Thermostat selection
#5
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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.
#7
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Join Date: Mar 2002
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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.