My 4.5 V8 stays down around 70 to 80 - that's the way I got it, but I don't know if its a standard setting or the result of manipulation by its previous owner (a Benneton mechanic). A phone call to JE Engineering (who upgraded the engine) should be quite informative (T: +44 (0)24 76 305018).

It used to be said that the cooler temperatures were better for performance cars (vague memories from Dave Vizard and other writers) - certainly inhaling cool air is better for power, but there are a lot of different demands in domestic cars - for example the heater must be good for very low temperatures, and the throttle must not ice up and stay open (oops!). The oil must get hot enough to drive off any condensation - etc. So while it is complicated, I suspect most production cars have the temperature set a bit higher than a race car. Also 'in days of old' there were such things as summer and winter thermostats - and the winter one was hotter.

Steve


There's a lot of talk these days about green transport. Well, I am ahead of the game, I already have green transport ... British racing green.