How hot do you run your 2.8? What thermostat?

[Arns85GT]

I've had some discussion on the Fiero website regarding engine temps and the best temp to run. Some guys seem to think the 2.8 runs best at 230 degrees. go fig.... I'm currently running a 160 degree thermostat in the hot weather, and my intake manifold temps are about 180 degrees.

Anybody got some good information about the best temp to run for fuel economy, longevity, and power?

[geoffinbc]

93*C is the optimal temperature.

[firechiken]

93*C

Might as well be talking Russian... :P just kidding, I know we're the ones who are F'd up. 230 sounds WAY high, 195 is more like it with no mods.

[robby1870]

BTW 93*C ~= 199*F

[Arns85GT]

stock S10 thermostat

Well the stock thermostat on the S10 2.8 is 192 degrees, or 195 depending on who you ask. So, 230* does seem a bit high to me too.

Arn

[geoffinbc]

93 degree Celsius = 199.4 degree Fahrenheit at this temperature

#1 The combustion chamber is hot enough to completely vaporize the fuel, providing better combustion and reducing emissions.
#2 The oil used to lubricate the engine has a lower viscosity (it is thinner), so the engine parts move more freely and the engine wastes less power moving its own components around.
#3 Metal parts wear less.

[sharkey]

i have a 180 t-stat in my car right now. anyones guess as to what it actualy runs at, i have the stupid digital dash. it sits just below the middle of the scale, so im gonna guess about 190 or so.

i eventualy will get a laptop that the battery is good in so i can see what it actualy is.

[torq455]

180 stats run about 185-190 when throughly warm

[EspanolaGuitarista]

My car runs around....

Just below the 1/4 mark when on the highway then go up to a bit past the half mark then the fan comes on and it stays between the 1/4 and 1/2. It must have really good air circulation. Of course it is in the 70's right now.

[hamondale]

On hot summer days in traffic or up long hills, my 3.4 iron head can get up to about 215. Otherwise runs about 195 in 90 deg weather. So 215 is no big deal?