LS1 JAY

Why is everyone over at LS1.com bashing 160* thermostats and saying that they will cause a loss of performance and hp? personally, I think it's BS! I have always ran 160* thermostats in all of my F-Bodys without any problems whatsoever. What do you guys think? has anyone lost performance with a 160* thermostat on a LS1? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

mike c.

iTrader: (1)

i noticed no performance loss at all and i have the fan switsh too.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

I'm one of the few over there that prefers the engine to run cooler, even if it might rob a pony or 2.

ratio411

It's total BS.
These folks argue that because heat is energy, it adds power to your engine. What they don't understand is that once the heat energy is released in combustion and goes into the engine metal/coolant, it is then just an unwanted byproduct with no redeeming qualities. Top that with the fact that heat causes other problems like cooling system pressure, detonation, and heating of the engine bay/incoming air.
Another thing to remember when folks come at you with statements like "LS1s run best at 180*", a 160* stat will run the engine at around 175* once it heats up. (assuming air going over the radiator with a fan mod or highway speeds)
Dave

LS1 JAY

Thanks for the replies guys! anyone else have any info on the subject?

MOBE

Yeah!... My comment is that LS1.com is next to worthless! Don't waste your time there. 99% of them no nothing about technical stuff. Its just another "BS" board for the kiddies to have there pissing matches, and pointless arguements! Its as 'bout as helpful as "Texas Racing Scene" was. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

No disrespect to those that frequent that board, I do too every now and then. But they should have a disclaimer on there home page that says, "For Entertainment Value ONLY!" Its a source for a good laugh though. ...Sometimes! <img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" />

Damian

iTrader: (89)

I have run a 160 stat ALL year round, for the past 4 yrs in my LS1. LS1's do not run good hot, PERIOD. Heat = knock = powerloss

Josh

WSlow6

I have a 160 thermostat with no issues. My only question is why ls1's come from the factory with the 180 variety? Is it a cost or warrantee repair issue? Just curious.

LS1 JAY

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by WSlow6:
<strong>I have a 160 thermostat with no issues. My only question is why ls1's come from the factory with the 180 variety? Is it a cost or warrantee repair issue? Just curious.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">A lot of people say that they are 180* from the factory, even some of the years manuals claim that, but from my experience with both my '98 T/A and my '99 SS they both had to be in the 195* range according to the Tech2.

Superman

Depends on where you live.. in the Chicago winter I switch mine back to stock. I want my engine hot during the winter, I~d say if the engine is not very hot you get condensation and carbon build up faster. That`s why it`s not good to idle for long periods of time..
..and that`s why I have to put in chimney liners with 80% efficient furnaces.. condensation kills chimneys..oh sorry off subject. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
HOT ENGINE+COLD AIR= best power...imop

1999Daytona500PaceCar

iTrader: (2)

First, let me say that it is a shame that people have to bad mouth another board of fellow LS1 owners over anything. The boards are here for us to enjoy by sharing thoughts, ideas, news, etc., etc. - not to bash anyone or their ideas unless there is a bad seller/vendor issue or something.

I have been a member here for about 3 months or so now and a member at LS1.com since April of 1999 and I am happy to take part on both boards, but without a shadow of a doubt, there is more bickering/bashing/name calling and "kiddie stuff" going on here at LS1Tech.com.

I don't worry about any of the crap anyway as it is pointless, and just take advantage of both boards regarding the Classifieds and GP's and researching specific topics.

Regarding the thermostat debate, I have not read anything specific on the topic either here or at LS1.com because I based my decision on the knowledge I gained modding my previous 3 5.0's as it this same topic was debated as well. It was found in that application that something in the computer did not like being below 160* - it treated it as though the car was not up to full operating temperature or something which could cost some power - so it made since to run a 180* one.

When it came to my '99 30th Ann. TA, I took delivery of a HPP3 in the first batch to be shipped out for consumers and was offered a free Hyperstat. I chose the 180* T-stat based on my previous findings with the 5.0's as I still believe the 160* thermostat is too cool for computer controlled vehicles.

I would think the best way too settle this would be to AutoTap and Dyno a car with a 180* and then a 160* on the same day with the same car and see what your actual findings are. Good luck!

LS1 JAY

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 1999Daytona500PaceCar:
<strong>First, let me say that it is a shame that people have to bad mouth another board of fellow LS1 owners over anything. The boards are here for us to enjoy by sharing thoughts, ideas, news, etc., etc. - not to bash anyone or their ideas unless there is a bad seller/vendor issue or something.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">To be honest, I have not saw too much bad mouthing, I hope you are not refering to me? because all I am trying to do is get some info on the subject. I was around in the 5.0 days as well, most everyone that I knew ran 160*'s with great results. Maybe it's because we live in Florida and see very little cold air?

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

I think Chris Pippy had better results with the car slightly warmer than the 160 T-Stat provides with the standard settings.

That said, a lot of people seem to run new bests after letting the car cool for 1/2 hour or more between runs so there is something to not running too hot. I leave my T-stat in year round. If it runs too cold in the winter, you can always up the fan settings. That should let it run hotter in town.

Go FasTA

Let's just keep it on topic here. Interesting discussion about T-stats, no need to start flames. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

pedaltothemetal

The cooler thermo the better for a big cubed motor. It's going to be putting out a lot more heat especially with headers. Custom tuning will turn on the fans sooner, but still the heat will rise during stop and go traffic.

Leo

White_Hawk

iTrader: (3)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by MOBE:
<strong>Yeah!... My comment is that LS1.com is next to worthless! Don't waste your time there. 99% of them no nothing about technical stuff. Its just another "BS" board for the kiddies to have there pissing matches, and pointless arguements! Its as 'bout as helpful as "Texas Racing Scene" was. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

No disrespect to those that frequent that board, I do too every now and then. But they should have a disclaimer on there home page that says, "For Entertainment Value ONLY!" Its a source for a good laugh though. ...Sometimes! <img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I just put mine in and with LS1-Edit I changed the fan settings. Now the fans run ALL the time once the car is warmed up. Does anyone else have this? Just wondering.

-Geoff

JWRENCH

The 160 gets colder more dense air and therefore more fuel into the engine to burn. that's why the gas mileage drops off so it seems it would almost have to make more power. The only down side besides mileage I know of is that the engine dosen't burn off alcalides and junk in the oil as well and you would want to change it more often. Oh one other downside-cold nuts in the winter. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Nickn20

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by LS1JAY:
<strong>Why is everyone over at LS1.com bashing 160* thermostats and saying that they will cause a loss of performance and hp? personally, I think it's BS! I have always ran 160* thermostats in all of my F-Bodys without any problems whatsoever. What do you guys think? has anyone lost performance with a 160* thermostat on a LS1? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">ls1.com has a bunch of pansys on there. I swear everytime I go on that board I read something, and I think only on this board do I read bullshit like this! lol

so yea a 160 tstat causes power loss? I bet they arent even changing thier fan turn on temps. which would make a 160 tstat a worthless mod.

11 Bravo

iTrader: (3)

My LS1 makes a lot more power with cooler air, but not really with cooler engine temps that I can tell. I know for a fact it dynos higher with warmer temps. Maybe I'm clueless, but it's my understanding that aluminum reacts to heat differently than iron. Alu blocks need to be a little warmer to expand enough to allow all the parts to be at the proper tolerances (yes I read the ls1.com thread, I didn't get my info from that site haha) For the guys who have piston slap: When does it occur? Before the engine is fully warmed up, right? Why is that? I'm not saying I'm right and others are wrong, but until I see proof (not heresay) I'm sticking with my stock stat. I't not like the engine is exactly boiling over at 210 lol. I do plan on lowering my fans, though, so the engine will be cooler in heavy summer traffic.

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

The move to hotter thermostats is aimed at
fuel economy, efficiency is higher at higher
engine temps. The cost is in maximum power
(maximum cylinder pressure w/o preignition).

Maybe some day a clever fellow will make a
dual-setting thermostat, 195 for cruise and
flip a switch, bam, 150C for the strip. You
could actually do this with a modded housing,
and a solenoid valve, and some sort of
temperature loop control and driver to run
that valve, to set the temp at the housing.

But whether this would be worth the grief, I
couldn't say.