Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - BBC Thermostat- 160degree or 180 degree?

How do i determine which thermostat to install?
I understand that a 160 degree thermo opens at 160 degrees, but is there an advantage or preference to 160 themo or a 180 thermo for a BBC 454?

thanx for the help.

Usually carb'd engines as a general rule make more power at lower temps, but there are plenty of factors that can determine that outcome. It really depends on what the use of the car is and what climates it will be run in. I haven't run anything wamrer than 160 degree thermo in my Nova since I bought it in 1997, and she still sees street time.

Derek

Thanks Derek, I appreciate the input.

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We all use 160 for anything on the street. At the track we use a washer.

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Depends on your cooling systems ability to cool efficiently. I have a 160 in my 468 but the radiator is a little under sized so it runs at 180-185 on a hot day. Runs at 160 during the winter.