LT1 NO THERMOSTAT Pros/Cons

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Aug 19, 2009 | 11:59 AM

lncboytre_d

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From: Lancaster, tx

LT1 NO THERMOSTAT Pros/Cons

I have a fresh built 355 Lt1 with the fans set to turn on 180/195. I had originally put my same 160 stat in that I had before it went down and immidiately after I got the car off the jack stands it tried to run hot so I removed the thermostat. Since then I've driven 800 miles without it and my temp stays between 175-195 (highway/intown). Am I hurting my engine driving without it?

Aug 19, 2009 | 12:11 PM

SS RRR

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From: Jackstandican

Are you sure the t-stat you pulled was in good working order? I mean it's pretty easy to test whether or not it opens at its specified heat range...

Aug 19, 2009 | 12:11 PM

shbox

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From: Little Rock, AR

Bad idea. The special, long LT1 thermostat properly routes coolant to the right places when the engine is cold and hot. The water pump has numerouse, complex passages. No thermostat just mixes up all the cool and hot coolant inthe water pump. Efficiency is decreased.

You probably did not get all the air bled out on the initial install. Common issue.

Aug 19, 2009 | 12:21 PM

lncboytre_d

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From: Lancaster, tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by shbox

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS RRR

Are you sure the t-stat you pulled was in good working order? I mean it's pretty easy to test whether or not it opens at its specified heat range...

Damn. So half my engine could be over heating?

Aug 19, 2009 | 02:59 PM

shbox

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It may not overheat, but you are defeating the purpose of how the passages work in the pump.

Aug 19, 2009 | 03:08 PM

lncboytre_d

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From: Lancaster, tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by shbox

It may not overheat, but you are defeating the purpose of how the passages work in the pump.

Ok cool. I'll replace it asap. I rebuilt my entire top end with the help of your page, replaced the tranny and then went back and put a new bottom end in all with the guidence of your web page. B4 then I had no clue as to what to do and where to start. Thanks for all u have done Rob.
Tre
p.s.
Now I'm a master mechanic. LMAO

Aug 19, 2009 | 03:59 PM

fleetmgr

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From: Tulsa, OK

No stat in any engine is a bad idea, regardless of make or model. Chances are it will overheat, and you'll never know. Without the stat, the coolant doesn't stay in contact long enough to remove any heat to speak of, so by the time it shows on the gauge you're already toast.