I had a 1.6L 8V in my car for 12 years which started life as a standard single carb motor and was progressively modified with cams, twin webers and finally to Eurospec big valve head with EFI. I then replaced it with a standard 2L 16V (and hopefully soon a modified 2L 16V). In all that time I have used a 180F thermostat. Regardless of whether mid winter, mid summer, racing, stuck in traffic or cruising on the highway, the temperature has always stayed at a constant 180F (+/- 2F). The only exceptions have been a few brief moments where the temperature has climbed to 210F max before falling back to 180F. This latter behaviour I believe to be due to either a sticky thermostat or air pockets (the car is mid-engined with the radiator at the front).
Excessive temperatures increase the likelihood of detonation/pinging/knocking and decrease power by heating the intake air via the very conductive aluminium head and intake manifold. If I ever saw 250F on my temperature gauge I would have a heart attack and figure the engine to be stuffed. It is well worth checking the calibration of your temperature gauge. Just stick the sensor in a jug of boiling water where the gauge should read 212F (assuming you aren't too far above sea level). Rick Dathan, Australia -------------------------------------------------- >220-240 is just fine. That's where it should be. 180 >is way too cold. >-josh >--- Adam Frank <[email protected]> wrote: > i know this topic has been covered before, but when > it comes to engine temp, how hot is too hot for a 2l > 16v? > My car typically runs at about 202-210f under normal > driving.. but it seems to run best when its at about > 180f. Thats why im asking about temps. In the summer > months, the engine gets as hot as 250f.. let me know > what you people think. thanks. > > -adam
