69 camaro ls1,t56

I am finishing up installing a ls1 in a 69 camaro, and am currently installing guages. I have to drill and tap the t-stat housing for the sending unit. And thought while this is off, maybe I should change to thermosat. I know some say this is benificial? Is it, and what kind, and how much, what degree? I am running in AZ. I am going to have ls1 edit. So is it worth it, or should I just leave the stock one. Thanks.

Spydum

In desert heat like that, you will benefit greatly from a 160F thermostat. Typically, LS1's seem to run about 200-220F under average to heavy load. Swapping out the thermostat for one that opens at 160 (and completely opens at 178 I believe), allows for your coolant temps to drop drastically. Combined with ls1-edit and changing your fan operating temps to 180, you will see about a 20-30 degree coolant temperature change. And as we all know, heat is a huge enemy of horsepower, and one of the top contributors to deterioration.

69 camaro ls1,t56

Can you get a 160 deg t-stat from the dealer, or napa? Also someone told me you have to buy the whole housing? Is that true?

JWRENCH

Is there no way to put the sending unit in the head or something? Seems like it would fluctuate alot at the t-stat. Anyway here's where I got mine. http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...12&prmenbr=361

Dipstick

For my LS1 powered sandrail, I removed the plug at the back of the passenger side head and tapped it to 1/4" pipe thread and stepped it down to the 1/8" thread of the Autometer sending unit.

Be careful not to thread it too deep or the bushing will bottom out on the threads before it seals. I also used several layers of teflon tape.

Does anybody know if this placement will give a false reading or not?

Dipstick

You should have done research first. You can do the free mod to change your stock stat to open at lower temperatures. Here's the site. Stat Mod