Ron_Attleboro_MA

Hi Guys and Gals.
I picked up my 2024 HTC, Non-Z51 last October.
First warm days yesterday and Today in Massachusetts. 73 today out on the black tops!!
I notice that my engine temp is normally in the 170's while moving.
Today I got stuck in stop and go traffic and I noticed my temp at one time was 203.

Question:
What do you see for temperature ranges? And do you have a Z51 or Non-Z51?
You southern owners can tell me the worst cases!

Have a great week everyone!!!

Kracka

My Z51 actually runs warmer in the winter when the AC is off, vs. in the summer when the AC is running. 203F in extended stop & go traffic sounds about right; still far cooler than the C7 ran from the factory (2014 Z51 ran 230's). Under motion, seems like my car spends most the time in the 170's but then starts creeping higher in traffic (180-190's during long stoplights), really regardless of the time of year or how brutally hot it is here in TX. The C8, especially Z51, has a lot of excess cooling capacity with GM supposedly validating them on the track up to 100F ambient temp.

EvanD

Sounds normal. Temp points are right on. Thermostat keeps the low point then fans kick on when it starts to get hot.

hawk02

Sitting in traffic on a warm day I've seen coolant temps hit 212 degrees. Once the car is moving temps quickly drop below 200 degrees.

Acpantera

Non Z51, running just as OP. All good.

5632

I have had my C8 Z51 over 3 years and the engine temp has never gone over 190 here in Phoenix where outside temps can reach over 112. Remember that a Z51 has 3 radiators while the non Z51 only has 2.

Spamburger_Hamburger

The temp is displayed on a gauge for a reason. Just pay attention, if it's not in the red, you're fine.

Andybump

The Service Manual indicates that the normal operating temperature for the engine coolant is 190-221 deg F.

Cerulean

I've seen 212 after sitting in traffic and then backing back and forth into a tight parking spot. I don't think the fan even was on so I guess they treat it as completely normal for a presurized cooling system

C5racecar

I have Z51 with rad screens. In the last year, temps exactly the same as you. If I leave home and drive on my favorite country roads, (no traffic) it's hard to get the water over 180 degrees.

It stays there most of the time. When I do hit traffic and sit for a few minutes, I'm surprised to see water up to 200. I think 205 is the hottest I have ever seen on a 80 degree day after highway driving, then sitting in traffic.
I'm in Oregon, usually not driving when it is really hot outside. Summer temps are usually 70-85 when I am driving.

cmonkey713

y '23 Z-51 runs anywhere from 185 to 195 in the cooler months. Summer, 190 to 205.

Blue Curvette

My Z51 has never gone over 195 during idle and slow stop and go even in the summer 90 degrees +. Driving at steady speed I’m around 170.

MarkMeHopeful

I live in SoCal and I don't think I've ever seen my Z51 go over 200 even stopped in traffic.

MI23HTC

Was 75-ish, maybe more, here yesterday and I got stopped in a traffic snarl in my 2023 Z51. Temp got up to about 202 idling and stop and go. No issues.

RKCRLR

Z51 with 1/4" CCG inlet screens. I drove through Death Valley during a record breaking heat wave. Never broke 200F.

But I wouldn't worry about temperature unless it gets into the 220's.

1stc8

Highest I've seen on my Z51 was around 212 in stop and go city traffic, after a spirited driving session. Was about 75 degrees out.

jmpvette

Non Z51 in Hawaii. Our Corvette club does a lot of parades so when I'm creeping along at 3mph and revving the engine for the crowd, I see it get up to 210 or so. Quickly goes back down once any amount of airflow comes in.

gdb069

Stuck in traffic jam yesterday due to accident. Not enough room to turn around although I almost tried it. Cars creeping along periodically for about 1 hour. Coolant temp went to 210 and then back to 200.

I always assumed its better to leave engine running than to turn off and back on every 10 minutes in order to keep coolant flowing.

Waterline

Z51 in northern California. Never seen over 180 degrees. About 170 on colder days.

Ron_Attleboro_MA

Great response. Thanks!!
Side thought: could it be the runs colder when the AC is ON?
Most cars turn on the electric fans to cold the AC condenser, for example C7.
Not sure if the AC condenser fan also cools the C8 engine coolant.
Any thoughts on this theory?
I am not concerned anymore, just curious!
I wish I could sit with a bunch of C8 owners to chat. My club members lack the car chats and tends to more concerned about lunch and doctors appointments.
(average age is probably around 74! )