88-VETTE-L98

My C4 seems like it runs a little too hot for my liking , even though I was told by many that 185-188 on the high way is great. But it seems in the city it gets to 200 and bothers me. Well , my friend owns a local speed shop and told me he can do a new thermostat and reprogram the computer to make the fans come on at 190 or 200 instead of the usual 230. Is this something that anyone has done or heard of? If so how did it work out for you? Also is this safe for my car or could this cause any damage in any way shape or form? Thanks.

65GGvert

I won't get involved with another temp debate, but I will say that the GM engineers intentionally programmed the cooling fans not to come on until 230 in their design for your engine. 200 in town is great if you can do it. You can certainly spend whatever you want to make the fans run at lower temps, but remember the extra wear on your fans and related circuits. Turn the a/c on and the fans will run when you slow or stop for traffic.

88-VETTE-L98

I hear ya , this is just new to me , seeing I always had older hot rods that ran and had to run under 200. This is my first vette and wasn't sure if 230 was too hot or it was the norm. So pretty much what your saying is that 230 isn't overheating or causing damage to my stock motor? Again ,
I'm new to this and need your input. Thanks again.

Cruisinfanatic

Your vette was designed to run between 180's and 230's. 230 is hot, but normal for your year.
the 200 you are seeing is perfect for city.
I'd say leave everything alone

88-VETTE-L98

If I catch a few lights in a row occasionally the temp will hit 210-218. Lets just say that the fans have yet to come on because it never hit 230. My main concern is will 230 cause damage to the aluminum heads or anything else on the motor? Thanks again!!!

WW7

You don't have to worry about damage to the heads until around 260 degrees...I agree with you about the temps seeming to high, but like mentioned , it's the way the car was designed...If your car very seldom goes over 200 , then I wouldn't worry about it , most guys on here would love it if 200 degrees is all they ever saw..I agree with Cruisinfanatic, leave it alone.......WW

JackDidley

Most of us old guys would like to see them run 180* all the time. If you live where the outside temps get to 100*, good luck with that. When I have the AC on and see those 230* temps on the dash it kills me so I try not to look.

c4cruiser

Your observed temps are just fine. The cooling system was designed to run at those temps to help with emissions.

C4's are "bottom breathers" in that air for the raditor and A/C condensor come from underneath the car (under and behind the front license plate). It's a good idea to check the area for any debris that can collect there and cut off airflow. Also check between the radiator and condensor.

CREWZIN

I have the auxiliary fan in front of the radiator on my 87. I ran the wire from the temp sensor for that fan (which is between plugs #3 and #5) to a toggle switch in the interior cabin, and then to ground. When I think the temp is too high for my liking, I throw the switch and turn on that aux fan. Even standing still I can see the temp drop degree by degree even on the hottest days.

markKlein

230 will not cause any problems. That is the upper of the designed temp range.

88-VETTE-L98

Thanks everyone, you actually just changed my whole outlook on the situation.

D.j. 88

My 88 in the summer runs tops to 230, its weird but others say its normal. The rest of the year is 180 185. My camaro runs the same its a 91 tune port 305. I think its because the fuel has to be warmed up through the throttle body so its more of a vapor when it ignites. Crazy how GM made these engine's.

barney c4

external fan
i run 190

lkl2005

My 86 flirts with 230, but only standing still. When the air is on in a traffic jam with farm equipment it is staying in the low 200's. My low miles 86 is cooling like it should.

scottvettec4

I have a 1990 and at times it gets to 230-240.