Muscle/economy Or BOTH ?

[Bunky]

I would have guessed that a bit high for a factory HiPo engine. Would have thought maybe 185 degrees. New engines certainly run a bit warmer than old hot rods. I`ve been wrong before.

I thought most engines run with a 190 F thermostat -- at least every engine I have owned in the last 40 years.

[Ronkh]

Not really sure, but most of the "muscle tunes" suggest a thermostat at about 175

[GearHead_1]

40 years ago they ran 160`s and 180`s. They`ve crept up since then. I think some of the GM"s are 187`s. I haven`t looked and really have no idea what`s available or recommended for a perfomace engine like that one. Gotta go look now.

[Don]

I think it would be pointless to have a water temp gauge stop at the same temp the thermostat is designed for, how would you know that you were overheating until something serious happened then? So it just makes sense that the gauge has a range that goes higher than the thermostat is designed to open at.

[GearHead_1]

I think it would be pointless to have a water temp gauge stop at the same temp the thermostat is designed for, how would you know that you were overheating until something serious happened then? So it just makes sense that the gauge has a range that goes higher than the thermostat is designed to open at.

This was my point in suggesting the Stat was lower than actual temp.

[glen e]

The digital guage on the new vette says 205-210 is normal, running higher that earlier gens due to epa/tune. The analog guage you get is very inaccurate at 215-220. But still normal.

[Don]

The digital guage on the new vette says 205-210 is normal, running higher that earlier gens due to epa/tune. The analog guage you get is very inaccurate at 215-220. But still normal.

Gotta run them hot to help burn off those nasty emissions.

[Bunky]

The digital guage on the new vette says 205-210 is normal, running higher that earlier gens due to epa/tune. The analog guage you get is very inaccurate at 215-220. But still normal.

Does it have a 190 thermostat?

[glen e]

No idea, i just drive the crap outta it and detail it....LOL

[silverfox]

My 325 hp 2011 Camaro gets over 30mpg on open road. Handles better than a V8 model because its balanced better front to back and not nose heavy. I`ve driven both. Is it a muscle car? My 68 327 was only 300 hp, and most would consider that a muscle car.

[Don]

My 325 hp 2011 Camaro gets over 30mpg on open road. Handles better than a V8 model because its balanced better front to back and not nose heavy. I`ve driven both. Is it a muscle car? My 68 327 was only 300 hp, and most would consider that a muscle car.

Compared to yesterday`s muscle cars, yes it is, compared to today`s muscle cars, no it isn`t. Sad to say my 4 cylinder 155 hp Suzuki would beat my 1989 Camaro in the 1/4 mile, but it`s in no way a muscle car.

I would consider your 325 hp Camaro to be a well balanced sports car with more than enough giddyup to get you in trouble

[GearHead_1]

...Handles better than a V8 model because its balanced better front to back and not nose heavy...

Perhaps in some isolated circumstance but by and large I`d take the other side of the debate. The hot Camaros suspensions and brakes are also altered to handle the weight and power the cars produce. Certainlly there is a point of no return when it comes to stuffing a big heavy engine in the front of a mid size car but they haven`t reached it with the LT platform. These engines don`t tip the scales like an Elephant motor.

By today`s standard`s a Mustang, Challanger or Camaro with a V6 in is not a muscle car. Fast? Relitively speaking, perhaps. These just aren`t the ones you buy if you expect the car to carry some inherent value with it through its life span. Ever watch the car auctions like Mechums or the likes? There`s a reason the hotter V8`s carry the price.

[Don]

Perhaps in some isolated circumstance but by and large I`d take the other side of the debate. The hot Camaros suspensions and brakes are also altered to handle the weight and power the cars produce. Certainlly there is a point of no return when it comes to stuffing a big heavy engine in the front of a mid size car but they haven`t reached it with the LT platform. These engines don`t tip the scales like an Elephant motor.

By today`s standard`s a Mustang, Challanger or Camaro with a V6 in is not a muscle car. Fast? Relitively speaking, perhaps. These just aren`t the ones you buy if you expect the car to carry some inherent value with it through its life span. Ever watch the car auctions like Mechums or the likes? There`s a reason the hotter V8`s carry the price.

All true, but the insurance companies aren`t as nasty to the V6s. I could have bought a `83 280zx 5 spd OR the `83 Camaro auto next to it. I WANTED the Z, which was less expensive than the Camaro, BUT the insurance company had it`s way with me and I was financially FORCED to get the Camaro.

[GearHead_1]

Total cost of ownership is an entirely different conversation but I have no doubt is a serious consideration many include when buying a car.

[Don]

Total cost of ownership is an entirely different conversation but I have no doubt is a serious consideration many include when buying a car.

In that case, I`d have to go with cubic inches hands down.