My '87 T/A is always running at 220 degrees, is that alright? I've got a rebuilt radiator, 160 degree thermostat, new hoses and it still burns up my shins!

HELP!

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It's all fun and games 'till someone looses an eye....then it's fun you can't see!!
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1987 Pontiac Trans Am
-305 cid motor
-700-R4 Transmission
-K&N Air Filter
-Flowmaster 40 series
Muffler
-Yokohama Tires
-GTA Rims
-3" Exhaust Tips
-180 degree Thermostat
-2.73 Posi Rear End
-JVC Head Unit w/ Kicker subs!
-And a COOL LOOKING Flowmaster sticker on the dash!
WOO-HOO!!
*Long live the F-Body!*

 

Thats typical, the fan doesnt turn on until the 230 degree area so it normally runs at 220. IMO thats too hot for the tranny fluid, so I would check the tech articles on this site on how to install a fan switch so the fan/s come on at a lower temp. 160 is on the cold side, 170-180 is more ideal.

 

The ideal temperature is 220, as long as it doesn't go too far over. So when people build engines, they try to make them run at 210, so they have a little "give".

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'82 Firebird, dead stock, 9 bolt disc rear, over 200,000 miles and still going strong, more to come...
http://www.spinfrenzy.com/stingerssx...easures.html#4

 

The fan turn on temp is 228° but that's far from ideal. GM did this as a "cost effective" way to reduce emissions. It does however cause premature failure of parts, loss of power, and limited A/C use in really hot areas.

It would be a good idea, as mentioned above, to check all tech articles on cooling down your engine. The 160 stat alone isn't enough.