man, those things run hot...

[AJ]

mine runs just past the mark on the right of the center mark.. dodge conviniently made the scale non-linear so the driver is clueless on what temp the coolant is at.

said that, i have few questions:

1. how accurate is the readout? if it says 210 (12 o'clock) does that mean 210?

2. does water-wetter helps?

3. i looked at the factory oil-cooler; i think i can fit there a bigger/better cooler- with fans if i have to- anybody done it?

4. aftermarket headers will make it only worse- right?

5. does the computer pull timing when the engine is at "operational temperature"? in other words- does the viper engine run better when hot or when just about hot?

alex
02 gts

 

[cycloneGTS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by AJ:
mine runs just past the mark on the right of the center mark.. dodge conviniently made the scale non-linear so the driver is clueless on what temp the coolant is at.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Glad to know mine isn't the only one...in any traffic, mine runs just past the mark right of center also. How hot is too hot?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

They all run hot. If you want to cool it down get a larger radiator and a 180 stat.

 

[kverges]

As far as I know, all modern cars run around 200 coolant temp for a number of reasons, including emissions. The car is designed for this temp and so I would not worry about it.

Track Vipers typically run 220-240 - ask Bobby Archer or any T1 racer how hot their car gets. My '93 with the supposed suspect head gasket sees 240 with great frequency at Motorsport Ranch with no ill effects.

As for power, I have dynoed and got better power on the third pull after the engine got hot.

Don't sweat it IMO.

 

[red98GTS]

Ditto what Chuck and Keith have said on this subject. Made to run at these temps.
For street use, just don't worry about it. Temp gauge goes over then comes back with the fan. Seems everybody wants their cars to run 160F. Why, I have no clue. None. The benefit there would be no heat in the winter, increase in sludge and junk in the oil, probably less power, and more emissions. The 60's are over. pete the ex glass guy
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/5567

(for a sixties flashback and then some)

 

[shifter]

Water wetter does help (but works better when used with 100% water - track type environment).

You can fit an aftermarket oil cooler, but I don't think it's necessary. Adding fans to the cooler itself will only hurt you anytime over idle (blocks ram air at vehicle speeds) like when racing. At idle the fan may help, but not worth the performance loss at speed.

In theory, aftermarket headers could raise the normal operating temp of the coolant and heads, assuming either larger or more efficient headers. Thought process: If the headers are larger, there is more surface area of header material, so the average temp of the headers should be lower assuming equal material thickness and material itself (exhaust gas heat transfer being more evenly distributed). Header material, actual gas velocity and flow pattern, header efficiency (maintaining a complimentary pulse wavelength with the intake pulse) are all variables that could through my conclusion way off.

Assuming the headers are designed properly and allow the engine to produce more power, it obviously has more heat to dissipate. One could assume that heat would be picked up by the coolant and result in higher average head temperatures. Substantial? With aluminum heads, your engine might actually make more power running a bit warmer.