DadsZ28

iTrader: (1)

180 thermostat worth it or not ? I have my fans reprogramed to come on at lower temp. my buddy has one that he wants me to try but i dont think its necessary. What do you think ? Thanx.

2001NBMZ28

Mine came with a 180 according to the manual, but was stamped 86C...

oange ss

iTrader: (50)

i dont think the factory 180 t-stat started until the 01 production year, so his should have a 195 in it

JEB Garner

Change the 180 thermostat for s 160 thermostat.I find that the cooler running engine runs better.

GET_SOM

let me get this right... '01-'02 came with 180* stats?

2001NBMZ28

That's what my owners manual says, but was stamped 86*C (186.8?).

ZROCWS6

iTrader: (3)

With a EFI car you want the higher temp for better fuel burn.

oange ss

iTrader: (50)

180 is the start open temp, full open by 186

LSGunZ28

iTrader: (8)

yeah , the 160 thermostat is a gimmick.

optimum coolant temp is 200 - 210 am I correct? I mean combustion chamber temps will always be way hotter, but the coolant temp too cold can interfere with that?

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

that is not true. You run cool, you lose power. You want a cool intake temp. The block needs to have heat to operate properly. Plus a 160° is gonna actually read around 175-185.

1QUIKTA

iTrader: (1)

I have a 99 Trans Am and I am installing a new water pump now. My T-stat says 86C as well. Is this a 180-186F thermostat?

lsx24

iTrader: (45)

This is true, the actual temp the car runs at will be higher. Mine with the 160* stat ran at a consistant 175* all the time...regardless of outside temp.

I don't think it's been proven that ls1s work better when hotter, in fact from what I have seen on a dyno the opposite is true: the cooler running the engine (relatively speaking) the more power it rolls on the dyno, but I don't think there is data either way which is better.

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

My "160" cracks about 177F. My stocker was 194F.
The "180" is the real waste of money. Unless you
are forced induction or really high CR I say stick with
the stocker and just get the fans under control.