2002Z28Camaro

iTrader: (2)

I bought a 160 t-stat, after i bought i have read nothing but bad things about useing a 160 t-stat for DD so i havent put it in, let me tell you about what i use my car for i drive 10 miles to and then from work everyday, just got into drag raceing thats what made me buy this, and i use my car for every place i go

2002Z28Camaro

iTrader: (2)

so is it to low?

delsold

iTrader: (7)

I've had one since I bought my car in 2006. No problems at all, and it was daily driven. Now that i don't daily drive it **** seems to break though haha

cals400ex

iTrader: (27)

i wouldn't recommend it. ls1's specifically run better between 180 and 210. of course there is some exceptions. forced induction tends to be one of them.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I wouldn't use it either, no performance gain to be had and 160 will deteriorate the motor internals if the oil is too cool.

2002Z28Camaro

iTrader: (2)

so a 180 or just keep it stock

cals400ex

iTrader: (27)

the stock one is right around 180. it is only a hair above.

chrs1313

iTrader: (24)

nope stock one is 196ish

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

Never heard of 160 stats being bad, good to know. I guess I should take mine off

2002Z28Camaro

iTrader: (2)

well the stock replacement is 195f so i would say no, so should i get a 180 its mainly for when i go to the drag strip i dont want it to get a lil hot when im running back to back sometimes

2002Z28Camaro

iTrader: (2)

yeah lol i guess i should've read before i bought mine

Raffman

iTrader: (8)

A 160 degree t-stat only means it opens at that temp, the actual running temp will be higher. I have a 160 with adj e-fans and run a consistant 180

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

You do know you can modify the stock one to open at any temp you want don't you? Its an old mod not many do anymore. Here's a link: Link

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

I have been running a 160* for 6 years. It opens at 160 but the engine operating temp is between 185 to 190. A 160 is fine.

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

Yeah, what's bad about a 160 stat if you have your fans re-programmed to come on at something higher?

84ls1_transam

iTrader: (11)

A 160 is fine. I've had one in my car for 3 years. Like they said, your t-stat will open at 160, but temp will be about 180. And your oil will not be too cool if your car was at 160. I think you just made that up. I think stock t-stat is too hot. 160 all the way.

john563

iTrader: (17)

160 stat in mine for 3+years and is fine

cals400ex

iTrader: (27)

well i have been told the stock thermostat was in the low to mid 180's range. i could be wrong though...

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

There is someone on Corvetteforum by the name of "Evil-twin", who is retired from GM but worked on the Corvette cooling system. Perhaps rather then accusing me of "making it up" you should educate yourself on the testing GM did with lower engine temps and the resulting engine damage (some within 10 K miles) that occurred once the temp started dipping below 180 and oil temps were not over 200. You can run your car at any temp you please, but the advice I gave the OP is sound and based on GM test results. What long term testing have you done with your lower thermostat? Have you done any oil analysis to back up your claim that 160 is OK?

The OP (or anyone else) has the ability to tweak the thermostat and keep the motor within a good temperature range with a simple shim, which cost less than $1. That is what most aftermarket thermostats do and most are not tested for opening temperature. So unless you test the ones being sold you really don't know what you have.

Syclone354

iTrader: (6)

Ive found the ls style engines run much tighter tolerances than an old style small block. I was suprised what some of the limits were while assembling my bottom end. I could see it being a problem if its running too cold, tolerances get tight and it takes much less for a bearing to seize.

Besides that fact, your gas mileage will reduce significantly using a colder tstat if your computer isnt set up to run that colder temp. Your computer probably doesnt get into closed loop operation till a hotter temp.