Engine Temp Question
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 1
From: San Bruno Ca
In stop and go downtown traffic at that temp, you are running about normal. I have a 99frc 6 sp. and I changed my thermostat to a 170 and then had an LS-1 edit done to reset the fans. The first fan comes on at 185 and the second fan kicks in at 195. Now my temps never get above 200 on a hot 95 deg. day. Before my temps were always 195 to 220 and would go above that. If you really feel that your temps are going TOO hot, then turn on the AC, this will activate the second fan.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
Very good advice, scubanme! Many folks don't realize that by activating the A/C, the second fan comes on instantly. If it doesn't, there is a problem in the System somewhere. I once watched a mechanic/ A/C tech. work on an IROC-Z i had. It had only a single fan. He had the pressure gauges hooked up and it was amazing how quickly the pressur would rise if the fan did not fire up. He told me a blown hose would only be a minute or so down the road if the fan failed. To stay on topic, where did you find a 170 thermo? That sounds about perfect. i live in michigan and in the heat of the summer, with a 160 thermo currently installed, I usually see about 1
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
Very good advice, scubanme! Many folks don't realize that by activating the A/C, the second fan comes on instantly. If it doesn't, there is a problem in the System somewhere. I once watched a mechanic/ A/C tech. work on an IROC-Z I had. It had only a single fan. He had the pressure gauges hooked up and it was amazing how quickly the pressure would rise if the fan did not fire up. He told me a blown hose or seal would only be a minute or so down the road if the fan failed. To stay on topic, where did you find a 170 thermo? That sounds about perfect. I live in Michigan and in the heat of the summer, with a 160 thermo currently installed, I usually see about 170 degrees while cruising. I got a predator, which I really like, and set the fans at about 180 on and 174 off. I think I would rather have a 170 thermo, as if it runs about 10 hotter than my 160, this would allow about 178-180 degrees while at cruise, at least in my car. This was one of my first mods, the 160, as I couldn't believe how hot the engine got in traffic (230 degrees for the fan to run!). Even if the engine could take it, seems the hoses would sure have a shorter life span, not to mention the tranny fluid getting warmer, too!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,846
Likes: 5
From: Sandy Ego CA
My 04 runs at 220 on the gauge all the time but just last week I was checking the gauge on the DIC while sitting at a stop light and it showed 207, I'm not sure which one is correct, I did change to a 160 stat but have not changed the fan settings so I really havn't seen a difference yet.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Originally Posted by C5dream
Thanks for the info. Think I am going to buy me a 160 thermostat.
Thermostats only affect the low end of the operating temp. During normal stop and go driving with minimal airflow through the radiator, your temps will creap up until the fans kick in (2 stages starting in the mid 220F, then mid 230s). Overtemp isn't till you hit 255. Putting a 160 thermostat won't do much unless the fans are reprogrammed to kick in sooner.
I don't know what all the worry is of running within normal range (anywhere from 190 to 235). These engines are designed to run within those ranges and at speed will stay under 200.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: RPV CA
Originally Posted by JC in XTC5
Thermostats only affect the low end of the operating temp. During normal stop and go driving with minimal airflow through the radiator, your temps will creap up until the fans kick in (2 stages starting in the mid 220F, then mid 230s). Overtemp isn't till you hit 255. Putting a 160 thermostat won't do much unless the fans are reprogrammed to kick in sooner.
I don't know what all the worry is of running within normal range (anywhere from 190 to 235). These engines are designed to run within those ranges and at speed will stay under 200.
I don't know what all the worry is of running within normal range (anywhere from 190 to 235). These engines are designed to run within those ranges and at speed will stay under 200.
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