Which thermostat?
Which thermostat? I did a search and did not come up with anything. What degree thermostat do I need to run. Head/cam (around 450 rwhp) LS1 in a 69 Camaro. 180 or 160?
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 103
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From: Michigan
I heard that the lwoer stats are bad for the cars because they do not allow for the oil to heat up properly thus not allowing for the moisture that gets into the oil to evaportate and prevent sludge
Tech Resident
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
most people blindly yell out 160* with no idea why. in most cases in today's engines, it's a bad idea to run lower temperature thermostats as they are engineered to run hotter. what is my answer to you? well, it depends on your situation.
do you have stock compression? if your compression is raised, use a 160* thermostat so you can combat knock and run better on 93 octane.
if your compression is stock, run either a stock 186* thermostat or an aftermarket 180* thermostat. LS1's were designed to run hot and the warmer thermostat is better for engine cleanliness, overall engine life and effiency.
i'm not sure how hardcore your setup is, but if you're gonna run any kind of forced induction or high compression ratios, go 160*. other than that, stock or 180* for sure.
do you have stock compression? if your compression is raised, use a 160* thermostat so you can combat knock and run better on 93 octane.
if your compression is stock, run either a stock 186* thermostat or an aftermarket 180* thermostat. LS1's were designed to run hot and the warmer thermostat is better for engine cleanliness, overall engine life and effiency.
i'm not sure how hardcore your setup is, but if you're gonna run any kind of forced induction or high compression ratios, go 160*. other than that, stock or 180* for sure.
Thanks for the reply guys I had my TEA 5.3 stage 1.5 shaved. With the diamond pistons I should be looking at 11.3 on the compression. Running a 230-230 .597 lift 110 lsa ground 0. Fast 90 with a custom step header and 3 inch duals all the way back with no cats.
So if I read it right with the higher compression go with the 160.
Thanks
So if I read it right with the higher compression go with the 160.
Thanks
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I have 10.9:1 and run a stocker. Operating temps are optimal between 195-210°. I think that you could probably be ok with the 160° but You might try the 180° as well and see which one is going to work the best. I am sure that there is one that will be a significant difference over the other.
Nice post Choc!
Nice post Choc!
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Verdad Gallardo Tech Resident
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
Originally Posted by orangeapeel
I have 10.9:1 and run a stocker. Operating temps are optimal between 195-210°. I think that you could probably be ok with the 160° but You might try the 180° as well and see which one is going to work the best. I am sure that there is one that will be a significant difference over the other.
Nice post Choc!
Nice post Choc!
contrary to your user title, you definitely are cool 
