1988 GTA Overheating Options

[Geo]

Hi all, I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA, 305 TPI 5speed and wanted to get the Hypertech Chip 128852, the 160deg Powerstat and the Cool Fan Switch #4026 for 160deg. However, I hear that the Cool Fan Switch is discontinued ?? TPIS has a Cooling Fan Switch for 160deg BUT the website says it's NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. Hawks Motorsports has one that turns the fan ON @ 185degF and OFF @ 165degF..... will this work as an alternative??? There aren't many options??? I don't drive my car in the winter, not even in the rain so not that worried about getting a lot of heat. I'd just like to have it run cooler because they all run hot stock. Thanks !

[Geo]

Originally Posted by Geo

Hi all, I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA, 305 TPI 5speed and wanted to get the Hypertech Chip 128852, the 160deg Powerstat and the Cool Fan Switch #4026 for 160deg. However, I hear that the Cool Fan Switch is discontinued ?? TPIS has a Cooling Fan Switch for 160deg BUT the website says it's NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. Hawks Motorsports has one that turns the fan ON @ 185degF and OFF @ 165degF..... will this work as an alternative??? There aren't many options??? I don't drive my car in the winter, not even in the rain so not that worried about getting a lot of heat. I'd just like to have it run cooler because they all run hot stock. Thanks !

After some research my options are a JET 60600 On@195DegF Off @185degF. Hawks HT-4028 On @185deg F Off @165degF and Hypertech 4028 On @200degF Off at 185degF. 160F & 180F Thermostats still available.

[DynoDave]

I'd go with a 180* stat, and either the JET 60600 or Hawks 4028 (I think I'd lean toward the JET piece). But opinions on this will be like belly buttons...everyone has one.

[Hotrodp38]

Check around online ,I believe advanced auto has a custom setup where you can set where it comes on and off..jegs may have it as well

[vornhamm]

I purchased a 1966 Chevy C20 truck and learned that the previous owner took the motor out of a 1988 Trans AM and put into a 1966 Chevy C20 truck and now the radiator is overheating. What is the normal temperature on that engine (350). Would an air dam help. Does the air dam bring the air or block the air.

[coconutbob]

I'd also love to hear the answers for your questions @vornhamm. If anyone could provide them that would be great, thank you!

[DynoDave]

Well, in a GTA, you would see "normal" temps between 180* and 230*. The 350 cars would have had twin electric fans, and they come at at two different temps, based on sensor input.

The air dam, while essential on a GTA (it has no grille, all air has to be forced in via the air dam from underneath), it should not be needed for cooling on a '66 Chevy pickup with it generously sized grill in front of the radiator.

As discussed earlier in this thread, there are aftermarket thermostats that allow for a cooler running engine, when pared with fan switches that can take advantage of that thermostat around town.