Running hot, did search, please help
Running hot, did search, please help My car is heads/cam (~430 rwhp) and lately it has been running hot. It is VERY hot outside (heat index of over 100 every day). I have a 160 degree thermo in their, the temp gauge (autometer) is reading up to 210 degrees! There is no white smoke at start up or when I rev it up, I didn't pay attention while I was driving though. It seems slower but I think thats just because the timing is off with it running hot. I checked the fluid today and it was low so I added water and it didn't do anything. The oil was half a quart low but did not seem milky to me, I don't know exactley how milky looks like though. I would guess if it isn't blatently obvious then it probably isn't milky. Any input would be great. Car only has 37k miles on it.
-Mike
-Mike
11 Second Club
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,524
Likes: 1
From: The South
210 degrees is nothing to worry about. The stock fan settings let the car get that hot on a regular basis. I too am having problems keeping my car cool. It normally stays below 210*, but enough city driving can get it up to that level and even a little higher. BUT you ahve to realize there is a difference between "cool" and "too hot". 210* is just "warm". In fact, I do believe the LS1 is most efficient with a temp of around 200*. 
The car feels sluggish because engines lose power with heat just like elevation. The DA (density altitude) goes up with the air temp.
The car feels sluggish because engines lose power with heat just like elevation. The DA (density altitude) goes up with the air temp. 
Blkz28 is right the operating temp for an ls1 is around 200-210. The electric fanj sensor usually kicks the fans on around 220 unless tuned otherwise. I haven't had to good of luck with 160's because it starts cooling a little to soon and the coolant is flowing through the system so fast that it can't keep it that cool.?.
Ok good, I was getting worried. Started flipping out and checking evrything. It normally runs at around 180 and thats what it was tuned for, so I'm guessing its going to just run like poo until it cools down 
Thanks again
-Mike
Thanks again
-Mike
11 Second Club
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,524
Likes: 1
From: The South
I wouldn't say it'll run like poo, but internal combustion engines don't make as much power when the air is less dense. There is a reason weather can play a huge role in how you run at the track.
