thermostat you have because it's already open anyway. So you'll still see 220 degrees if sitting in traffic.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,394
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne FL
Originally Posted by Thud
Different thermostat won't lower your temps if you're idling in traffic. 220 isn't that high anyway. 260 and you should get a little concerned.
A lower thermostat simply opens up at a lower temperature, for example a 160 thermostat is closed when the engine is below 160 degrees (meaning no coolant is flowing thus allowing the engine to get warm very quickly) and then opens up at 160 to allow coolant to start flowing throuigh the engine. Your engine will then stay at around 160 if you have constant airflow over the radiator.
If there's no airflow, the coolant temp will rise, no matter what thermostat you have because it's already open anyway. So you'll still see 220 degrees if sitting in traffic.
A lower thermostat simply opens up at a lower temperature, for example a 160 thermostat is closed when the engine is below 160 degrees (meaning no coolant is flowing thus allowing the engine to get warm very quickly) and then opens up at 160 to allow coolant to start flowing throuigh the engine. Your engine will then stay at around 160 if you have constant airflow over the radiator.
If there's no airflow, the coolant temp will rise, no matter what thermostat you have because it's already open anyway. So you'll still see 220 degrees if sitting in traffic.
This is true. But, you can get the car to run cooler if along with the cooler thermostat you either reprogram the cooling fans to come in at a lower temp or install an external fan controller thermostat that will allow you to turn the fans on at a temperature that you select.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Hillsdale NJ
Depends on the dealer and mood they are in to reject a mod. Just keep in mind changing to a cooler thermostat or reprogramming to change when the fans come on can be interpreted as messing with the emissions control system. This can be a very sticky wicket.
The reason why they run warm is to have a clean running engine. Its not an oversight by GM.
The reason why they run warm is to have a clean running engine. Its not an oversight by GM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 81
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From: Fountain Valley CA
Heat
My Z06 sometimes gets up to 250 in traffic, but cools down if you take the rev's up to 1500 or so for a few seconds. That seems to me that a higher volume @ low rpm pump might be a consideration for those who reside in the desert areas! I will try with the AC on, as I usually drive with the windows down.
Also, I read somewhere on this forum that the stock engine makes better power at 190 deg than 160. Each engine, gauge, and sending unit combination has some deviation in temperature indications. I try to see whats normal for my particular car, and then look for changes in that to indicate problems.
Also, I read somewhere on this forum that the stock engine makes better power at 190 deg than 160. Each engine, gauge, and sending unit combination has some deviation in temperature indications. I try to see whats normal for my particular car, and then look for changes in that to indicate problems.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,684
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From: Jacksonville Florida
Mods and warranty are a touchy subject - I recommend you visit the dealer who will do your work and find out their views in advance. Generally speaking if the mod itself leads to the failure they can refuse to pay. For example, if you modify the airbox and get water in it and the motor hydrolocks (very rare, requires maximum bad luck and/or stupidity on the part of the driver) then obviouslt GM will deny the claim. I have had tranny work done with an aftermarket shifter and other warranty work done with zero problems. A little common sense and courtesy with the dealer goes a long way.
As far as the stat goes, as others have said it is the combination of a lower stat AND lowered fan settings that will keep the car cooler - I run 185 all day long in traffic. Higher temps are good for emissions, generally bad for power, though temps below 180 on a motor with these tight clearances increases friction and engine wear, so lower/lowest is not best either - most mechanics will tell you 180-190 is ideal.
Les
As far as the stat goes, as others have said it is the combination of a lower stat AND lowered fan settings that will keep the car cooler - I run 185 all day long in traffic. Higher temps are good for emissions, generally bad for power, though temps below 180 on a motor with these tight clearances increases friction and engine wear, so lower/lowest is not best either - most mechanics will tell you 180-190 is ideal.
Les
Originally Posted by BudsZ06
I am somewhat new to the fourm and was wanting to know what mods can be put on a Z06 that will not void the factory warranty are the extended warranty which I purchased at the the time I bought the Z06 back in Feb. 2002. Would like to put a ram air kit and cooler theromsat. Living in Texas this summer heat is giving tempatures up in the 220s when at idle at red lights.
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