160 vs 180 thermostat
The thermostat only set minimum temps. Once open, it doesn't really have any function.
160* is minimum operating temp. Below that, you get accelerated cylinder wear.
I run a 160* stat on my track/street car. On the track it doesn't matter. On the street, it will cool down around 160-165* when moving. Then when I get stuck in traffic, it has a bigger buffer zone before hitting the overheat mark. For me, it's just an added safety margin.
160* is minimum operating temp. Below that, you get accelerated cylinder wear.
I run a 160* stat on my track/street car. On the track it doesn't matter. On the street, it will cool down around 160-165* when moving. Then when I get stuck in traffic, it has a bigger buffer zone before hitting the overheat mark. For me, it's just an added safety margin.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 2
This has to be one of the most debated things on this board, and truthfully both sides of the argument have valid points. Here is what I think, if you car is a daily driver or see lots of street miles, stick with the 180 thermostat. I run 160 in my higher compression weekend warrior, I would not run a 160 if I drove the car everyday.
Depends on climate. If its really cold outside I'd probably lean more towards a 180, but in a warmer climate you'll most likely be hovering around whatever fan temps you set until you're moving at a pretty good speed. Probably not gonna make all that much difference in the long run though.
My understanding of this is that with a 180 thermostat, it gives the water in the radiator more time to cool before the thermostat opens and it is pulled into the engine, by this logic the thermostat would be doing a lot more work opening,cooling,closing then opening again...
With my truck, i initially put a 165 thermostat under the logic of more buffer before overheating, but assuming you have an adequate/oversized fan on the radiator, i would say that 180 is probably better...
With my truck, i initially put a 165 thermostat under the logic of more buffer before overheating, but assuming you have an adequate/oversized fan on the radiator, i would say that 180 is probably better...
The thermostat pretty much stays open once its up to temp, its not an on/off switch. I dont think the frequency of opening/closing will change much no matter if its the 160, 180, or the stock 192 (or whatever it is).
I run a 160, and unless its winter time the car pretty much hovers around my fan temp settings. In the winter i see mostly 170-180 sitting still. Less if i'm moving.
I run a 160, and unless its winter time the car pretty much hovers around my fan temp settings. In the winter i see mostly 170-180 sitting still. Less if i'm moving.
Trending Topics
10 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 249
Likes: 8
From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
I ran a 160 for most of last summer in my bolt-on SS with fans set around 175-180, noticed reduced oil life...gonna put a 180 in for this year and have fans keep it under 200...my tuner says the 160 stat with lower fan temps is worth a couple HP, but the 180 is better for oil and internals in a bolt-on street car...today's oil needs to get hot enough to evaporate water & activate detergents...IMO if you're in a hot climate, frequent track use, running higher compression or forced induction, the 160 is necessary
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
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
