160 degree thermostat ???

[warren s]

Ok, -

Regardless of what you do...you will not lower the temp until you change the capacity of the system. Even adding different cooling media, ie...water wetter, only has a minimal effect. All of this is just plain ole logic....

I really dont see any logic in that statement, I changed my therm to a 160, I put in a switch for manual control of the fans. Its been 2 years now and my 95 has always run between 175 and 200. Even with both fans on with the 195 therm the temp would not get much cooler, as the therm would close and cycle. The simple logic is that the cooling system is quite adequate to run at much cooler temps, however emission control issues overide design calibrations, like only using the fans at extreems.

. If you have a 180º thermostat and you engine operaters at 220 changing to a 160 degree thermostat wont change your temprature one bit, you need more radiator, more air flow or both to reduce operating temperautre.

Actually in the later model C4 Corvette all you need is a $3 switch and some light guage wire. The cooling system is just not using its full potential ,See my webpage-

As for 160 being to cold-

Putting in a 160 therm does not mean running with coolent temps of 160, just like having a 195 does not mean never getting hotter than 195., like the cycling between 195 and 235.

Using a lower temp therm and a manual fan control will allow extended operation between 180 and 210. The engine oil will still get hot enough to boil off condensation, as oil usually runs hotter than coolent. Additionally the benifit of having the ATF fluid run much cooler that under stock conditions will extend service life of the unit. Another benifit of cooler operation via a lower temp therm and manual fan control are greatly decreased under hood temps, extending the life of any hoses or lines.

Since I have made these small modifications to my 95, I have experianced slightly lower fuel consumption and a gain of 2 tenths in the quarter. (180 launch temp vs 215, average idle temp after waiting for a pass) On days below about 75 the engine will run rich if the coolent temp is held below 200.

Poor cooling system condition will always cause higher operating temps, however the stock cooling system is not operating up to its full potential in stock form. (195 therm, ECM controlled fan)

 

[Eagle85C4]

Well Sir, the experts, as well as the engineers disagree with you as I do.
You may believe what you will....but documented fact was presented and there are many on this site that agree with the information I presented from Mr. John Hinkley from Corvette Enthusiast Magazine. I can as well provide the lab tests and results that also show it is not necessary to alter the stock cooling system as it was engineered to run at maximun efficiency.
The problems that are encountered are the result of what happens when designed high performance systems are not regularly maintained. Rightfully so as the cooling system is very easily overlooked in the scheme of things as it does not show itself to be a problem until too late. As usual the problem degrades itself so slowly that it is not immediately noticed until there is a problem.
Taking into consideration that many folks work on thier own vehicles with total disregard for the manufacturers and designeers recommendations for what they deem to be a better way to do things, causes many small problems to snowball into larger problems. And it amazes me that later down the road when it quits running they are first to blame the dealer for the problems they brought upon themselves by not listening to the folks that built the car and obviously know better.
I am glad you have chosen to alter your vehicles systems for what you believe is a performance gain, as later when the car starts providing you with problems it becomes a perfect example to show others that it is indeed better to follow the directions of the manufacturer.

And as a side note...I did install the fan switch and it does indeed work to maintain the designed operating temp of the car. But after doing the factory suggested maintenance to the cooling system, flush, clean cavity, replace with 195° stock stat, new GM blue hi-temp hoses, I have never had to use the switch....even last year in Nags Head N.C. in 99° with the A/C on the car never ran over 200°... That being said I personally will continue to follow the directions and recommendations of the manufacturer as when I bought my corvette it was almost 20 years old with over 150,000 miles on it and it still runs strong with the original motor and tranny with no problems at all...
Since we seem to have come to a impasse I will hereby agree to disagree and let others judge the information for themselves. At this time I see no need to continue this conversation as the provided documented information speaks for itself.
Thank you and Good Day!

 

[warren s]

Taking into consideration that many folks work on thier own vehicles with total disregard for the manufacturers and designeers recommendations for what they deem to be a better way to do things,

What a boaring place this would be if that was not the reality of Corvette ownership.

At this time I see no need to continue this conversation as the provided documented information speaks for itself.

If you say so, ..

Fine, it was nice chatting. Sorry if I hit a sore spot.

 

[XS650]

What a boaring place this would be if that was not the reality of Corvette ownership.

Sounds like he buys his cars from a company that allows their engineers to put out the best product they can and tailors his car for his particular use.

The companies I buy cars from, the engineers design to a specific cost, are often over ruled by bean counters and compromise their design to meet emissions and ecoomy standards. They also have to design a productthat will satisfy the largest number of owners the best they can instead of meeting my particular desires.

FWIW, I don't care for 160 degree stats, 180 degree gives most of the benfit of a 160 with basically none of the drawbacks.

Dick

 

[warren s]

The companies I buy cars from, the engineers design to a specific cost, are often over ruled by bean counters and compromise their design to meet emissions and ecoomy standards. They also have to design a productthat will satisfy the largest number of owners the best they can instead of meeting my particular desires.

I agree.

The entire "Corvette running hot" subject is, to me based on the emissions control aspect. Performance and longevity were not the specific goal.

 

[XS650]

I agree.

The entire "Corvette running hot" subject is, to me based on the emissions control aspect. Performance and longevity were not the specific goal.

I had another thought. The those factory engineers that design the powertrains we buy then modify their own cars must be seriously conflicted dudes:duh

 

[bladesC4]

You guys know way too much on this subject....:BOW

I always get more than I expect when I post a question here. Thanks for all the input.

 

[warren s]

Some times you have to just give things a try and stick to what works for you.

Working on cars for many years, talking to folks at the track doesnt hurt either.

 

[bladesC4]

True, True......I just scrimped and saved to buy this 85 . I used to have an 80 long ago. Any work I can do myself I will try to do. Learning as I go but as with anything, it's what I don't know, I don't know that screws me up ya know.;help

 

[warren s]

Not knowing is part of the journey-

Buy the service manaul
Use good tools, and the proper ones
Ask questions
Ask more questions
See what works on others cars
Never do any job in a hurry

 

[warren s]

Not knowing is part of the journey-

Buy the service manaul
Use good tools, and the proper ones
Ask questions
Ask more questions
See what works on others cars
Never do any job in a hurry

 

[Gerry]

160 degree

Hey Warren,

Thats a B-70 Valkyrie bomber you have as your avatar isn't it?
It brought back memories as I had the model a lot of years ago. There were only two of the real ones made and one crashed a while ago. I think the other is in a museum somewhere.

Best regards,
Gerry

Did you ever find the ad picture?

 

[warren s]

Gerry-

Yes it is a xB-70, going to Dayton next summer to see one for real.
I did get an ad, a good digital photo that was printable. But am still searching for an origonal. Anyone have and extra copy of Corvette Quarterly Summer of 93? (I did answer you PM though it may not have went through)

 

[Gerry]

160 degree

Is that where the XB-70 is? Dayton , Ohio? What museum?

Best regards,
Gerry

BTW I got a 160 thermostat and a hypertech chip for free. Think they will do anything to my 88? We will see as I have good control hp readings with my G-tech. 202-206 hp before and soon I will have after readings. Any guesses what I will see?

Best regards,
Gerry

Damn, I wish I still had that model of the XB-70, I really loved it. I wonder if it is still made along with the Blackbird?

 

[warren s]

Gerry

The XB-70 is in the Air Force Museum in Dayton Ohio. They still make models of it,and hundreads of the SR-71, if you are so inclined. To many years of Heineken exposure make it tough for me to construct one, but i do have a model of the XB-70 in 1:180 scale.

I would give the chip a try and see if there is any differance. As for the 160, cant hurt and you can always change it back.

 

[Gerry]

160 degree

Thanks for the info. I really want the model I made so long ago, good memory but mom threw it out with my mickey mantle rookie cards. Oh well.

Best regards,
Gerry

 

[vettered91]

Well... I just came back to this thread and all I can say is I stand before the numbers I've posted.

I agree about doing a good periodical maintenance to the cooling system in the vette it's a need, but like I already said the first fan turns on at 227° and I did not said that it turns off at 218°! you can imagine what happens in real slow traffic and hot weather like the one down here (Guadalajara, Mx.) The best you can expect is temps between 230°- 218°.

Now, I have the 160° stat and my first fan turns on/off at 184°/175° the second one is on/off at 194°/185°

You already know my vette's oil/coolant working temps for my last post. I don't know if I'm right or wrong but I am REAL! This is what works for my vette, in my climate. The posted temps in my vette are real I don't know if you need a 160° or a 180° but I hope my own experience can help any of you.

Eagle85C4, warren s,

I apologize, I did not want to start any argument here.

George

 

[vettered91]

Under perfect conditions, like a recently cleaned system and new antifreeze the system will still cycle between 195 and 230 in stop and go traffic.

This was my vette before the 160° stat and turning on fans earlier!! (reprogrammed)

 

[XS650]

Now, I have the 160° stat and my first fan turns on/off at 184°/175° the second one is on/off at 194°/185°


Eagle85C4, warren s,

George

From your previous post

With the 160° stat, 1st fan turning on at 184° off at 175°, 2nd fan on at 194° off at 185° in my LT1 my coolant temps are:
Very slow traffic: 210°
Highway: 173°
Engine oil temp: 185°-210° 99% of the time (no risk of open loop after warm-up)

Thanks, those are some useful data points. What are the air temperatures in Guadalahara where you are seeing those coolant temperatures?

Dick

 

[warren s]

vettered91-

No argument from me! I am just glad you found a solution to your issue.