themodernartist

Does the newer LS1 type engines run normally hotter than the old standard SBC carburated engines? Normally my little 307 SBC runs at about 180 degrees. Can I expect a higher operating temperature for my LS1?
Peace,
Chaz

BlueMagicSS

iTrader: (4)

Mine runs just under 210... not sure what Thermostat is in there.... but it all depends on the engine where exactly it runs... as long as it's not in the red.... and not past the middle

chadaclysm

I've been told our thermostats suck and usually hover just under 210, like bluemagic said, and this is true for mine as well. Its more of an idiot light in case your car is overheating rather than an accurate read out lol.

Daryn

iTrader: (19)

190-210 is the normal lsx operating temp

themodernartist

Hi Daryn,
The reason for this question is because I am building a radical custom '51 Hudson with an LS1 engine/trans combo. I could use the extra room between the engine and radiator by doing away with the mechanical OEM fan and using an electric fan in its place. I am concerned with over heating at idle speeds and I would definitly be alarmed if I saw the temp gage rocking around 200 degrees. So you are saying "Don't worry about the higher operating temperatures?"
Peace,
Chaz

chadaclysm

Whoa, I'm excited about your project. Make a thread with some pics of it sometime.

SS101

iTrader: (2)

200-210 is normal for ls1's. GM designed them to run hotter than your normal SBC to help boost fuel efficiency.

MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

They run about 210 or so for fuel efficiancy and emisions reasons im told but mine hit close to 230* while on the dyno last year.

I used a 160 thermostat and had my fans tuned and now my car typically runs 175-180*

teke184

iTrader: (5)

stock thermostat is 195 i beleive, and that allows the engine to maintain about a 205-210deg operating temp.

as stated above you can drop that some by changing the stat out. my 160 stat also maintains a consistent temp of about 173-180 when moving.

themodernartist

Thanks guys,
That alleviates some of my fears.

Chad,
The car was a 4-door sedan that I am converting into a 2-door, 3-window coupe hardtop. The top will drop 3 1/4" while the windshield will only be dropped 2". I don't want that tank turret look.

MrElectric uooh that sounds so formal,
What do you mean by tuning your electric cooling fan?

Peace,
Chaz

zuuhlsT/A

iTrader: (2)

People can get their cars computer reprogrammed and calibrated to turn the electric fans on at a lower temp. to keep the engine cooler. I just got the SLP manual fan switch for mine. Ain't got nothing to tune for ......YET! Get some pcs posted of the project. Would love to see it!

raysadude

iTrader: (11)

i've been told once that the normal engine temp hovering between 210 - 230 in a stop and go traffic, in highway should be under 210. mine usually around 180- 220 depend on how hard i drive and the traffic

LS1W66

Keep in mind guys that the `99-up F-body don't really have a working Temp guage.
That is why it doesn't seem to move.
My `98's guage works fine and with the SLP manual fan switch I can keep my temp in the 175-190* area.

LS1TAUTO

iTrader: (1)

i gotta promblem with my fans they dont seem to come on....would it be bad to rig it to stay on????? so when i start the car the fans run right away is this bad for the car????

urdone4

iTrader: (1)

any of you guys know what the temp is on the car with the a/c on? i just bought a 98 ss a little bit over a week ago and put an ms4 cam in it and ls6 intake and the car seems to hover around 210 with the heat on full blast...with the a/c is starts creeping over 210to about 230. the car pegs 210 with the heat off but im hypervigilant towards the temp so i find myself clicking on the heat quite often.

im new to this ls1 stuff. i have 3 aluminum headed motors in my hot rods/race cars and if i saw 230 on the temp guage with a cast block and aluminum heads my day would be ruined.

468CH3V3LL3

Mine runs just a hair under 210.

468CH3V3LL3

Does anyone recommend a 160 t-stat or a 180 t-stat.

1967 Yenko Clone

I also think it matters how you are getting your reading. My ls conversion shows 180 on mech gauge in block,but the scan tool shows 17 deg. hotter. My runs with scan tool shows 202-207 at idle with 145 degree air intake temp.I think 205 215 is about normal is it not.? Wes

69LT1Bird

iTrader: (1)

For a comparison, a stock 2002 LS1 Camaro does not have fan1 come on until 226*F, fan2 until 234*F.

KENS_SS_4

The LS1 runs cooler per say. That is it is a big improvement in friction control over the SBC of the past. There were few standard engines making 1 hp per cubic in. Those that did came with appropiate sized radiators to handle the heat. as long as you use an appropiate radiator (talk to a radiator shop) you will be OK.

Cooler Thermostats are like a poor man intercooler! It helps keep the incoming charge cooler longer. Drive at over a hundred mph and its all radiator performance in charge of engine temp.