Best Thermostat Temp For A Tuned C5
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Bellinum Wa
Best Thermostat Temp For A Tuned C5
So if you change the tune on your C5 with more or less a base motor is a 180* thermostat in a lower average climate PNW the best or has anybody used a 170* ?
Let me hear what's worked for you
Thanks
Hary
Let me hear what's worked for you
Thanks
Hary
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I left the factory thermostat and just had the fans programmed to come on sooner. The water temp will eventually reach an equilibrium no matter how soon the thermostat opens, but will be different based on driving conditions. Driving around town the water temp never goes above 200°. I also have an oil cooler with a 180° thermostat and the oil stays right at 208°. On track the water stays around 220° and oil is about 270° but I shift 6800 and and sometimes buzz it up to 7400 to eliminate a shift between corners if needed. The higher RPM creates a lot more heat.
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I left the factory thermostat and just had the fans programmed to come on sooner. The water temp will eventually reach an equilibrium no matter how soon the thermostat opens, but will be different based on driving conditions. Driving around town the water temp never goes above 200°. I also have an oil cooler with a 180° thermostat and the oil stays right at 208°. On track the water stays around 220° and oil is about 270° but I shift 6800 and and sometimes buzz it up to 7400 to eliminate a shift between corners if needed. The higher RPM creates a lot more heat.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 378
From: Bellinum Wa
Thanks for sharing.
I have changed the fan start/stop settings and running at a steady 200* but I'd prefer a 170-180* range. If I add custom timing and fuel with a performance tune it would be helpful for a slightly lower temps
I have changed the fan start/stop settings and running at a steady 200* but I'd prefer a 170-180* range. If I add custom timing and fuel with a performance tune it would be helpful for a slightly lower temps
Le Mans Master
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
The temps I gave are with a performance dyno tune, with headers and an intake on my car. For reference.
Keep in mind, the oil needs to be at minimum 180° for 10min to burn off moisture and other contaminants that collect in it. Running too cool would cause more issues that a little warm.
Keep in mind, the oil needs to be at minimum 180° for 10min to burn off moisture and other contaminants that collect in it. Running too cool would cause more issues that a little warm.
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Keep in mind your oil needs to be at minimum 180 degrees to safely get into the upper RPMs, and your oil temp lags behind your water temp at warm up. So I think getting a thermostat below 180 degrees will prolong your warmup time and doesn't do anything to lower temps once the car is already warmed up.
