HrdRockA4305

Ok, this is just a question I'm asking because I'd like to know, I don't plan on running an LO3 to RPMs where this probably even matters much. But I've been hearing talk about how running high RMPs on a cold engine is a bad thing, at it makes sense. Heck i even saw a BMW of car n driver TV or something like that where the redline on the tach actually moved according to engine temp, how smooth is that? But, I was just wondering, what roughly is a "safe" temp to run the car hard at? (Not overheating, Duh!) I'm sure it varies from engine to engine, especially if aluminum gets involved. Its not like I'll proabby have time to ever let my engine cool down to whatever the ambient temp at the track is, I guess where this is really going is whats a good temp to let the car cool to before racing, and is there a such thing as too cool? (Hence the cold engine overrev question) My guess is around the 120-150 degree range, but yes yes i know the colder AIR that comes in the better. I just mean engine temp as it reads on the dash. Thanks! Lets hope this dosen't turn into a philosophy war!

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88 Camaro (The mighty LO3 SC!)
305TBI/700R4/2.73/123,XXX miles
14" Open Element and Flowmaster 80 seires

Next up: headers and gears

breathment

to me its not so much temp of engine as it is oil pressure, id rather wait till the pressure drops so the oil can do its job.

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88' GTA 350 MODS---> air foil, K&N, Shift Kit, 180* therm, TB bypass

AlkyIROC

I know a lot of racers who won't even move their cars until the temp gets to 140.

As for cooling it, when you're ready to go down the track then temp should be no less than 160. Any colder and you risk the chance of condensation getting into the oil. The engine needs at least that much heat to help burn off deposits. You can cool it down as much as you want. By the time you get through staging lanes and the water box, the engine should be warm enough to run with no problems.

That's one of the biggest problems with alcohol cars, They stay idling through the staging lanes then do a burnout. If they're lucky, the engine will be up to 160 when they stage. Alcohol mixtures are so high that it actually cools the engine down to below operating temperatures.

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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block

Best ET on a time slip: 11.242 altitude corrected to 10.89
Best MPH on a time slip: 121.52 altitude corrected to 125.89
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP: 497.9
Best 60 foot: 1.546

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley