last fall i instaled a csi electric water pump along with a 160 thermostat. and it ran at 160 on hwy and about 170 in city through the winter. now that summer is starting i run about 165 on hwy, but in city i run about 190, and if it gets stop and go it climbs to 210 and still gets higher. if i go to a drive through it it automatically jumps to 210 or more. it does help a bit if i turn on the ac to kick in the secound fan. but not a whole lot. also when it hits 210 it starts smelling like coolant.

 

It will run a little hotter in the summer, I run the stock water pump and 160 stat and my guage never gets over the the next line up from 0. Have you reprogrammed the computer for the 160 stat? Are you sure both fans are coming on? If everything checks out you might flush the system and make sure you get all the air pockets out.

 

Sounds faily normal for the temp to rise when your at a stop cause of no air through the radiator, although it could be a little better. Somethings to check are that there is nothing blocking the radiator, air dam still in place, rad cap holding 18psi, and air is bledd out.

 

what about the strong coolant smell

 

Have you checked for leaks, Does it smell like it in the interior, if so if could be the heater core.

 

My 95 does the same thing. That smell has been driving me nuts for 2 years. At first I thought I had blown a head gasket, but there is no oil in coolant or vice-versa, and I never have low coolant. I think it is coming from the vent in the overflow container's lid.

It is kinda nerve-racking, but I have come to think that it is the job of this car to drive me crazy for no apparent reason - pretty much like my wife!