Low temp thermostat

[rr]

For some reason I feel like I'm in a hornets nest, but this has been
discussed before. Here is a quote from: The Chevrolet Racing Engine,
by Bill Jenkins, 1976, p17. (please read several times)

"Overall temperature control is important because heat means
horsepower. In our drag engines we like to see a water temp
of about 180 to 190 F and preferably the temp will be fairly
stable or equal around all the cylinders. At the time we launch
the car is is absolutely essential to build heat in the cylinders as
rapidly as possible. Naturally, you have to avoid boiling and
we believe that 200 to 205 F is about the peak temperature
point when leaving the starting line. This is with an all-iron
engine. If the engine material is alloy aluminum in the heads
or block the optimum temperature range is around 225 F.
The increase is necessary to compensate for the very rapid
dissipation of aluminum."

BobR.

Apologies in advance to Bruce for using his post. . .

CSH-HQ wrote:

> Funny how agreement goes.
> OK, all the NASCAR teams are wrong.
> BTW, I have tried to optimize fuel and spark curves so the following
> statemnt is wrong since you used the word all,
> OK, my next comment will be about GMECM, this is flat getting ridiculous.
> Grumpy
>
> >
> > All of us who have tried to optimize fuel and spark curves have learned that
> >cooler water temps allow you to run more aggressive spark advance, thereby
> >making more power... it's a simple function of cylinder head temperatures,
> >which dictate which temperature is optimal for combustion without overheating
> >the mixture.  From the factory, combustion temps are kept higher than optimum
> >for power and use a conservative spark curve, because this way they can ensure
> >a more complete burn, at the cost of power.  Remember the old trick for passing
> >emissions by retarding timing?  Increasing combustion temps achieves the same
> >effect, up to a point.  Good for the environment, not necessarily good for
> >power.
> > Daniel