On my 88 IROC L98 block, I installed a 160 degree thermo along with a reprogramed PROM from PROMsForLess. Right now I'm suspicious that my water temperature is to low and I'd never trust the 20 year old factory temp guage.
I'm about ready to install a new 'BE-COOL' radiator; the largest one that will fit-
So my question surrounds the accuracy of these new radiator caps that have a built in temperature guage. Should the water temp at the cap be fairly equal to what the dashboard guage shows??? If not, is there a correct place to install a VDO guage in the actual engine compartment?????

I'm really open to information and feedback with this issue. Thanks a bunch!
NITRO

 

I've done some reading on old posts and if I'm understanding things correctly, if my water temp isn't up to a specific temperature the computer stays in an 'open-loop'???? Plus, in open loop the engine's timing should be dialed way up?

If no-one knows how these new radiator temperature caps work, could someone at least tell me how I can check for the 'alleged open-loop' (I don't have a scanner)??? I can hardly wait for the day that I'm able to install all new guages........... Nitro-Nicky

 

the radiator temp caps do work but they only tell you what the temp of the coolant in the radiator is wich will be a few degrees lower than the engine if the fans are running. best thing to do is get a screw in temp gauge and put it in the water port on the manifold. they will both work but the intake manifold port will give you actual engine temp.

 

The dash water temp gauge is from the head.

Your computer's temp sender is located somewhere in the intake manifold (depending on application). You should check your program to see when your system goes into closed loop. Should be above 120 degrees though.

My digital water temp gauge is plumped into the thermostat housing (this way I know what the temp of the water is leaving the block).