74u

iTrader: (9)

My car almost WILL NOT get to operating temp in this weather unless I run it for a few minutes with the pump turned off first. I couldn't really imagine it causing a problem (as long as I don't forget to turn it on) but I noticed the motor makes a light clunking noise at idle that only goes away when the pump is ON. Any idea what that is?

I'm talking a dead cold 60*F motor that I just fired up will have this clunk noise (about the speed of a lifter tick at idle) but goes away almost immediately if I turn the water pump on.

LS1 carb/cam/springs and otherwise stock internals. I bought this car already built and I'm ashamed to admit I don't even know what (or if) a thermostat was used. Car holds around 170* once warmed up.

sreve

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like it's time to find out.
At least put a 180* in there.

74u

iTrader: (9)

Why did you say "at least 180"? Is there an ideal temp this motor should run at? I really like how cool it runs but you remind me my previous EFI LS1 car seemed like it ran best when it was HOT...like 200 - 210*. I just assumed this was a function of OEM programming.

Wouldn't I be better off running this CARB'd car at maybe 160 - 170*. Wouldn't this allow me to run more agressive timing, more power, etc?