Noob questions from a semi-experienced DSMer

[95fwdtsi18psi]

Hey guys, as the title says I have a few questions that I probably should know. I just haven't really thought about these, but with recent problems, these will come in handy. So here goes.

1) What should my driving/idleing voltage be? I have it tapped into the dimmer along with the other gauges in my gauge pod. It stays steady at 12-13 depending on how steady the RPMs are.

2) What is a good driving/ideling temp? I recently had a hose pop off and it drained all of my coolant and it ran hot for about 3-5 minutes. I filled it with mostly distilled water and a bit of anti-freeze that I had on hand. It runs 170-180 on the highway and close to 200 in town and idleing.

3) What kind of MPG while highway driving should I expect, if I stay steady at 80mph/3500rpm's? I'm getting 19-23ish I've calculated.

Thanks guys!!!!!

 

[i_nick_2005_i]

I'm steady at 14V with a brand new alternator. That's the only question I can answer. Your voltage seems low. Although a voltage checker ran through the gauges may not be accurate. I find the cigarette lighter is a pretty accurate reading. Not to mention if your battery light and brake light aren't lit up, even barely, I'd say you are fine.

 

[abaum565]

your idling temp depends on what thermostat you have installed. If it's stock your temps sound about right.

MPG is hard to compare on cars that are modified, everyones different.

 

[95fwdtsi18psi]

Yeah, my ABS light is on, but I lock up the brakes if I slam it, so the system is broken. The car seems to run great electrically now, so maybe you are right about a bad source being on the dimmer with other gauges.

It's a stock Tstat, and I figured they are okay.

My mods are light, I was just seeing if that is a generally good area to have for mpg.

 

[i_nick_2005_i]

Try 70 MPH ; )

 

[95fwdtsi18psi]

Try 70 MPH ; )

Yeah yeah