Engine temperature question
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Engine temperature question
All,
I have converted a 2004 LM7 engine into a Factory Five Roadster ('65 Cobra replica) and have a question about the t-stat AND programming. I have read a lot of posts and they differ from 160 degrees to 195 degrees. I realize that whatever t-stat I run I should have the programmer set as the Fan On mark also but what is the optimal temperature setting? I'm under the impression that an EFI needs to run warmer to operate at it's peak performance...
My only mods have been a pretty aggressive cam/springs, LS6 intake/TB and custom long tubes (clearance issues with anything stock) if this makes any difference.
Thanks,
Chris
I have converted a 2004 LM7 engine into a Factory Five Roadster ('65 Cobra replica) and have a question about the t-stat AND programming. I have read a lot of posts and they differ from 160 degrees to 195 degrees. I realize that whatever t-stat I run I should have the programmer set as the Fan On mark also but what is the optimal temperature setting? I'm under the impression that an EFI needs to run warmer to operate at it's peak performance...
My only mods have been a pretty aggressive cam/springs, LS6 intake/TB and custom long tubes (clearance issues with anything stock) if this makes any difference.
Thanks,
Chris
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Dunno if this helps, but stock fan settings on LS1s are low fan on:226 high fan on:235 or so. On hot days in traffic my car ran 225-235 and drove perfect. I put in a 160 thermostat and had my tuner set my low fan to come on at like 195. Now it runs between 190-200.
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Forgot to mention, if this matters, that in this car there is only 1 fan and one (on or off) speed.
Thank you for the response as I've seen what you're speaking of and possibly I'm confused. You have a 160 t-stat but a different fan on temperature mark. Is this common as I thought they should be set at the same mark?
Chris
Thank you for the response as I've seen what you're speaking of and possibly I'm confused. You have a 160 t-stat but a different fan on temperature mark. Is this common as I thought they should be set at the same mark?
Chris
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If you are saying with a 160 thermo you should have a 160 fan on setting? No, simply bc the rated temp on the thermo is the temp it starts opening, it may not be fully open until 10 or 20 degrees later. You could set it up like that for a car that you dont mind the fan running all the time. For DD, and to save electric motors on fans, you would want to space the temp setting for after the thermo has fully opened.
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I like the 160 to 170 thermo with a 190-200 fan setting. So if its cool outside, the thermo will have time to completely open, and if that is sufficient to control motor temp then your motor will be controlled around the 190 range and the fan won't be needed. In hotter weather, the cooling system is fully utilized and the fan acts as a secondary controller to further regulate speed. Trial and error is best though IMO bc there are several factors that can effect the settings that work best for your car.
Last edited by 01ssreda4; 10-12-2009 at 03:06 PM.
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Sounds like a cool project.
I like the 160 to 170 thermo with a 190-200 fan setting.
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Some pics for everyone
It has been a fun build but I'm really ready to finish it and drive!!
Full head on shot
Right side headers now done, waiting on SpinTech mufflers to arrive.
Typical build runs side pipes. I'm going with a full stainless under car exhaust which given a 4.5" clearance needs to be custom.
Chris
Full head on shot
Right side headers now done, waiting on SpinTech mufflers to arrive.
Typical build runs side pipes. I'm going with a full stainless under car exhaust which given a 4.5" clearance needs to be custom.
Chris