What temperature are/were you guys running at on average on a stock car? I have a 97 A4, and it seems as though my temps have been climbing lately. It has been running at about 190 or so when driving down the road, but only takes a couple moments of idling to jump over 210. This is in 70 degree weather...I fear the 100 degree Texas heat coming this summer. Is this normal range or is my car running a little warm? If so, what advice would you hand out?

 

I think the stock thermostat is 190 or close to it, but the fans don't turn on till the 220-230 range, so what you're seeing is perfectly normal. If you have a high mileage car and you're concerned about blowing a head gasket or other problems from the high temps LT1s run, tuning is the best option, along with a 160* thermostat. I woulnd't suggest a manual fan switch, it's best to keep your engine at the same temp most of the time. My car never sees temps that hot anymore, I couldn't stand watching that needle make it's way all the way up to 3/4...

 

Yea, my car used to sit around 210 and go up close to the red while sitting still. Now it has a 160 thermo and the fans are always on...car can idle all day at 170
Bill

 

The stock t'stat is 180degF. The first fan (or low speed in the 95 and newer) comes on at 226degF, the second fan (or high speed) starts at 235degF. The temps you quoted seem to be normal for stock t'stat with stock fan on/off temps. If its seeming to run warmer than it used to, might be time for a good coolant flush and replacement.

 

Sounds normal to me.

 

My average running temp with the stock thermostat is a little below the line above 160*.

 

Mine with a stock thermostat runs about the 210 mark usually, maybe higher if idling for a while. The past few days here in CO with single digit temps I barely go above 160.

 

i have a 180 thermo and programmed my fans to come on at 190 Deg.. under heavy load in summer time i have hit 180 Degree engine temp =-)