Engine temp/warm up

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Aug 14, 2004 | 01:16 PM

Blue Lion

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Engine temp/warm up

What engine temperature do you look for before you open up your throttle? When I first start my car, I drive for awhile before getting on the gas pedal too much, but I bet there is a certain temp range I should be looking for.
I'm sure this had been answered many times over, but I searched and couldn't find a thread. I've heard of other sports cars being at 180 degrees before hitting the gas. Thanks.

Aug 14, 2004 | 01:44 PM

6spdconvert

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From: franklin square ny

When your engine is cold, it is in open-loop mode. In other words, it runs on a pre-set fuel mixture and timing setting. The computer is not controlling or changing these settings as demand would require it. Once the water temp reaches approx 125 degrees, the computer takes over and the engine is in closed-loop mode. It will change these settings as demand requires it. BUT....your engine oil is still cold and thick. It will not flow quick and easy through the engine. (or trans and rear end) So, the temp you should be looking at more is oil temp, instead of water temp. The water temp will come-up faster than the oil temp. I would say you want an oil temp of AT LEAST 100 degrees before you did any high rpm tricks. If you do not have an oil temp gauge, then I would wait until the car has been at normal operating temp (180-190) for about 10 or 15 minutes.
Bob

Aug 14, 2004 | 02:57 PM

ACELR8N

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From: Hendersonville NC

I watch my oil temperature in the DIC and water temp in the HUD. Oil temp comes up pretty quick, depending on outside air temp. After 5-6 minutes of regular driving, I bring up the revs to 4500 or so, and that usually has it at 100-125 temp. Aluminum engines seem to heat up real quick.

Aug 14, 2004 | 03:50 PM

Richin Chicago

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From: Wilmington NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by kv397

Oil temp is the key. I wait until I see 150 degrees. Got that from the Pratt and Miller guys. No data to back that up though.

Aug 14, 2004 | 03:52 PM

FXWG

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From: Aberdeen MD

I wait until oil temps are 150 degrees before I hammer it.

Aug 15, 2004 | 05:37 AM

Patman

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From: Guelph, Ontario

I typically like to wait until my oil temp is 180 or higher before hammering it, but if I felt the "need for speed" a bit sooner, I wouldn't worry as long as it was above 150. I find my coolant warms up to 190 in about 4-5min of driving (at outside temps close to 70 that is) but at that point the oil is still only 120. It takes another 5-10min or more to get the oil up to it's normal zone (which in my case is around 200)