What is the recommended temp t-stat for my 302 in Florida weather ? I think mine failed and all I have on the shelf is a 160* I think the new one that is in the car is a 180* I'm going to get a motor rad failsafe t-stat this time...
160 makes your car run cooler it opens at 160 degrees a 180 opens at 180 degrees cooler motor equals more horsepower in Florida a 160 should be no problem where I live I run a 180
BUT think about this for a minute...... Coolant needs TIME in the radiator to COOL, if your running a 160 t-stat and its always open the coolant is just running in circles and never rejecting any heat! So there for arguments can clearly be created that a lower temp t-stat is not letting the car run any cooler. It just allows coolant to flow at a lower temperature. Also proven studies can be google that show horsepower vs engine temp, and yes there are some merits to running cooler to a certain point but also need to take into consideration the decreased engine and bearing life. Cooler it runs less bearing life. Carbs I run 180, if you have electric fans I run 200 degree t-stat. Here in phoenix we battle heat 8 months a year, I have seen temps of 150s coming off the asphalt for a hot bumper to bumper hour and half ride in traffic. Always fun trying to keep a car at 200 degrees when ambient is already 150 with zero airflow. More studies to look into are water wetter, coolant mix, and pressure vs boiling points.
Not enough for me to spend the 5 bucks for a t-stat, and more engine bearing wear. All my cars idle until engine temps are above 180
for the comment...cooler engine more HP...why is it that when first starting an engine if not warmed up it wants to bog/die on take off. if it has more Hp then it should run smoother...
I was taught that idling for more than 15-25 secs. was bad for an engine......or does yours get to 180 that quick?
Mike can drive his Mav. to Summit and not even turn his fan on...45 min. drive...C4/4:11...so should he sit at idle untill it warms up to...180...
No most my cars takes about 5 minutes to get to my operating temperature. Not sure how idling can be "bad" for an engine, unless the fuel trim is off so your fowling plugs or creating excessive carbon buildup. I grew up in northern Wisconsin, 15-25 seconds of idling in the middle of winter would only equal block oil and coolant still only at about -30 degrees in temperature. throw a little rpm in the equation would equal alot of premature bearing wear. The most engine wear is done at start up due to low temperatures and cold metal to metal. To each there own but mine would be setup so that t-stat starts to open about 180-185 fans come on at 200 and back off again at 180. Ever notice while in the pits of a nascar race, or any professional series event how engines are hooked up to heaters that are heating up and circulating engine oil before litting the wicks? Just a quick google search...... http://www.carnut.com/ramblin/cool3.html
nope... I was thinking he was asking about a street car... and...who is this Guy... is he a Guy with an opinion or...The Guy...w/all the correct answers... http://www.carnut.com/ramblin/cool3.html
I was trying to point the fact that if the professional engine builders suggest warming engine temps and oil before starting an engine to decrease unnecesary wear and tear, why not incorporate that thinking into your street car that you spent your hard earned money on.
I'm sorry I didn't put more than 10 seconds into the search to find a more credible test result from a lab, promise you there are out there if you look for them. Yes these guys are, not sure what your getting at though Honestly now I'm not even sure what or if we are trying to argue about something in this conversation. Are we trying to say that cooler operating temperatures have no affect on bearing wear? Are we trying to say that a cooler thermostat makes more power? Are we trying to say that there is no need for an engine to warm up before putting a load on it?
