There has been a lot of discussion regarding operating temperature and optimum performance. The trend is to attempt to make these cars run cooler (160*ish) but I think this is based on maximizing performance with the stock ECM tune. Now I've read that a small block chevy makes best power around 200*f. I persume that if this is taken into account then the mixture/spark program can be taylored to suit this operating temperature. I've noticed that BLM's and O2 readings seem to vary with temperature so I'm trying to manage the operating temperature and want to know what other's have learned.

Should I target 185-200*f and tune everything to that temperature range?

 

On a corvette forum there was a 3 year running debate on stats and op temps. take your pick 160 180 195 stats and 160 to 225 opt. tune to what suits you, how, where, you drive, and your car.

 

In GA, most of my cars run comfortably around 180-185. I usually use a 180 thermostat.

 

i don't like the motor too hot, & i really don't like them too cold.
if the motor doesn't get hot enough for long enough, the oil gets dirty real fast. this leads to sludge unless you change the oil often. i've seen too many cars that ran cold that were heavily sludged to even think about running my motor cold. i change my oil about every 3~4000 miles with a 180 T-stat.
i have tuned my car to the 180 temp.

 

Using tbi, non heated intake, I am using a 180 t-stat. I had a 160 in there at first, and trying to tune the VE table was a pita, the blm's seemed to dance around more. When I put the 180 t-stat in it, it seemed to tune easier, and it runs better. Remember, that even from the factory the fueling, with all the adders and what not, is richer at a lower engine operating temp. So You could have a stock chip, and run it 30-40d F cooler, and you are giving it more fuel, and sometimes more timing, because thats what is in the tables for that operating temp. The car seem to run better, and prolly will make more WOT power, just like a carb car likes running at lower engine temps. But you are getting an inefficiant burn, and worst gas mileage.

I dunno, I find my carb cars like to run cooler 160-170, my EFI cars like to run a little hotter, but lower than stock, 180-190,