~180 is ideal operating temperature. Most thermostatic plates and oil thermostats open up around this temperature. ~240 is considered maximum "safe" temperature. Any higher than that and I would consider investing in an oil cooler. I think 260 is when limp mode kicks in on our cars.
I wouldn't recommend driving hard if your car isn't near the ~180 range. Even with a small oil cooler and a thermostatic plate, it will be difficult to fully get up to operating temperature on cold days/nights.
Last edited by SE; 05-23-2010 at 04:13 PM.
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