Summer Heat Concerns

I read the guide on gutting your airbox, so I did that, and placed an order on a k&n air filter. I drove around the block just to see if the change made a difference at all, and when I got home, I popped my hood and i don't know if it's normal, but my engine feels like it runs really hot, but my temp. gauge reads that it's at a normal temperature. Do your guys' 3800's run hot? Or is it a possibility that my temp. gauge is broke, and I am running hot?

Take the engine cover off, and remove that foam rubber seal that runs the width of the hood below the windshield. That will help somewhat.

It's unlikely that your gauge is broken if the needle is moving when it cools/warms. Often the actual temperature of the parts under the hood are far greater than the temp of the coolant, which is normal. Coolant should be right around 200 F during normal driving, 205-210 F on a hot day while idling.

Another thing you can do, which we recommend, is changing to a 180 F thermostat. More on that here:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/Series-II-3800-Supercharged-c2/Series-II-FAQ-f19/Should-I-replace-my-OEM-thermostat-t27.htm

Temp gauge may be messed up. Mine ran hot when I first got it. The exhaust manifolds would glow red they were so hot! I think the problem was the EGR valve (if memory serves). Anyhow, it may just be your thermostat. If you replace it, go with a 180 degree stat. What is it doing for you to believe that it's hotter than it should be?

Thank goodness for iron blocks/heads.

heh well just that plastic engine cover is hot to the point that i can't even touch it, just seems hotter then it should be, like i'll get home, go inside, and can come out maybe an hour-2 later and still be able to feel the heat through my hood

Yeah, it was wild. I did crack the rear manifold it got so hot.

I'd say check your fluid levels and change the stat. Add a bottle of "water wetter" when you change the stat too.

Good deal, i've never changed one lol, any suggestions :/

Well, do it when the engine is cool.

You might want to change the upper radiator hose while you're at it. If you want, PM me your email address and I'll scan a page from my manual tomorrow at work and email it to you.

heh, any guides or anything? i'm clueless on it

I'm on www.3800performance.com and I think i'm gonna order the thermostat, have any of you heard of SLP performance parts, that's who makes the thermostat, and go with a 180 degree?

SLP supplies them, but may not actually manufacture. They are a reputable co., so it's going to be good product.. Most t-stats are very similar unless you use a specialty type like Cobra Valley's. I use a $5 one from AutoZone... also have a $15 from INTENSE racing stat. Both work well.

Get the 180. You'll see a 15-20 F drop in coolant temps.

i went with a napa 180* and it was like $9. easy to change if your decent under the hood. opening up the intake will not make your car run hotter.
keep in mind, it has been warmer these past few days down here.

I'll probably do it tomorrow, i've just never changed one before, tools list, tips on changing it?

wrench, extender, towels, water+coolant, screw driver in case the old one is a little stuck.
do it when the car is completly cold and if you dont want a mess drain the radiator and park on a hill. (nose up)
you are going to loose some coolant no matter what. use the new gasket that comes with the t-stat and dont install it backwards
also make sure ALL of the old gasket is scraped off (add razor to the list) or else you will leak coolant.
thats it, good luck!

AA wrote:

SLP supplies them, but may not actually manufacture. They are a reputable co., so it's going to be good product.. Most t-stats are very similar unless you use a specialty type like Cobra Valley's. I use a $5 one from AutoZone... also have a $15 from INTENSE racing stat. Both work well.

Get the 180. You'll see a 15-20 F drop in coolant temps.

I got the intense 180 and I am happy. It isnt drilled but when open it looked bigger like it could allow for more flow.

The INTENSE unit does flow well, imo. I've never been an advocate for drilling. Some do it. I don't really see the point...

RhinoFLA wrote:

I read the guide on gutting your airbox, so I did that, and placed an order on a k&n air filter. I drove around the block just to see if the change made a difference at all, and when I got home, I popped my hood and i don't know if it's normal, but my engine feels like it runs really hot, but my temp. gauge reads that it's at a normal temperature. Do your guys' 3800's run hot? Or is it a possibility that my temp. gauge is broke, and I am running hot?

Have you ever opened your hood right after driving before? It could be that you've just never opened it while hot. You've got the exhaust crossover right under the intake where you were working and it tends to get warm up under the hood.

well it wasn't while i was working on it, it was after I took it around the block, but this isn't even the first time that i've noticed it

Did you get it in yet?

Make sure you install the stat in the right direction. I believe, it will fit both ways.

Because the riv guage has actual numbers on it, you should see a drop to 180-185 with the 180 stat. I have used the pep boys Stant premium Tstat.

I didn't head up to autozone yet, I got home and popped my hood, then I hear this guy go "what's the problem, you've been working on that thing all day" *(i live in an apartment complex) and it was the owner.. he shits a brick if you even pop your hood, the most he'll let you do is check your oil lol.... so i'll probably go pick it up then head to a friends house soon

Wow, I'd move, lol... and tell him why!

yea, i've changed at least 20 cars oil in front of my apartment. replaced hoses, water pumps, belts, pullies. everyone knows me and its a great way to meet girls... "oh, my car wont start, hehe, can you help me?"

Mr.Riviera wrote:

yea, i've changed at least 20 cars oil in front of my apartment. replaced hoses, water pumps, belts, pullies. everyone knows me and its a great way to meet girls... "oh, my car wont start, hehe, can you help me?"

have u changed ur own water pump in ur rivi

yes, and one in a friends maxima (PITA)
on the maxima you have to remove half the freaking engine and the timing chain just to get to the pump it was an all day adventure. tuning the harmonic balancer over by hand to loosen the timing chain to release the gear on the pump all with minimal tools in the parking lot of a complex. but we did it for $300 (pump, hoses, t-stat, and radiator) the dealer said it was going to run $1200+