Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

I have read back and forth about the 160 thermo and there are as many pros as there are cons. I would simply like to get the opinion of you folks here.

If you have a bolt on only car with a mild cam is the 160 beneficial or should I wait for a larger cam?

Thanks.

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

There's pro and con opinions, but you know what they
say about opinions.

Don't waste your time and money until you can say why
the thermostat will improve anything that matters.

Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

Ok, let me put it another way. I HAVE a 160* thermo and have only bolt ons right now but will be installing the GMPP HOT cam along with new pushrods, ported oil pump, timing chain and going to trunion rockers in a few weeks. Is it in my best interest to use the new thermo or not?

conan

iTrader: (5)

I run a 160* stat in my car. The reason for it was due to the procharger... More heat in the engine compartment, hotter IAT's, and I only have 1 fan instead of 2 so the head unit clears the fan/shroud. My car runs around 175-180 crusing but will get up to 210-220 when I'm hammering on it.

For your car I would say stay with the stocker unless your making alot more power and heat. Just my $.02.

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

it WONT hurt anything......so use it if you want

Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

Thanks for your input. This is what I was thinking and the reason I had not installed it yet. I am understanding that LS likes it a bit warm so unless I am generating excess heat by boost/charging or altering the spark on the plugs then it is pointless with boltons and will actually lose me power

SSCamaro99_3

iTrader: (1)

Excessive heat has killed way more engines than being a little cooler. You will probably pick up a little power running hotter, without being to hot, but the hotter you run the less margin for error you have. I hold a conservative view point on these things however.

Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

You have a very good point. But in the long run is it worth a 160* though or should people shoot more for the 180*?

99canadahawk

I`m also curious to see the difference , I just bought a 160* for when I install my new Fast 92 & have it Re-Tuned in a coupe of weeks . BTW I'll be driving the car to have it tuned it should be ok right ? Someone had told me once that I should not drive the car with a 160* unless it was tuned first properly ??

Thanks .

NC98Z

iTrader: (1)

I believe all they are gonna do is program the fans to come on sooner. If your cars on a dyno being tuned then after the first pull it ought to be up to operating temps.

xxKennyDxx

I have one. (160)

It's hot in Florida, why not?

Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

No, the fan temps are controlled by the PCM. Those can be programmed to come on whenever you want them too. The thermostat is for the coolant system to circulate.

got-a-ls1

iTrader: (12)

he was talking about the "tune" for a 160 thermo.

Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

Doh! My bad

xxKennyDxx

^ Nice car, OP!

Decadence75

iTrader: (17)

Thanks!

99canadahawk

Exactly ! BTW the cars fans are already tuned/adjusted to come on earlier with the stock stat , but someone had told me that running a cooler stat will change the timing ??? ( detonation maybe ?? ) which did'nt sound right to me but I just wanted to make sure that it will be ok to drive to my tuner .

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

I don't think there is much of a difference to compare the two. Many will state the cooler engine will make more power. I run a 160 in my Gen I SBC, and stays at constant ~175-180, but my fans are what really keeps it there, not the T-stat. If the fans are not working It will get HOT!

The T-stat in reality keeps it hot, not cool.

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

Pick your thermostat choice, and have your fans programmed appropriately.
There are opinions for either 160 or 180.
I think the only REAL concern, is whether the thermostat opens properly when it should!

Vexzer

iTrader: (1)

So what temp does the ECU look for to go into closed loop?