Wow! Pretty damn hot in Detroit today. Pushed 89-90 today. I charged my A/C today. I let the car idle the entire time. About 20min. I was also using this for a test for the temp at idle. It slowly creeped up past it's normal driving temp. of about 165-170. At some time I heard the second fan come on. After at least 15 min. The temp was at about 190 and maybe still creeping. I let it go for a few min's. more and then shut it off. It was at like 195-200. This was all with the air on high and idling for about 20 min..
How high is to high with a LT1 383 stroker with 160 thermo?
Do you think it would just keep climbing slowly if left at idle?
If I was in traffic, at what point should I say enough and pull over and let it cool down?
190-200 doesn't sound to high to me but at what point would it be to much?

Steve

I have seen 210-215 (gauge) which corresponds to 230-240 (at the water pump sensor) and I haven't hurt anything yet. LT1's came stock with a 190 t/stat. I wouldn't worry about it. My personal max was 253 degrees once when on the track in 100 degree weather. I backed off at that point and let it get into the 230's before hammering on it any more. I have since resolved a minor cooling issue and have never seen over 235 since. These are scanner readings which looks at the water pump, not the driver side head where the gauge reads.

Are you sure about 190? I'm pretty sure it's 180. At least that's what all the replacements are.

Those temps are fine.
Last track weekend (THIS year) was 100deg+ and car was 235-240 and was hammering it full throttle.
W/ the AC off it will be higher due to the PCM turning the fans on later (higher temp trigger point).

260 (way past the 250 on the autometer guage) and hammering the whole 30 minute race.
don't try this @ home kids.

...I too have hit the 260 mark in a race and lived to tell the tale....

I WOULDN"T RECOMMEND THAT FOR YOUR CAR HOWEVER...

My car will idle ALL DAY LONG in 100 degree weather at 160-180....and NOT move....now your car with AC and more stock components might idle higher....I would just start her up and let her idle until she stabilizes to find out what that number is.....

....of course if she is crossing 220 and looking to go higher....shut her down for a while.....heat sink is NOT your friend....

Thanks Guys. I'll keep an eye on things. From what your all sayng I probably have nothing to worry about.

Steve