What temp should I be at with the LSJ before a drag race? I forgot to turn on my second fan and was running 220. Usually it stays 180-190 but it ran good at the higher temp. Just wondering if this engine likes the heat or if it was just a fluke. I also see 160 thermostats for sale. Is that too cold?

 

180-185. All depends on your location to. Being supercharged and creating extra heat as it is, it would be in your best interest to keep her cool.

My car ran 181 from the factory day in and day out. After the ported head, it now consistently runs at 176.

Dyno tested the past two years at 176 operating temp and made the same hp each time.

 

The benifits of head porting never seem to end. Is there a go to guy for the LSJ head or should I find a local Arizona guy? What is the deal on running a short water pump chain that bypasses the balance shafts gears? My engine is oriented with that chain at the very back of the chassis. I've moved every ounce I can forword in the chassis and would jump thru hoops to ditch a pound off of that rotating pendulum.

 

Indeed, there is a member on here who does great work on porting lsj heads (lsjion).