what should an A-12 run at? i'm running at about 80-85 degrees celcius.
and do you think the cooler it runs the better for performance?

many thanks
nicholas

i don't know the temp mine runs at but it doesn't ever go above the middle bar and only ever does if i am in a traffic jam and it's like 35 degrees then it goes up a bit. i suggest something bigger maybe a sunny/ b310 radiator and a thermo fan on the grille side to push air thru it if you have any cooling probs. go to your local wreckers and grab one off a small newer car and a thermo switch so it turns on at a cetain temp the thermo swithches can be purchased at auto part stores fairly cheaply

hope this helps

80 - 85 deg is perfect. Im a big fan of thermostats (not the guage type) even though people reckon they restrict flow, they let the car heat up to the right tep (very important) and then keep it there. both times ive had heat problems its been because of no thermostat.

That's about how hot mine runs too. On very hot days, 30-35C, it might climb to 100C and stay. My car doesn't seem to run right when its too cool.
You should be able to find many posts on this subject. I think we even lost a member over a heated debate on themostats, radiators, and the like.

Nicholas
If cold running engines provided more performance, then manufacturers would forget the thermostat & have the coolant circulating through the radiator unrestricted.

The fuel will only burn in a gaseous state & heat is needed to convert liquid fuel to gas.

Running clearances are optimised at full operating temperature, & the oil is likewise optimised at operating temp.
Overcooling will mess up your motor & your driving pleasure.
If you have overheating problems, then give your engine a propper service & tune up.

Still hot? Check thermostat operation as per the manual.
Still hot? Have the radiator serviced or replaced as necessary, & give the block a propper clean out. If there is a lot of crud in the block, then pull the welch / core / freeze plugs [pick one] & clean it out through the side.
Always REFIT the thermostat & for street use, the winter 'stat is the hotter one & unless you live on the equator, this may prove to give the best driveability. Use the summer 'stat for hot areas & racing.

All of the above assumes no coolant leaks, or head gasket problems.
Chris

buy the sounds of it i think nicholas doesnt actually have a over heating problem so none of that is necessary... still good advice.

Quote:
Hey, speaking of which, where's ddgonzal? He usually replies to any and every tech question.

Quinn
Thanks for your support.

You are probably right, but i suspect that he is feeling out the situation that we know as overcooling. The rest i included just in case he had a heat problem. I couldn't help myself.
Chris