So, always struggling with keeping my LT1 cool enough, I am concerned why my LT4 is always so cold...

A few things to start off...
LT1 ran in Los Angeles, (average outside temp 80* 1200 feet elevation)
LT4 currently running Germany (average outside temp 20* 800 feet elevation)

LT1 had eddlebrock headers w/ cats
LT4 still running manifolds w/o cats

LT1 always ran about 220+ once it was warm (with 160 thermo)
LT4 seems to run about 165 once it is warm(not sure, but probably 160)

LT1 had heater core removed
LT4 heater core reduces fan pressure because temperature is low(give me a break its 20*).

I know the outside temp changes things dramatically, but is the engine temp something I should be concerned with?

Also
LT1 A4
LT4 M6

 

Operating temperature is not just determined by the thermostat, the cooling system is very reliant on the fans.

If you use a 160* thermostat, they fan settings much be rescaled (the same same percentage) or the car will basically run at the same temp.

 

but shouldnt the engine still run around 180*?

 

If you don't know the rating of the t'stat, do you even know if there is one installed?

Are you reading the coolant temp off the dash gauge, or off the PCM?

What does "LT4 heater core reduces fan pressure because temperature is low" mean?

 

I dont know if there is even one in there,

I do know however, my LT1 did not have one installed when I had purchased that car, and it took forever to warm up...

I am using the dash gauge, will have my tuner in a few days, so will have better info.

I dont know if it is normal, but when I turn the air from cold/hot, the pressure is reduced, and as the engine warms up it gets stronger(I think, either way its still much slower than if the air is set to neutral or cold)

 

The airflow at the outlets is reduced because the airflow is directed through the heater core. It has nothing to do with the temperature of the coolant or the temperature of the outside air, only where you have the HVAC temp **** set.

 

I have a 160* stat and no fan reprogramming and temp stays at 175*. Fans never run unless I use ac.

 

thanks, bw_hunter

What temperature is ideal for the engine?

 

I have no idea what the ideal temp would be, but I'd be concerned if it wasn't at least 170 once up to running temp.

 

I'd say 180-200 during cruising.