Im still playing around with this and figuring out whats normal and whats not. Today when testing my car the intake temps were about 135 degrees and engine temps kinda jumped around.
After a coolant flush and replacement with 75% distilled water, waterwetter, and 25% coolant, I saw my temps were down to about 195, 197 but spiked a bit to 206. Could be just that the system needs to even out still.

My intake manifold gets hot to the touch and im considering a thermal gasket. With a cold air intake youd think id have lower intake temps.

Do any of you guys know your normal operating temps?

 

I only know mine with the IFR temp reader.........on the t-stat and water pipe on the head.....195~205, around 205 the fans cycle. I consider the difference in how I'm reading temps (metal surface vs actual coolant temp)

 

I have an infrared reader as well that I compare ecu readings to.

I cant find a correlation to when the fans kick on though.

I know the engine has to operate at a certain temp for emissions and to not damage the engine but also keep it cool as to not waste that engine energy in heat form.

Would you consider a lifted hood? Some say it doesnt work, some say it does. Seems like it varies. Most say it looks ugly but I dont care about that. Im think maybe 1/2 washers to space it is all.

Seems like my intake manifold gets hotter than it should. From what I see my temps are too much higher than normal. Im curious though, shouldnt my coolant temp drop when Im on the highway? More air going through the radiator?

 

When was the last time the stat was replaced?

Check the cond, space between the cond and rad for dirt and that.

Since I only have the 95 (OBD-I) as a ref, I can't read the temp with the IFR temp reader going down the road

 

Thermostat was replaced when I had my clutch replaced... three years ago maybe. It was an attempt to fix the heater.

Ive been thinking about checking it. Is there a way I can see if its restricting coolant flow without taking it out?