Engine Operating Temp - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

LilyAnna · 05-06-2020, 09:58 PM

Asking to educate myself... No overheating issues.

What is the normal operating temperature for an LFX engine? I've had the car for about 5 months now and I've looked here and there but I can't find a straight answer as to what the operating temp should be?

Also, how does that temperature translate to visuals? I mean how does that look in the gauge? Straight in the middle or leaning towards left or right?

Thanks!

gunchamp · 05-06-2020, 11:01 PM

Straight in the middle of a factory 5th gen seems about where the factory setup rides. Mishimoto rad and 170 thermo and its far left of center on my build

mikeman · 05-06-2020, 11:15 PM

I'd go by the digital readout in the DIC.

ariZona28 · 05-07-2020, 03:16 AM

These are my displays on my '15 2LS LFX V6 auto trans, all stock no mods. Ran for approx 20 min, 70 mph with A/C on. Coolant temp gauge on speedo approximately 1/3 position. DIC display 185 degrees F. Oil temp 198 degrees F. Ambient temp was 92 degrees F. These are what I consider "normal" op temps. I have seen oil temps get up to about 210 or so in the middle of summer but nothing alarmingly excessive.

Tony Camaro · 05-07-2020, 07:30 AM

I've always noticed the temp gauge needle is in the middle between the center line and the small line on the cold side. Don't know the actual number but as long as it's between 195 and 220 then you're good.

ElderJ · 05-07-2020, 09:36 AM

I have a 2014 V6 auto (LFX), and my gauge and temps are almost identical to Arizona's. I don't monitor the numeric readout all that often, but I do notice that the needle on my gauge hardly ever (if ever) has exceeded the halfway point between the quarter line and the halfway line.

I don't check my coolant level as much, either, due to the engine never getting too hot. Maybe once a month I guess? As long as my block temp is being regulated, what do I care.

wasthatacop? · 05-08-2020, 10:23 AM

Mine averages 192-210

mikeman · 05-08-2020, 06:32 PM

The V6 seems to run cooler for some reason.

InFiD3ViL · 05-08-2020, 10:05 PM

I wish the early cars had a DIC like Arizona's car. We get coolant temp on one screen right in the middle, no bars or anything. Also, no oil temp or pressure on the DIC.

Tony Camaro · 05-09-2020, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeman

The V6 seems to run cooler for some reason.

I heard V6 engines run cooler than V8s because they have a couple less cylinders which don't generate as much heat.

mikeman · 05-09-2020, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Camaro

I heard V6 engines run cooler than V8s because they have a couple less cylinders which don't generate as much heat.

Yeah, I guess that makes sense.

LilyAnna · 05-14-2020, 12:16 PM

Thanks everyone! First time owner here, wanted to check what your avg temps are.

My ‘13 LFX agrees with y’all, somewhere in the middle between the cool quarter and the center line.

05-06-2020, 09:58 PM	#1
LilyAnna Drives: 2013 Camaro LFX 2LT Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Sunny Mexico Posts: 64	Engine Operating Temp Asking to educate myself... No overheating issues. What is the normal operating temperature for an LFX engine? I've had the car for about 5 months now and I've looked here and there but I can't find a straight answer as to what the operating temp should be? Also, how does that temperature translate to visuals? I mean how does that look in the gauge? Straight in the middle or leaning towards left or right? Thanks!

05-06-2020, 11:01 PM	#2
gunchamp Drives: 15 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Mountains of central PA Posts: 1,442	Straight in the middle of a factory 5th gen seems about where the factory setup rides. Mishimoto rad and 170 thermo and its far left of center on my build __________________ 15 Camaro SS- GPI max top end, ESS Vortech V3 9psi, ID 1050s, ZL1 pump, JMS bap, Long tubes, Corsa extreme, Circle D pro 5C, 391 rear, DSS carbon drive shaft, poly cradle bushings, tuned by Ted Jannetty and much much more

05-07-2020, 03:16 AM	#4
ariZona28 Give speed a chance Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 2,234	These are my displays on my '15 2LS LFX V6 auto trans, all stock no mods. Ran for approx 20 min, 70 mph with A/C on. Coolant temp gauge on speedo approximately 1/3 position. DIC display 185 degrees F. Oil temp 198 degrees F. Ambient temp was 92 degrees F. These are what I consider "normal" op temps. I have seen oil temps get up to about 210 or so in the middle of summer but nothing alarmingly excessive. Attached Images __________________ 2LS: a TREMENDOUS machine. Z/28: it's a BIT MORE POWERFUL, of course.

05-08-2020, 10:23 AM	#7
wasthatacop? Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 360 View My Garage	Mine averages 192-210 __________________ 2010 2SS living in Los Angeles replaced engine @ 93,000 miles w/ crate engine, camshaft by Comp Cams installed by me, replaced valve train parts, 1.4" BMR lowering springs ZL1 factory rims misc: drilled and slotted rotors, fresh air brake cooling system, new speakers, installed reverse camera, muffler delete

05-08-2020, 10:05 PM	#9
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,575	I wish the early cars had a DIC like Arizona's car. We get coolant temp on one screen right in the middle, no bars or anything. Also, no oil temp or pressure on the DIC. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

05-06-2020, 11:15 PM	#3
mikeman Banned Drives: 2015 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: My Garage Posts: 1,125	I'd go by the digital readout in the DIC.

05-07-2020, 07:30 AM	#5
Tony Camaro Drives: 2013 1LS Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: U.S. Posts: 70	I've always noticed the temp gauge needle is in the middle between the center line and the small line on the cold side. Don't know the actual number but as long as it's between 195 and 220 then you're good.

05-07-2020, 09:36 AM	#6
ElderJ Drives: 2014 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Central Florida Posts: 372	I have a 2014 V6 auto (LFX), and my gauge and temps are almost identical to Arizona's. I don't monitor the numeric readout all that often, but I do notice that the needle on my gauge hardly ever (if ever) has exceeded the halfway point between the quarter line and the halfway line. I don't check my coolant level as much, either, due to the engine never getting too hot. Maybe once a month I guess? As long as my block temp is being regulated, what do I care.

05-08-2020, 06:32 PM	#8
mikeman Banned Drives: 2015 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: My Garage Posts: 1,125	The V6 seems to run cooler for some reason.

05-14-2020, 12:16 PM	#12
LilyAnna Drives: 2013 Camaro LFX 2LT Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Sunny Mexico Posts: 64	Thanks everyone! First time owner here, wanted to check what your avg temps are. My ‘13 LFX agrees with y’all, somewhere in the middle between the cool quarter and the center line.