180* or 195* thermostat
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Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2013
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180* or 195* thermostat Hi guys, I have a S10 pickup with a stock 5.3 ,4L60E, with no AC. Would a 180* or 195* thermostat be better for overall drivability around town and maybe have less heat in the cabin because of the tight engine fit. Thank you.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Dade City, Fl.
I don't remember exactly but I think the factory temp was something around 186*. Since your 5.3 has not been modified I would suggest installing a factory temp thermostat. For heat in the cabin maybe install some heat/sound deadening
I have a 160 in my car and I’m not impressed by it. I lost a good 2-3mpg in any driving condition or weather and gained nothing. The heat works fine from memory but I would stick with the stock 195 thermostat.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Not sure about the 5.3L, but LS1s came stock with an 86°C (187°F) t-stat.
I see no benefit to a colder t-stat in a stock application. They will benefit from a colder air intake charge, but not necessarily from colder coolant temps (as intake heat soak is less problematic with a non-metallic, dry intake in the first place).
I see no benefit to a colder t-stat in a stock application. They will benefit from a colder air intake charge, but not necessarily from colder coolant temps (as intake heat soak is less problematic with a non-metallic, dry intake in the first place).
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Euless, TX
Not sure about the 5.3L, but LS1s came stock with an 86°C (187°F) t-stat.
I see no benefit to a colder t-stat in a stock application. They will benefit from a colder air intake charge, but not necessarily from colder coolant temps (as intake heat soak is less problematic with a non-metallic, dry intake in the first place).
I see no benefit to a colder t-stat in a stock application. They will benefit from a colder air intake charge, but not necessarily from colder coolant temps (as intake heat soak is less problematic with a non-metallic, dry intake in the first place).
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I don't ever recall seeing the stock LS1 PCM universally pull timing at the 19x°F coolant range (unless there's a specific condition causing KR, such as quality or octane issues with fuel), but I can't speak for other Gen III platforms.
Stock LS1s have often been known to run their best times when hot lapping - especially when coldest possible IATs can be attained using a sealed ram air setup. Assuming the OP's 5.3L is iron it might show positive HP response to lower coolant temps than an aluminum variant, at least potentially, but I can't imagine there would be much advantage when stock. Obviously, setups with ragged edge tuning (lean, aggressive timing) and/or forced induction are facing some different challenges, and will need to evaluate best coolant temps accordingly.
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Joined: Sep 2019
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The reason you would lose fuel mileage going to a colder thermostat in a stock ECU or not specially tuned car is that the computer doesn't go into full lean efficiency mode until you get to 180F or so and start using the thermostat. Its like driving with the choke on.
That being said, if the engine doesn't ping or carry on the 180-185 thermostat should be just fine. There is some advantage in running close to the stock temperatures as that will hopefully get your oil warm enough to vaporize the fuel and water that is part of blow-by. Your oil will last longer and be better oil.
That being said, if the engine doesn't ping or carry on the 180-185 thermostat should be just fine. There is some advantage in running close to the stock temperatures as that will hopefully get your oil warm enough to vaporize the fuel and water that is part of blow-by. Your oil will last longer and be better oil.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Dade City, Fl.
Heat is energy. As long as the physical characteristics of the engine are suited(designed) to run without detonation or worse preignition, the hotter the engine the more power. LS engines have very good designed cylinder heads and chambers. The intake manifold being composite plastic does not carry heat as a cast iron or even aluminum intake does. These engines will make more power running hotter than "old school" engines as they were designed. WebKruzer you said it is a stock factory tune, run the factory thermostat.
