what is the ideal engine temperature?

O

oldfox

Member

Feb 19, 2009

234

6

18

Jun 3, 2011

#1

• Jun 3, 2011

• #1

I'm running a 5.0 with a carburetor and I'm trying to figure out where I want the engine temperature at. I have a nice big aluminum radiator so that should
give me ability to stay cool. I was thinking of running a 180 thermostat and
a fan switch that comes on at 200 and off at 185 does this sound about right?

 

Dino Dino Bambino

15 Year Member

Jun 13, 2007

1,670

87

79

Cyprus

Jun 4, 2011

#2

• Jun 4, 2011

• #2

Sounds good especially if you have cast iron heads. If you have aluminium heads, it's better to allow the engine to run about 10*F hotter for better combustion efficiency.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

33

129

Jun 4, 2011

#3

• Jun 4, 2011

• #3

Assuming you're talking about using a balanced t-stat, I agree that it sounds good. You could lower the on/off spread to about 10* if you desire (on at 200, off at 190, for instance).

 

JustA5.0

Member

May 12, 2007

148

0

16

Toronto, ON

Jun 4, 2011

#4

• Jun 4, 2011

• #4

Sorry to highjack, but thread made me think of it

I have a 180* thermostat and my car runs under 190 all day (Autometer Mech gauge). Would it be more efficient if I switched back to the stock 192* t-stat? I thought with iron heads the ideal operating range was 195-210...

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,189

17,888

224

Massachusetts

Jun 4, 2011

#5

• Jun 4, 2011

• #5

With efi...it is. EFI engine are more efficient at higher temps...190-210ish.

 

lxman

Member

Nov 5, 2010

279

16

19

Avondale, AZ

Jun 4, 2011

#6

• Jun 4, 2011

• #6

I have replaced my t-stat and water pump and I'm still over heating! I'm going to flush my system, but does anyone have any ideas for me?

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

33

129

Jun 4, 2011

#7

• Jun 4, 2011

• #7

lxman said:

I have replaced my t-stat and water pump and I'm still over heating! I'm going to flush my system, but does anyone have any ideas for me?

Click to expand...

It's probably best to start your own thread so this doesn't get confusing. You'll want to note when it overheats (at speed, in town, etc), how it overheats, what's been done, etc.

 

JustA5.0

Member

May 12, 2007

148

0

16

Toronto, ON

Jun 5, 2011

#8

• Jun 5, 2011

• #8

Mustang5L5 said:

With efi...it is. EFI engine are more efficient at higher temps...190-210ish.

Click to expand...

Thanks 5L5. I probably should change it, and let the gas combust better, maybe get a couple more MPG.