what thermostats are you guys running?
08-13-2010, 10:06 AM
#3
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I'd recommend the stock 187°F stat with improved fan settings (via tuning) for any setups that use stock compression and no power adder.
There is a ton of opinion and fact based info on this if you do a search on this site.
There is a ton of opinion and fact based info on this if you do a search on this site.
08-13-2010, 11:15 AM
#4
You really won't gain any power going to a colder t-stat unless you advance timing also. The whole point of it is just to cool down the intake charge to avoid detonation. Oh yeah, you'll also get slightly worse gas mileage.
08-13-2010, 01:08 PM
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Thing is, with an LS1/6 intake, heat soak isn't a significant problem like it can be on older aluminum/iron itakes, nor does any coolant flow though these intakes. So the "advantage" is pretty much negated, and all you're left with is a colder combustion chamber which is not going to help make more power on a stock compression/non-power adder engine.
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08-13-2010, 01:55 PM
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If you hook up a scanner, with stock fan settings you'll see coolant temps ranging from 190°F to as high as 230°F under certain conditions. Anywhere within that 190-230 range, the '99+ gage will show right about 210°. The '98 gage is a little more accurate though.With a stock stat and reprogrammed fan settings, my coolant temps stay in a window of 190°F to 205°F.
08-13-2010, 02:59 PM
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I have gone back to a stock 'stat and an LT1 radiator.
The thermostat has nothing to do with the cooling
performance shortfall on these cars, it's a combination
of poor cooling airflow and a skinny core. Fix the one
with fan settings (and periodic removal of fine debris)
and the other with a better radiator.
"160" stat did nothing for me, and the setup was failing
to hold setpoint in the summer with A/C on. If you can't
back it up, don't pretend.
The thermostat has nothing to do with the cooling
performance shortfall on these cars, it's a combination
of poor cooling airflow and a skinny core. Fix the one
with fan settings (and periodic removal of fine debris)
and the other with a better radiator.
"160" stat did nothing for me, and the setup was failing
to hold setpoint in the summer with A/C on. If you can't
back it up, don't pretend.
08-13-2010, 08:37 PM
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mine stays between 200-210
08-13-2010, 10:12 PM
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