Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Which thermostat?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-09-2006, 12:32 PM
  #1  
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Payton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Which thermostat?

I did a search and did not come up with anything. What degree thermostat do I need to run. Head/cam (around 450 rwhp) LS1 in a 69 Camaro. 180 or 160?

Thanks for your help!
Old 10-09-2006, 12:51 PM
  #2  
TECH Fanatic
 
CAMAROZ28AQUINO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: North Bay, Ontario
Posts: 1,180
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

160 Stat
Old 10-09-2006, 01:00 PM
  #3  
Launching!
iTrader: (3)
 
1slow98Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

i have a 160 Slp stat in mine it it balely gets over 160 and i drove the car over 100 miles it works good
Old 10-09-2006, 09:56 PM
  #4  
Launching!
 
JEB Garner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Burlington, NC
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

A 160
Old 10-10-2006, 12:17 AM
  #5  
On The Tree
 
Waveridr85's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I heard that the lwoer stats are bad for the cars because they do not allow for the oil to heat up properly thus not allowing for the moisture that gets into the oil to evaportate and prevent sludge
Old 10-10-2006, 12:21 AM
  #6  
Tech Resident
 
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Philly
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

most people blindly yell out 160* with no idea why. in most cases in today's engines, it's a bad idea to run lower temperature thermostats as they are engineered to run hotter. what is my answer to you? well, it depends on your situation.

do you have stock compression? if your compression is raised, use a 160* thermostat so you can combat knock and run better on 93 octane.

if your compression is stock, run either a stock 186* thermostat or an aftermarket 180* thermostat. LS1's were designed to run hot and the warmer thermostat is better for engine cleanliness, overall engine life and effiency.

i'm not sure how hardcore your setup is, but if you're gonna run any kind of forced induction or high compression ratios, go 160*. other than that, stock or 180* for sure.
Old 10-10-2006, 07:27 AM
  #7  
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Payton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Thanks for the reply guys

I had my TEA 5.3 stage 1.5 shaved. With the diamond pistons I should be looking at 11.3 on the compression. Running a 230-230 .597 lift 110 lsa ground 0. Fast 90 with a custom step header and 3 inch duals all the way back with no cats.

So if I read it right with the higher compression go with the 160.

Thanks
Old 10-10-2006, 07:53 AM
  #8  
ЯєŧąяĐ Єl¡m¡иąŧøя ™
iTrader: (18)
 
orangeapeel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Justin, TX
Posts: 16,083
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

I have 10.9:1 and run a stocker. Operating temps are optimal between 195-210°. I think that you could probably be ok with the 160° but You might try the 180° as well and see which one is going to work the best. I am sure that there is one that will be a significant difference over the other.

Nice post Choc!
Old 10-10-2006, 11:44 AM
  #9  
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Payton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default I may go with the 180 and see

I have a Ron Davis radiator with twin fans on it so cooling is not going to be a problem once the fluid starts moving
Old 10-10-2006, 02:20 PM
  #10  
Tech Resident
 
ChocoTaco369's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Philly
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by orangeapeel
I have 10.9:1 and run a stocker. Operating temps are optimal between 195-210°. I think that you could probably be ok with the 160° but You might try the 180° as well and see which one is going to work the best. I am sure that there is one that will be a significant difference over the other.

Nice post Choc!
thanks contrary to your user title, you definitely are cool




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:23 AM.