Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F?
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From: East Central Florida
Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F? Just wondering whether anyone using the low
temp 'stats really runs at the thermostat
setpoint. Seems that most advice is to use
the low temp 'stat but run the fans at 185.
So you might run at 160 on the highway, but
not around town. If you have set up for true
160F operation, what did it gain and cost you
(timing margin, HP, economy)? Why not use a
180F 'stat and run it at 180F instead of a
160F with 185F fans?
And, any info on the real ECT seen with the
various lower-temp 'stats on the highway would
be interesting.
temp 'stats really runs at the thermostat
setpoint. Seems that most advice is to use
the low temp 'stat but run the fans at 185.
So you might run at 160 on the highway, but
not around town. If you have set up for true
160F operation, what did it gain and cost you
(timing margin, HP, economy)? Why not use a
180F 'stat and run it at 180F instead of a
160F with 185F fans?
And, any info on the real ECT seen with the
various lower-temp 'stats on the highway would
be interesting.
Re: Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F? 160 is a little too cold. I would have gotten the 180 and tried to keep it at 180 the go so low as 160. 180-210 is optium temp on these cars, and run about 200 from factory. What you should run for power is 180, and 160 is kinda low. The engine does run colder, but it isn't giving you a very large if any power difference from the 180 in some cases, maybe less.
Re: Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F? A 180 t-stat is stock, that would be a waste of time. The engine will always run hotter than the temp of the t-stat, because this is just the temp that it starts to open; full open is a higher temperature. With a 160 t-stat you will run an average of 173 or so. You can run more timing and a leaner fuel mixture without detonation at a lower engine temp., this is a non-issue. The only reason these engines are setup to run hot from the factory is for emissions, there is no performance advantage.
Re: Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F?
A 180 t-stat is stock, that would be a waste of time. The engine will always run hotter than the temp of the t-stat, because this is just the temp that it starts to open; full open is a higher temperature. With a 160 t-stat you will run an average of 173 or so. You can run more timing and a leaner fuel mixture without detonation at a lower engine temp., this is a non-issue. The only reason these engines are setup to run hot from the factory is for emissions, there is no performance advantage.
Thread Starter
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iTrader: (11)
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: East Central Florida
Re: Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F? My stock 'stat with a surplus of cooling airflow
runs a solid 194F. If GM calls that 180, I guess
I'd want a GM 160. But don't know the different
brands' relation between what they sez, and what
they does.
runs a solid 194F. If GM calls that 180, I guess
I'd want a GM 160. But don't know the different
brands' relation between what they sez, and what
they does.
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From: Upstate NY
Re: Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F? A thermostat determines the minimum operating temperature, not max. Once the t-stat is open it's job is done until temp drops below it's setting and it closes. It's just a dumb door.
The coolant temp above the t-stat opening point is determined by the engine heat the cooling system capabilities (radiator capacity, fans, etc.) and ambient temp.
The coolant temp above the t-stat opening point is determined by the engine heat the cooling system capabilities (radiator capacity, fans, etc.) and ambient temp.
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Verdad Gallardo Re: Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F?
My stock 'stat with a surplus of cooling airflow
runs a solid 194F. If GM calls that 180, I guess
I'd want a GM 160. But don't know the different
brands' relation between what they sez, and what
they does.
runs a solid 194F. If GM calls that 180, I guess
I'd want a GM 160. But don't know the different
brands' relation between what they sez, and what
they does.
"Most racers know that a cooler running engine is a better performing engine. By reducing the temperature at which an engine runs, it will make more power through better thermal and volumetric efficiency. SLP has just released a new 160 degree thermostat for all LS1 equipped Corvettes, Camaros, Firebirds. This new thermostat replaces the <font color="red"> factory 195 degree unit<!--color--></font>, allowing coolant to circulate at lower engine temperatures, keeping the engine cooler...."
Although SLP normally "dumbs out" there descriptions so everyone can understand them, they have the basic idea. This is only to a point, however ... Every engine has an optimal range for power and efficiency.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,768
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From: Lexington, NC
Re: Does Anybody With A 160F TStat Really Run at 160F? Awesome info, i have a 160 stat, runs at about 176 and i like it, it makes me sleep better at night knowing that my motor is well taken care of. 
