Engine temperature question

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Oct 11, 2009 | 10:04 AM

ctcranor

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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

Oct 11, 2009 | 11:13 AM

01ssreda4

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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.

Oct 11, 2009 | 01:47 PM

ctcranor

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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

Oct 11, 2009 | 02:02 PM

01ssreda4

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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.

Oct 11, 2009 | 03:17 PM

ctcranor

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That makes sense, thanks! So do you see any problems with a 160 t-stat and single fan/single speed coming on at 190-195?

Oct 11, 2009 | 05:53 PM

SOMbitch

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You really want your oil in the 190*-210* range because that is when the lubricating properties are best. A 185 t-stat with a 190* fan temp is best IMO.....

Oct 12, 2009 | 02:22 PM

01ssreda4

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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005

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; Oct 12, 2009 at 03:06 PM.