Cooler thermostat?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
This is actually what I would like to do. My car normally runs at 190-200 and only climbs in stop and go traffic to 220or so. I would like to keep it in the "sweet spot" as you call it. I don't want to run cooler than 190 because I feel GM designed the C5 to run in that range. I am thinking the best way to do that is simply change the fan setting since I already do it manually by turning on the AC which cools the temp back down to the 190-200 range.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
On a stock car, waste of time. I too researched this, and also spoke with a number of reputable tuners, all of them said that unless you are heavily modifying the car, cooler t-stat is waste of time.
On cars with heads/cam, or FI, all of the tuners recommened lower t-stat and obviously reprogramming the fans.
On cars with heads/cam, or FI, all of the tuners recommened lower t-stat and obviously reprogramming the fans.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
My two cents: The high factory operating temps. are primarily there to help burn off emissions. 230 degrees is just too hot - it cooks everything under the hood. In addition, heat takes away power.
For years, I've modded all my late model cars to operate with a 180 thermostat and lower fan on/off temps. For me personally, +/- 190 degrees is a much more comfortable engine operating range while still having the ability to have "heat" during the winter. 160 is just to cold (if you like heat that is), unless you're looking at a pure performance type application.
For years, I've modded all my late model cars to operate with a 180 thermostat and lower fan on/off temps. For me personally, +/- 190 degrees is a much more comfortable engine operating range while still having the ability to have "heat" during the winter. 160 is just to cold (if you like heat that is), unless you're looking at a pure performance type application.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Yea, but not exactly an apples to apples comparision..different compression ratio, cooling systems etc etc..
GM just did not throw the C5 together in a few months. Lots of testing etc.. went into it, so the 230 temps are hot, but are not going to "harm the engine" And yes, I am sure emissions has something to do with it.. but again no need to worry about it. check for debris often, these cars suck up everything
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Yea, but not exactly an apples to apples comparision..different compression ratio, cooling systems etc etc..
GM just did not throw the C5 together in a few months. Lots of testing etc.. went into it, so the 230 temps are hot, but are not going to "harm the engine" And yes, I am sure emissions has something to do with it.. but again no need to worry about it. check for debris often, these cars suck up everything
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
yup had that happen to me actually, unfortanately for me, when I slowed down it did drop off the radiator, flew back and stuck to my header pipes and melted Great smell.
