inssanity21

iTrader: (16)

I was just cruising the internet like normal looking at parts. I have seen the 160* stat multiple times but ive never thought about it. after a few minutes of thinking i have come to the conclusion it is a waste of money. correct me if i wrong but the only thing that it would do is make it take longer to warm up to operating temp. i dont see how it would help the engine run cooler during operation. i see that it will be cooler for all of the 10 min max that it would take for the engine to warm up but it doesn't lower the operating temp at all?
right or wrong?

dutinsss

iTrader: (2)

if you got your fans tuned to turn on at lower temps to match the thermostat then the regular operating temp would be lower than stock.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

The thermostat only regulates minimum temperature, post warm-up. Max temp will be determined by several factors, including fan settings, cooling system condition and capacity, engine operating parameters, and outside air temp.

Personally, I would not want a 160 stat in an NA LS1. Coolant temps in the 190-205° range seem to produce ideal results.

inssanity21

iTrader: (16)

so its pretty much pointless

dutinsss

iTrader: (2)

but if your fans' settings are changed to match your thermostat, won't it decrease the max temp? i agree with you though, i think too many people just assume the cooler the better when that's not exactly the case.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Yes, assuming that your cooling system has the proper capacity and condition to keep the engine at a cooler temp for a given set of parameters (outside temp, engine specifications). But the factor that is then regulating your max temp is still not the thermostat, but rather the fan settings.

Only time that the engine would run cooler without changing the fan settings would be at steady cruise for extended periods.

ssdeuce74

iTrader: (2)

if your racing it will help consistancey and prevent hot spots in the engine by flowing the coolant sooner and more often. you want it open but you don't want full temp durin the run and you don't want the fans goin on and off durin it either. also at highway speed it should stay cooler and not use the fans.

kdavis

iTrader: (14)

Well I look at this, the ls1 was designed to run good in all conditions ranging from the extremely cold(northern winters) to extremely hott(southern summers) everyone I see that says not to put in a 160 stat seems to live in the northern states. What about the people down here in the south where temps see 105+ on a daily basis?

R6cowboy

iTrader: (3)

It's better to keep the stock temp thermostat in the motor. The engine suppose to operate optimal in a certain temp range, the stock thermostat and fan settings work to keep the engine in that range. Therefor changing the thermostat and fan settings will more then likely lower engine performance and/or efficiency. If anyone is worried about the motor getting too hot, like during racing for example or diving in a climate with very hot weather, then the better thing to do is get a more efficient (bigger) radiator.

LeanPocket

iTrader: (6)

This is the purpose of a 160 thermostat ^^^

I currently run a 160, I have no complaints what so ever. Although, OP I wouldn't recommend it for what your wanting it for.

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

Makes the low end lower and helps none when the heat
is on. If you are overheating there is some other cause.