Important! 1980 Corvette engine temperature

[Kamie]

Hi all,

what is the normal (default) engine temperature for 1980 corvette
- stock 350 ci - no modifications what so ever.

Thanks.

 

[bill81vette]

should be180-200 depending on city/highway driving

 

[spikebot 81]

I agree. Stock thermostat is 195 deg

 

[Kamie]

@bill81vette
Thanks, i agree with you, it's around 180 as long as I'm running - regardless I'm in the city or the highway - problem begins whenever I'm stucked with the city traffic, and temperature starts to go higher and higher . .may be 230 - 240

I never had this high temperature when i used to drive my 1982 Oldsmobile ninety eight 350 ci - in the same weather and traffic conditions !!

Big big difference between the two cars temperatures.

 

[HammerDown]

Not uncommon for these things to run HOT especially during the summer...230 +- ad
I set up a toggle switch just above my right leg so I could kick-on the electric fan before it normally would come on (234) it helps but > once the engine gets heat-soaked it'll take some open road to cool it down.

Once I pull the catalytic converter and other emissions crap off I'm sure it won't run as hot.

 

[bill81vette]

I'm not sure if the '80 model year had the cooling fan...look behind your radiator and in front of the engine,to see if there is another fan in front of the clutch fan.IF it is there should also be a switch mounted on the pass side of the engine towards the back of the head.that switch is supposed to turn on the electric fan at 234 degrees,to help prevent over heating in city traffic...

 

[6880 Mike]

...I'm not sure if the '80 model year had the cooling fan...

Only the L-82s.

230+ is too high for city traffic. I would check the fan clutch and the radiator seals.

 

[TimAT]

Only the L-82s.

230+ is too high for city traffic. I would check the fan clutch and the radiator seals.

Along with the general condition of the radiator.
I've also seen trash get between the condenser and radiator. Anything that blocks airflow thru the radiator can cause heating problems.

 

[KANE]

Only the L-82s.

230+ is too high for city traffic. I would check the fan clutch and the radiator seals.

Along with the general condition of the radiator.
I've also seen trash get between the condenser and radiator. Anything that blocks airflow thru the radiator can cause heating problems.

Agreed. The cooling system is only as good as the condition of its parts.

Having owned an L82 with the aux fan (I threw it away), mine never really ran above 200 degrees with an aluminum radiator (ebay) and a new fan clutch (Auto Zone).

If you aren't into originality, then an aftermarket radiator is a great way to improve the efficiency of the system.


Good luck and stay cool!