Temp range?

[bigrick21]

Have noted that my new SRT8 often reaches about 238 degrees (digital), especially when about 95 outside. Is this unusually hot coolant temp?
The analog gauge shows more like 225, with top overheat red mark about 260 on the analog gauge. My Caddilac usually ran about 212, so 238 seems too hot.

Probably average temp for my SRT8 is 225, but moves up during slower traffic and hot afternoon. Anyone else notice this? Dont want it to get to the 260 mark on the analog gauge.

[Jimmy]

I opened my 5.7 hemi on a hot day and the temp ran up to 228. 220 seems normal for the hemi.

[bigrick21]

Originally Posted by Jimmy

I opened my 5.7 hemi on a hot day and the temp ran up to 228. 220 seems normal for the hemi.

Thanks for the input Jimmy. Had owned Caddilacs the past 15 years. When I saw the 300 last year was ready to buy. As much leg room as the old caddy. But when I heard about SRT8 version, I waited. Only downside was I really wanted the cool vanilla (but I like my silver) and about 10 K more. But I have not enjoyed a car more since the mid 70 's when I had an L88 transplanted into a 67 Chevelle. This ride is luxury and power, I love it!

Thanks again,

Richard

[QuikSilver]

Originally Posted by bigrick21

Have noted that my new SRT8 often reaches about 238 degrees (digital), especially when about 95 outside. Is this unusually hot coolant temp?
The analog gauge shows more like 225, with top overheat red mark about 260 on the analog gauge. My Caddilac usually ran about 212, so 238 seems too hot.

Probably average temp for my SRT8 is 225, but moves up during slower traffic and hot afternoon. Anyone else notice this? Dont want it to get to the 260 mark on the analog gauge.

Mine is the same way - I've studied a little bit the cooling set-up. Even though the grill is a huge area, there is a large portion of it blocked by the bumper. The true area of air flowing thru the radiator is actually on the small side. Combined with this factor, the radiator sits a little low and much of the radiator is directly in behind the bumper. Hence the air flow "efficiency" is not the greatest on the SRT8 which I believe is why they run on the hot side.
I'm going to investigate different avenues to cool better , as I feel we're losing performance @ 230 degree temps!!!