![Ethan[ws6]'s Avatar](https://ls1tech.com/forums/customavatars/avatar139269_2.gif){kind=avatar}
Thermostat selection
We end up running 160 degree thermostats on almost every build we do here. Keep in mind it is hot in Texas so the winters are never a worry. I figure a car with a 408 is probably only going to see nice weather anyway.
If you run a hotter thermostat the engine will have a better thermal efficiency and make a little more power. It's a very common misconception that a colder engine makes more power lol. However, with an engine running hotter parts will deteriorate quicker. The difference between a 160 and a 180 isn't going to make a difference in efficiency or longevity either way though.
Iron head (like SBC) I might go lower, but aluminum head
I'd stick with the stock 'stat and spend my efforts on the
other pieces of the cooling system, which are more likely
to let you down when it's hot - like especially the radiator.
I can tell you this, a LT1 radiator can be had for about the
retail on a "performance" 160 'stat and is a hell of a lot
more relevant to hot-weather engine cooling.
I'd stick with the stock 'stat and spend my efforts on the
other pieces of the cooling system, which are more likely
to let you down when it's hot - like especially the radiator.
I can tell you this, a LT1 radiator can be had for about the
retail on a "performance" 160 'stat and is a hell of a lot
more relevant to hot-weather engine cooling.
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo Considering its hot as hell here in TX and OK I would still recommend the 160. In temperatures like that it never hurts to run cool. Its what I run in my own car and the thing runs great, even in traffic with the a/c on.
