How low can you go? water temps

[SILINC3R]

Ok, so I know you do not want oil temps to low because it will keep it thick and reduce the lubrication property so there are set parameters. What about water temps though? To high and your car will over heat. Lower temps i know can lower intake temps and engine temps which are good to a certain point? but to low and it can effect ignition correct? what is the safest temp that you can have water down to?

[Legacy777]

With the way the ECU handles warm up enrichment, I probably wouldn't go lower than what the stock t-stat is set at, which is around 180 deg F. There are 160 deg C thermostats out there, but I really don't know if I'd recommend one without knowing exactly where the warm up enrichment kicks on.

If the warm up enrichment is active during normal driving, your mileage will start to suck, and since these cars already tend to run a little rich, they will run richer.

[paulmeisterpk]

I would go stock. I never go more than 5 degrees or so below the stock thermostat temp on a fuel-injected vehicle.

[IronMonkeyL255]

Looks like the warm-up enrichment ends at 140 degrees F, or 60 degrees C, according to a diagram in the FSM.

[SILINC3R]

so if i could get my temps to around 160-180 then that would be beneficial right? i believe my car sets at just below 180 unless im at a stop or in traffic and then it can climb to about 205 then the fans kick on

[BSOD2600]

You going to somehow alter when the fans kick on/off too?

[SILINC3R]

no i would leave it since i wouldnt need to. i only need the fans when i am stopped

[Legacy777]

Let me ask a question, why do you want to lower your water temps? Are you having overheating issues, want longer engine longevity, just because....??

I just really can't recommend altering the thermostat to get lower temps unless you have some specific reason or goal you're hoping to achieve by doing that.

[SILINC3R]

yea mainly longevity so the car runs well. the car does not over heat so it isnt that important to get it lower i was just curious if i could make it better. i wasnt going to change the thermostat though. im getting a SS soon so anything i learn well be put to use on the SS

[Legacy777]

These cars are already known for their longevity, so I'm not sure that changing the coolant temp is going to do much.

[SILINC3R]

well that is true for sure. oh well thanks for the advice

[bry]

these cars are purpose engineered to run at a certain temp. deviating from the design doesn't make any sense and will most certainly cost in efficiency and power unless other items are modified to compensate. in the old days, everyone thought a 160 degree thermostat was the sure way to lower combustion temps and make more power. nowadays, we know that optimum efficiency is achieved around 200 degrees.

besides, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!!

[SILINC3R]

are you sure its 200 degrees? cause that is when my fans kick on which usually means that the temps are to high

[kimokalihi]

Removing heat is removing power. Any heat lost in your engine is HP lost. If your engine could handle it you'd want to keep as much heat in the engine as possible. If you're not having overheating problems I wouldn't mess with it.