Anyone know what normal oil operating
 

what is the normal oil temp supposed to be ..just installed a VDO oil temp gauge with the oil plug adapter sensor plug from Lindsey racing...I figure there is some sort of variance due to outside temp and driving conditions, but can't seem to find it anywhere...my new gauge reads about 215-220 F after it's been driven and up to operating temp...and that was on a hot phoenix day of about 100 deg...Did a new vac gauge as well and using the Dyno tune O2 sensor which is connected to signal lead on O2 sensor wiring...and the little round button switch turns my red LED lighting on under the dash..COOL!!

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Cruising on the highway i will see about 180-185 with ambient in the 95+ range in my 951. What you are seeing is normal for an n/a i think considering no external oil cooler.

i don't know about the 944, but in a 968, normal operating temp is about 205 - on a hot day as described it can get up to 220 or so in traffic - on the track you can easily see 260

while i have not found it yet, there is an oil temp thermostat on the 968 system - you might have one there too - i have been contemplating playing around with that to see if i can lower the temps just a touch

in a perfect world, it would be above 190, so as to ensure that the atomization temps are above that, which makes for a better burn, and more power - lower only means fuel wash - later model engines set the running temps even higher for better emissions

A friend who also races a 944 NA installed an oil temp guage and was suprised to find temps well over 200 degrees.

I was perusing the workshop manual as I may need to change my oil pressure sensor and happened across "normal operating temperature (80 degree C)," this converts to 176 F.

I think I would consider the 80c a *minimum* operating temperature. Normal range would be above 190 and below about 230 depending on applicatIon. I think the oil people would tell you that extended periods of time operating above 250 will significantly reduce the ability of the oil to protect your engine...

No oil temp thermostat on the NA. Mine reads 180 cruising on the highway in average 80 degree weather. Sitting in traffic on a hot day brings it closer to 210. Lately, some of the cooler days have given 170 cruising on the highway if the speed is slow. Cruising at 75 mph plus with my short 5th, ~3600 rpm, it'll hold more like 190-195. The factory manual specifies 80 deg C oil temp when doing tests dependent on correct operating temp, such as CO adjustment. I haven't been able to drive it hard for long enough to see how high it runs under high performance type conditions yet.

I checked the WSM also and I believe that was just a reference point to give you a starting point on bar values at said temp. The manual claims 4 bar at that temp and also at 5000 RPM.