Correct me if I'm wrong 160 termostat
 

Ok i had a 97 Ws6 with the 160 it never warmed up and after 15000 it started smoking on start up. Tore down the motor to find the rings shot. After 23000 miles total and 15000 with the 160.
Now on my 02 I have turned the fans on at 160 but have a 180 termostat. Is there an advantage of the 160 o ver 180? And isn't that just to dam cold? You car never really warms up and runs rich wouldn't it?

yes, it is better to have the 180 than the 160. the ls1 motor runs best at a little below full operating temperature. it is best to keep the 180, and program the fans to come on earlier like you did. the 160 is too extreme for our motors.

I have found that my LS1s run best using the stock stat (or 180) and setting the fans to keep my running temps cycling in the 190-210 range.

LS1s do much better running warmer than LT1s do.

Even with the fans coming on for a 160* thermostat it will not run any cooler than the 180* thermostat becasue the thermostat is what controls te water flow.

ok thats what I was thinking the 160 is to much. I'll leave my 180 stat and 160 on times car run at 190 -195 this way

Had a 160 in my pewter car, fans reprogrammed and it ran consistantly in the 180ish range according to a Tech II. The temp of the thermostat doesn't mean it runs "that" temp.

I agree.

180s & stockers will usually run 190-195; the 160s will usually run 170-175, of course depending on how the fans are programmed. But even at highway cruise in cool air you'll still likely never see coolant temps lower than 10* above your t-stats rated temp.