Engine temp in traffic
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
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Engine temp in traffic
I drove my C8 for the first time in slow crawling traffic today. Normally the water temp is between 180 and 185 deg. Today in the traffic, I saw it climb up to 205 before the traffic started flowing.
I don't know how much higher it would have gone if the traffic stayed at a crawl. The outside air temp was only in the low 80s. Does anyone have any experience with how well the C8 handles tough traffic conditions in the summer?
I don't know how much higher it would have gone if the traffic stayed at a crawl. The outside air temp was only in the low 80s. Does anyone have any experience with how well the C8 handles tough traffic conditions in the summer?
Burning Brakes
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Z51 or non-Z51? Based on my experience at Spring Mountain/Ron Fellows this past weekend in 105°F heat, where we had the AC on the whole time and were either idling for extended periods, pushing the cars pretty hard, or just driving around, the Z51 C8's they had handled the heat really well. Coolant temps were hovering around 200, plus or minus about 10 depending on what we were doing. 205 coolant temp is within normal parameters.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2019
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It's 100% totally fine. Look at the gauge next to the temp. You can see how close it is to being too hot, and 205 is pretty cool for chilling in traffic. Mine has hit 215 a few time on hot days which is still totally fine.195 - 220 is considered normal per GM.
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Intermediate
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Thank you for your responses. Yes, I did have the A/C on in my non-Z51 car. I agree that the needle was still near the center of the gauge, I just found it a little concerning that it moved up 20 deg from where it normally is.
Your input has relieved some of my anxiety.
Your input has relieved some of my anxiety.
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I noticed the exact same thing as the OP, and I was not even using AC. I think this is independent of whether the car is Z51 or not, although mine is Z51 HTC. I also noticed that as soon the car starts moving at the normal driving speed, the temp gangue immediately dropped off from around 215 to 195. So I'd agree with others above that this is normal, although, I have not sitting in traffic jam and not moving for an extended period of time, so I was similarly curious as the OP when I saw this phenomenon.
Wonder if anyone else has ever had your car in traffic jam for a long time (say, more than 10 or 15 min) with the engine running and the car not moving or barely moving, and what did you see on the temp gauge.
Wonder if anyone else has ever had your car in traffic jam for a long time (say, more than 10 or 15 min) with the engine running and the car not moving or barely moving, and what did you see on the temp gauge.
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The C8 runs cooler, even in traffic, than the C5, C6 or C7. I would routinely see 225 in those cars while in traffic on a warm day. I got caught in traffic yesterday (83 degrees) and it only got to about 207. Not a problem at all. They are designed this way.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Yesterday while driving I was watching closely the temperature. The outside air temp was 115. My C8 water temp was 173 while moving 40 to 45 MPH. At a stop light it might go up to 183.
I have inquired on another site and ask what .temp thermostat is used in a C8 and cannot get an answer.
I have inquired on another site and ask what .temp thermostat is used in a C8 and cannot get an answer.
Drifting
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
I am starting to think the the non Z51 C8,s run hotter because they do not have the third radiator. I still have never seen my temp. get to 190 even in days over 110 outside with the Z51 package.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Phoenix, Arizona