I have a 2000 auto. Ive read several simular questions on this topic. Just call me a little paranoid and bear with me, I'm a newbe. I have put in a 160 degree therm. Running the highways my temp needle will peg approx. at 191. But as soon as i hit stop and go traffic with the ac on my needle will hit 240-245. Should my fans come on sooner than this and should my temps get that hot on routine stop and go traffic. I've seen other replies on this from you knowledable guys saying temp swings are normal for these cars. but could I have a problem with one of fans not coming on? Or should I just accept this as being a newbie vette driver? Also should I check on getting my fans programed to come on sooner and if so do I have to take it to a dealer to get this done. Thanks for bearing with me.

 

Remember the guys who would remove their thermostat completely and then wonder why they would still see high temps? Simply removing or installing a lower temp thermostat is a solution to a problem that should be eraticated elseware, IMO. Rather than try to make your engine run at a temperature that is well below what all the critical components are designed to see, why not keep your intake air temperature cool by installing a cold air intake system? If, for some reason you still want to keep your engine temps down, you must program the ECU to turn on the electric fans sooner. Otherwise, well, you know what the result is! I don't think I've ever seen my coolant temps go to 245, even after prolonged, high-rpm mountain runs, and my car still has the stock thermostat in it.

BTW, the dealer will probably elect not to reprogram your ECU; it could mean that your car would fail emissions and I'm sure they wouldn't want any part of that. A Corvette tuner can and will do this.

Dave

 

Hello Dave,

My question may sound dumb but it's relevant to this topic. As you know, the C5s have two "fake" air slits in the nose of the car. They don't lead anywhere 'cause they are blocked by a plastic piece that is recessed inside. Would removing this plastic piece allow more air to enter the engine compartment during normal driving conditions? Would that help hardluck? I would think that opening up these "fake" air ducts would help keep the engine compartment cooler. Am I wrong? In fact, why not open these ducts and somehow connect them to the air intake system (at some point before an after-market air sensor) to get more air inside the engine instead of around the engine? Wouldn't that result in more horsepower? Dave, would this work or am I talking nonsense here? Please advise.

 

Your temp ranges indicate you are not getting enough air flow over your radiator. Allow your engine to idle with out a/c being on and watch what temp the fans come on. Should be around 200 degrees and is supposed to cycle off around 190. If it is staying hotter than that, I would have the radiator pulled and cleaned thoroughly. Check air flow to the radiator and make sure there is no restrictions in front of it. [8D]

 

Yes, this would certainly help cool off the engine bay and provide some cold air to the intake filter. Many C5 people have cored holes into the fog light covers and then affixed Z06 screens in front to hide the carnage. You can also buy pre-drilled covers to use, although they are a pain to install. The Vararam intake uses that area of the front end to bring in cold air directly to its intake filter box. However, you lose some engine bay cooling when this type of intake is used. I cut out my lower radiator cover and installed a scoop and wire mesh screen (316 stainless steel) to provide cold air to my Halltech Stinger filter. Some of the air also cools off the engine bay as well.

Dave

 

thanks guys for your input. hardluck

 

I finally did it! I removed the plastic/rubber that was blocking the fake vents and now my engine runs cooler.