160 deg. thermostat
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From: West Michigan
160 deg. thermostat If I add the 160 degree thermostat to my 2000 ss. Should I?, Could I? do something to have the fan come on earlier than the (what is it? 210 degrees) that it would under normal circumstances , and no I wasnt planning on buying a programmer just to get my engine running cooler. Thanks for your help. 
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
If you add the 160 without fan tuning, the motor will only run cooler at higher speeds when you have air being forced across the radiator. At idle/in traffic/slow speeds, the car will not run any cooler with just the stat, you need to cut the fans on sooner with tuning or get a manual fan switch.
If you dont want to buy a programmer, you can go toa camaro performance shop and they will do it for like $50. I think Fender's gangs does it by mail, check them out to see. www.fbodymotorsports.com
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From: Lexington, KY
Everyone I have talked to has told me the 160* thermo isn't worth it. There was a thread not even two days ago discussing this. If it was just a $5 thermo like in normal cars I'd say knock yourself out but since it costs upwards of $50 to put one on an LS1 I say spend your money on something else.
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=3&pcid=81
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=3&pcid=81
Originally Posted by LS1Maniac
Everyone I have talked to has told me the 160* thermo isn't worth it. There was a thread not even two days ago discussing this. If it was just a $5 thermo like in normal cars I'd say knock yourself out but since it costs upwards of $50 to put one on an LS1 I say spend your money on something else.
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=3&pcid=81
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=3&pcid=81
I agree with the $50 price tag being excessive for a thermo.. But, if it'll prevent from loosing HP [ hot motor = loss of HP, KR etc.. ] .. it's worth it..
Plus, running a cooler engine [ I understand the engine HAS to run at a certain min temp. for optimum performance and reliability ] might, and probably does, cause less wear and tear..
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
LS1s don't need to run at 16X to make their best power. Actually, most have found their dyno numbers and trap speeds to be higher with opperating temps in the 19X to low 20X range. I know mine was.....
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The temp. rating on the thermostats is where they start to open. It's not the temp where your car will run, especially in town. You can add a shim to help it open earlier, I think it's worth another 10*, but I would just leave the stock 180 in there. LS1s actually like a bit of heat...
Higher dyno numbers with a hotter tstat might be due to a stock pcm running leaner at higher temps. That can be corrected with tuning. Personally I ran my best 1/4 times with the 160. I only replaced it since the stock tstat gasket broke or else I never would of bothered. I have my low fan set around 180 and high at 190. During the summer the low fan runs non stop after it gets up to temp, helps keep temps constant and transmission temps down.
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Originally Posted by Another_User
98s need the Spark vs. ECT table adjusted or you will get timing pulled with a low-temp stat.
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Originally Posted by Another_User
I think as high as 176 or something. I will look later.
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Originally Posted by matts22
Is this only for '98s or for all f-bodies?
