Optimal engine coolant temp for a Daily Driver?
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On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Michigan
Optimal engine coolant temp for a Daily Driver? Sorry if this is obvious, but other companies seem to have their engines run below 210. Why is the LS1 motor run that hot, and would there be any harm.benefit by bringing the temp down a bit?
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Rochester, NY
Originally Posted by Ferocity02
Stock, most LS1 engines run in the 200-220 range from what I've seen. Mine runs at a 180. If you have a 99-02 LS1 you cannot trust your temp gauge because it says 210 all the time.
Optimum oil temp is between 200 and 210 degrees. I kept the stock thermostat and installed a Vinci fan switch that comes on at 207 and off at 201. It only comes on in traffic, otherwise the engine runs at about 190-192 degrees when moving. Lower temps can result in lower oil temps, especially if the weather gets cooler.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: AUSTIN TX
The only drawbacks to runing it cooler that I am aware of is that if the oil does not get hot enough, or hot long enough, it will not evaporate the moisture caused by condensation out of the oil. Also, your gas mileage may decrease a tick due to the increase in parasitic losses caused by the slightly thicker cooler oil and the fact that more heat increases fuel atomization. And lastly and most likely the primary reason for the high temps, your emissions will most likely increase with a lower temp. The advantages on the other hand are numerous. First is the increase in reliability as well as the extra safety margin for running it cooler. Also, cooler is much more tolerant to adverse conditions (i.e. poor fuel quality, high ambient temps, tunes a little out of whack, fuel delivery problems, etc.). Also, cooler motors, though in theory are less efficient, will make more power than hotter motors due to the ability to keep the intake charge cooler and consequently denser (after several dyno sessions with my nearly stock set up, it was clear it made the most power right around 180 deg... it would start to fall off as it got hotter and actually dyno's less cooler as well). I currently run a 160 stat and use the fans to keep the temps as close to 180 as possible (low temp on at 175, high temp on at 185 or ther abouts).
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11 Second Club
Joined: May 2004
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From: Troy,MI.
Originally Posted by vettenuts
Optimum oil temp is between 200 and 210 degrees. I kept the stock thermostat and installed a Vinci fan switch that comes on at 207 and off at 201. It only comes on in traffic, otherwise the engine runs at about 190-192 degrees when moving. Lower temps can result in lower oil temps, especially if the weather gets cooler.
Originally Posted by YankeeVert.
Your stock thermostat must be off. My stat controls at 194*. It doesn't matter what you set the fans at you can not cool the engine any lower than what the thermostat opens.
Stock thermostat was either 187* or 180* depending on the year. I think a couple of degrees is well within the scope of manufacturing tolerances. I wouldnt say its "off".
11 Second Club
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From: Troy,MI.
Originally Posted by GuitsBoy
Stock thermostat was either 187* or 180* depending on the year. I think a couple of degrees is well within the scope of manufacturing tolerances. I wouldnt say its "off".
