Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
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View Poll Results: What Temp Thermostat U Running?
160*F
53
62.35%
180*F
10
11.76%
195*F(Stock)
22
25.88%
Voters: 85. You may not vote on this poll

What Temp Thermostat U Running?

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Old 06-03-2007, 08:09 AM
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Default What Temp Thermostat U Running?

About to do a cam install and figured I might as well change out the thermostat....
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Old 06-03-2007, 09:09 AM
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I'm in hot *** Texas so i run a 160.
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Old 06-03-2007, 09:10 AM
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Being in Pensilvania, you could go for a 180, but I would avoid the 160 due to cold temps in winter.
Now mind you a 160* stat doesn't men the motor will run at 160*. It just means the coolant is allowed to flow through the motor once that temp is reached.
LS1/LS6 were designed for efficiency at above 195* and like to run at these temps.
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Old 06-03-2007, 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
Being in Pensilvania, you could go for a 180, but I would avoid the 160 due to cold temps in winter.
Now mind you a 160* stat doesn't men the motor will run at 160*. It just means the coolant is allowed to flow through the motor once that temp is reached.
LS1/LS6 were designed for efficiency at above 195* and like to run at these temps.
Yea true, we do have cold winters, but right now it's hot as hell and very humid. My car is noticably slower on these hot summer days, just thought maybe a lower thermostat would help out a little. Even with the 160* thermostat the car will still run around 185-195*F right? I found this post- https://ls1tech.com/forums/showpost....4&postcount=16
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Old 06-03-2007, 11:10 AM
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I ran the 160 in my previous car, it seemed to be ok. Scanning while driving it, the coolant temps stayed in the 180 range, 182-184 IIRC. The fan settings had been tweaked as well of course.

On my current ride, I chose to leave in the stocker after not finding any hard evidence of the lower units being a benefit.
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Old 06-03-2007, 11:17 AM
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I run 180, there are some advantages to a 160 like reduced spark knock etc. if the engine actually runs cooler. Most OEM radiators are marginal at cooling a motor.
If your motor runs 160, it can cause an increase in wear on the cylinder walls.
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Old 06-03-2007, 11:51 AM
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I have the 160, but wish I had gone with the 180.
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Old 06-03-2007, 12:28 PM
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was running a 160 but went to a 180 when i installed my electric waterpump
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Old 06-03-2007, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by davered00ss
I have the 160, but wish I had gone with the 180.
Why is that?
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Old 06-03-2007, 12:53 PM
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There is some information in this thread you may find useful: https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-external-engine/724742-cheapest-160-degree-thermostat.html
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Old 06-03-2007, 03:27 PM
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stock 195...i dont really see the point in colder thermostats..if your cooling system is working the way it should your car wont overheat. Im currently living in orlando, fl. and i havent had any issues so far with my car running hot.
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Old 06-03-2007, 07:20 PM
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I haven't had one in the TA since Feb cause the damn thing wouldn't open up after the H/C install
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Old 06-03-2007, 07:26 PM
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I have a 160* in mine and I live in Los Angeles and I consistantly stay at 178* hot or cold weather
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Old 06-03-2007, 07:40 PM
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I'm in NM so I run a 160.. I don't like my car getting that hot..
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Old 06-03-2007, 07:51 PM
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160* here in Kentucky
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Old 06-03-2007, 09:07 PM
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160 here and my temps stay at 172. I may have to change that though as predator stated optimum temp is at 195. I didnt realize that. I thought cooler was better. Less chance of the motor detonating but you learn something new everyday.
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Old 06-03-2007, 09:13 PM
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Stock here in Kentucky. LOL! And that's with pretty high compression.
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Old 06-04-2007, 12:11 AM
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I left it stock.. might run straight distilled water with some water wetter though for the summer.
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Old 06-04-2007, 01:00 AM
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stock 195
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Old 06-04-2007, 07:10 AM
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I am running a 160, but have my fans set to try and keep my temps between 175 and 180. I made the most power on the dyno at 180, but it started falling off and getting more knock by 185.
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