Low temp thermostat, or fan switch????
02-03-2006, 06:26 AM
#1
Low temp thermostat, or fan switch???? I was wondering if I should go with a low temp thermostat to cool thingsdown a bit, or go ahead and buy the SLP fan switch. The car doesnt seem to be getting overly hot, but Id just like to keep the temps under control, just to be safe. Kind of a preventative thing. What have you guys done? Any oipnions as to what would be best for my application? Thanks in advance, for any input!
02-03-2006, 08:24 AM
#2
I was looking into the same thing a little while back
1.) Either do them both
2.) Leave it stock
3.) Get just the thermostat and have ur computer reprogramed to have the fans come on at the lower temp.
A fan switch is really only needed when ur in the lines at the track or comin back to the lines after ur run to bring temps down, but even then its only doing good if whatever thermostat you have in there is open. What good is cooling the coolant in the radiator if the thermostat is closed? my $0.02
1.) Either do them both
2.) Leave it stock
3.) Get just the thermostat and have ur computer reprogramed to have the fans come on at the lower temp.
A fan switch is really only needed when ur in the lines at the track or comin back to the lines after ur run to bring temps down, but even then its only doing good if whatever thermostat you have in there is open. What good is cooling the coolant in the radiator if the thermostat is closed? my $0.02
Last edited by ilirw325; 02-03-2006 at 08:30 AM.
02-03-2006, 08:28 AM
#3
Depends on what kinda driving you do...if you make nothing but short trips, don't get the colder thermostat. Contrary to internet belief, these cars do need to run at a certain temp to evaporate the water out of the oil. Otherwise, you get sludge in your engine, and that ain't gonna help anything.
With a stock thermostat, my car runs at 188-190 degrees this time of year. In the summer, it'll see 195-200, but I have the fans set so that it'll never go over 212* (if you do your own tuning, you'll understand why I set it like that).
With a stock thermostat, my car runs at 188-190 degrees this time of year. In the summer, it'll see 195-200, but I have the fans set so that it'll never go over 212* (if you do your own tuning, you'll understand why I set it like that).
02-03-2006, 08:51 AM
#4
This might help.......Whenever I drive, its usually a 30 min. trip or so, with the occasional 2 hour drive to my gf's place. Before I get rolling, I let the car warm up until the needle (useless as it is) is at the half way point. Im guessing the thermostat option would be best for me? Any other input?
02-03-2006, 09:06 AM
#5
Moderator
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: East Central Florida
Posts: 12,605
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
I say just get the fans programmed. Although I have acquired
a SLP fan switch harness and a pair of (electrical) thermostats
to convert my car to tank-temp-controlled fan operation thus
making the coolant thermostat actually be in charge. Going to
put that on my LT1 radiator when it goes in.
a SLP fan switch harness and a pair of (electrical) thermostats
to convert my car to tank-temp-controlled fan operation thus
making the coolant thermostat actually be in charge. Going to
put that on my LT1 radiator when it goes in.
02-03-2006, 11:04 AM
#6
Originally Posted by Nittany_marine
This might help.......Whenever I drive, its usually a 30 min. trip or so, with the occasional 2 hour drive to my gf's place. Before I get rolling, I let the car warm up until the needle (useless as it is) is at the half way point. Im guessing the thermostat option would be best for me? Any other input?
Trending Topics
02-03-2006, 11:53 AM
#8
Originally Posted by 4thGenCamaro
Just get the fans re-programmed via tuning. LS1s run better at operating temperature. I do not recommend the 160* thermostat.
Fliping on the fan switch manually would be the same as getting the on temps reprogramed, so i was wondering....if the thermo is a stock-er and u flip ur fans on or set them to come on at 160, what are u cooling? the coolant in the radiator is being cooled, but if the thermo dosent open fully till 195ish? then i see some inefficiency. Is my theory wrong?
02-03-2006, 06:01 PM
#9
LS1Tech Administrator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Posts: 32,044
Likes: 0
Received 1,492 Likes
on
1,074 Posts
I prefer the stock stat with fan tuning to keep coolant temps cycling in the 194-205*F range. That has worked best for me in LS1s.
02-20-2006, 10:08 PM
#10
quick question... does the SLP fan switch eliminate the computer controls over the fans?
i got an SLP fan switch but i havent installed it yet.. i was hoping it would bypass the computer programing and let this be a manual only application. so which does it do?
i got an SLP fan switch but i havent installed it yet.. i was hoping it would bypass the computer programing and let this be a manual only application. so which does it do?
02-20-2006, 11:17 PM
#11
TECH Regular
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: GARDEN GROVE, CA
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
[QUOTE=GR33N GoblinM6]quick question... does the SLP fan switch eliminate the computer controls over the fans?
i got an SLP fan switch but i havent installed it yet.. i was hoping it would bypass the computer programing and let this be a manual only application. so which does it do?[/QUOTEYour stock fan settings will still work.
i got an SLP fan switch but i havent installed it yet.. i was hoping it would bypass the computer programing and let this be a manual only application. so which does it do?[/QUOTEYour stock fan settings will still work.
02-21-2006, 11:55 AM
#13
SLP fan switch has 3 positions, center position is stock settings, whatever ur PCM is set to come on at. Up or down depending how you orient the switch is either one fan on or both fans on. Hope this helps
02-21-2006, 02:12 PM
#14
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Helendale, Ca (SilverLakes)
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
According to GM, the stock thermostat is a 186 degree. First I got the SLP fan switch and it just plugs in. About a year later I get Cam and Tune. The computer is now set to turn on fans at 190 (hi-speed). Car never sees more than about 195-200 in summer heat of 105+. If your motor does not require a tune; just get the fan switch. WARNING! You can barely hear the fans on the low speed, so make sure it is off when you leave the car or you will return to a dead battery. Been there, done that.
02-23-2006, 10:23 AM
#16
the numb nut who had the car before me.. some how tuned the car so the High fans would come on at 170*.. my can never gets above that.. i put the stock thermo back in and the fans are on all the damn time.. i dont have any tuning software because i cant afford it right now.. i was hoping this SLP fan switch would eleminate the factory controls over the fans.. damn damn
02-23-2006, 11:48 AM
#17
Just disconnect one of the fan connectors off of the back of one of the fans, that way ur always driving with only one. That should help you out a little till you can fix it the right way.
02-23-2006, 04:10 PM
#18
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Herndon, VA
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Definitely go with the 160* stat. I love the edgier sound and power of the lower engine temp. I used my tuner to re-set the fans to come on at 185* and go off at 175*.
