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#1 |
Gimme a Drink!
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 694
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![]() I have a stock 5.0 in my 90 GT. At 112k, I upgraded to a 3 row brass rad, a replacement stock-type fan, a new fan clutch, a Stewart water pump, and a Robertshaw high flow thermo. The car also takes longer to warm up but I contribute that to the holes in the high flow thermostat, which I can always replace. It obviously takes longer for the heater to get hot, but since my car runs MUCH cooler, the heat will get warm, but not as warm as it used to be. Suggestions?
My temp gauge used to hover a little below the midpoint on the gauge (about 190 I guess). Now my car runs at about 130, is this too cold? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? Milage, power, engine wear, oil consumption/pressure from not being warm enough? |
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#2 |
or '331 LX Eric'
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 2,142
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![]() First, an accurate temp reading needs to be done (AutoMeter gauges are nice). If you're really running at 130, then that is way too low. Remember, these cars came stock with 195* termo's. That's where Ford engineers determined that the cars ran most effiecently in all aspects.
When I installed my Griffen radiator w/180 T-stat, the car ran too cold (165 ish) so I installed a 195 T-stat and now the car runs around 185 - just a bit cooler than stock which is good for HP, but doesn't get too carried away with cold temps. E
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1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60' |
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#3 |
Gimme a Drink!
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 694
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![]() I forgot to mention in my original post that the Robertshaw stat I'm using is a 180.
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#4 |
Gimme a Drink!
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 694
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![]() No one answered the question, what's the ideal water temp for a stock 5.0? I know its 195 from the factory, but will running the car too cold, let's say under 160, cause damage to the engine?
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#5 | ||
I'd rather be basketweaving
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 2,551
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![]() Quote:
Quote:
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NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft |
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#6 | |
cranky old man
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Longview Texas
Posts: 683
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![]() Quote:
Like was mentioned in another post around 190 is where the engineers have determined the engine is most efficient. Anything under around 180 causes the oil to sludge up. |
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#7 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Ventura, California
Posts: 8,981
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![]() Quote:
The ideal temp for a stock 5.0 is about 195 degrees. They are designed to run the best at 205, but they seem to like 195 better. 160 will cut the lifespan of your engine by 30% or more, clog your exhaust, and make you stink like gasoline.
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Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local
RED & WHITE! |
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#8 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Huntington NY
Posts: 573
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![]() The "ideal" temperature inside the combustion chamber will be the highest temperature attainable without detenation. But the ideal water temp for the 5.0 is around 195, in most cases.
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-1993 Mustang, 900rwhp 03-04 cobra based 4v swap, full Griggs setup, project underway -1994 Ranger w/ 427cid windsor (daily beater) check it out! |
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