what should a bone stock camaro be running at temp wise during the summer months. mine never gets above 160 (or the first quarter of the temp guage) and it looks like the stock thermostat but i guess they could look like anything. i think this may be part of my mileage problem. i hope it isnt because i've seen such a large difference in performance when the car is hotter then 160 by even 20 degrees, feels dead and it wont accelerate much at all.

 

That's really low. You must have a different thermostat, I run at about 210* when its fully "warmed up".

 

would that be the key to my mileage by chance?

 

Are you sure your gauge is reading correctly?

Steve

 

Your car being hotter then normal can definetly effect your gas milege, but only like 1-2mpg. No where near where your at.

Bruce (90RS305)

 

Replacing the thermostat is a popular mod. The previous owner may have done that. The best and cheapest way to figure it out is to go and buy a stock thermostat. I think they operated about 195*. If you put that in and it still says your at 160*, then I think you may have a gauge or sensor problem.

 

IMHO; You have good responses, just add if a cooler thermostat replacement did take place without chip adjustment, poor performance can be expected.

 

k ill try that