cooling down
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
cooling down
I've noticed my car (97 coupe) and my mom's (98 vert) both hover around the 200 deg range once warmed up. Everything in the cooling system is stock and the Radiators are free of debris.
a) is this a healthy temp for regular road driving
b) what ways would you suggest to get the running temp down to say 170-180 area?
a) is this a healthy temp for regular road driving
b) what ways would you suggest to get the running temp down to say 170-180 area?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 280
Likes: 1
From: Sounds like a T Rex lives under my hood. Gibsonton, Fl
winter 
seriously ,cleaning radiator fins installing 160 therm and resetting cooling fan cut in temp. 185 is a good operating temp.
seriously ,cleaning radiator fins installing 160 therm and resetting cooling fan cut in temp. 185 is a good operating temp.
Last edited by bustin knuckles; Jun 12, 2007 at 08:14 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: East Central Illinois
Interesting you should bring this up... I've noticed my '98 coupe is running coolant temps of 196*to 201* lately now that we have warmer temps here in Illinois. Seems like it was more in the area of 187* or so in cooler weather this winter. Guess this is all perfectly normal?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,188
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
What does aftermarket anything have to do with design of the car. The car was designed to run at 200 degrees, if you want less, feel free, but it has nothing to do with the design.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Slave to the evil empire
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St. Jude Donor '04
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Car was designed and programmed to run hotter than you would think. You actually want your oil temps in the 200 range or a bit more. Coolant temps, you can get up to 225 in stop and go traffic before your second fan kicks on..again, that is normal for these cars (stock) and it won't hurt anything.
It is good to check the radiator area, and AC condensor area to make sure they are clear, since the car is low, they tend to suck up lots of junk. Seen it happen before.
It is good to check the radiator area, and AC condensor area to make sure they are clear, since the car is low, they tend to suck up lots of junk. Seen it happen before.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Car was designed and programmed to run hotter than you would think. You actually want your oil temps in the 200 range or a bit more. Coolant temps, you can get up to 225 in stop and go traffic before your second fan kicks on..again, that is normal for these cars (stock) and it won't hurt anything.
It is good to check the radiator area, and AC condensor area to make sure they are clear, since the car is low, they tend to suck up lots of junk. Seen it happen before.
It is good to check the radiator area, and AC condensor area to make sure they are clear, since the car is low, they tend to suck up lots of junk. Seen it happen before.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,438
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From: CONCORD NC
emmissions requirements give us the high temps, engine runs cleaner up there. Cooler thermostat will give a bit more power, and let you run a bit longer at the track before over heating, but nothing is wrong with 200deg temps
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '06 & '12
The LS based motor was designed (and runs optimum) at 195-198*. Lower temps can actually cause premature engine wear. 200* is MORE than fine.My goal when I am putting together my cooling system, is to hover between 187-205(depending on seasons)
I know the data (and my goals) contradicts what I originally said, but I do it to aid in keeping my underhood temps down.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
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From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
I suppose the low temp thermostats/heavy duty radiators and electric water pumps are for those that spend a lot of time at the track. It makes more sense because track driving would put alot more stress on the engine creating consistantly higher temperatures.
Houston summer had me worried but if the car was designed to run in that temp range I guess i have nothing to worry about.
Houston summer had me worried but if the car was designed to run in that temp range I guess i have nothing to worry about.