i have the 04 ss non s/c and all stock. i maintain my car very well (oil/coolant/filters) but my engine runs at like 200 deg. almost all the time. most of my driving is highway...the Kennedy is my commute to work so i do hit a lot of traffic. my main question is do your cars also run that hot or is it abnormal?

 

are you referring to the coolant temp?

 

yeah.

 

The factory thermostat is a 195* t'stat. Many of us run a 180* t'stat, but you will feel the difference come winter. As long as it isn't running more than 200-205*, and your fans are running, everything is fine.

FYI, water boils at 212*, and you get 3*/lb of pressure from a 50/50 mix of antifreeze. So at 15lbs of pressure, that's 45*+212*=257* before things that REALLY letting loose. Your high temp light will go on before that.

 

I have an 04 N/A does the same thing.... So how hard is it to change out thermostat yourself?

 

I run about that too, if your really worried open the windows and crank the heater for a while.

 

very easy, if you can change your oil then you can do it. take out the two 10mm bolts and pop in the new t'stat and gasket. tight down the two screws back in and make sure you not over tight it cause you will crack it. on top of the housing there's a bleeding screw. start up the car and using a flat head screw driver and loose up the screw until coolant ooze out. tight'n the screw in and you're done.

 

x2 on the 180° thermostat.

But running about 200° is normal.

Get yourself and CAI and a lower temp thermostat and you won't be disappointed.