LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Thermostat Question?

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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 03:20 PM
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Smile Thermostat Question?

A newbie needs the experts contained within this Forum to help with a thermostat dilema.
I am buying a 1997 Z28 with a LT-1, six -speed 4:11 rear, and the computer chip reflashed. 98K miles. As part of the reflash they recommended a 160 degree thermostat installed to replace the factory one.This was done. But in bumper to bumper traffic on a Summer day it wants to overheat almost immediately with the 160 degree therm. installed.. Will a hotter thermostat cure this? say a 180 degree one or, Is that going the wrong way.
In a nut shell what degree thermostat will give me the most cooling in Summer slow/bumper to bumper traffic???
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 03:39 PM
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If it only heats up at low speeds in traffice you likely have a cooling fan problem. Not the thermostat.
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 03:51 PM
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If it stays to hot the stat won't close and the coolent doesn't get a chance to cool in the rad befor it transfers back to the motor. I'd try a 180 stat and look into how the fans a performing.
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 2000ultraZ1911
If it stays to hot the stat won't close and the coolent doesn't get a chance to cool in the rad befor it transfers back to the motor. I'd try a 180 stat and look into how the fans a performing.
Not sure what your smokin, but I'm betting it ain't legal. LOL
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Ed Wright
Not sure what your smokin, but I'm betting it ain't legal. LOL
Puff, Puff, pass .....
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 05:03 PM
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acer...

assumeing your 160 stat is good, look into your cooling system for issues. pull the connector off the front of the water pump and start the car. Both fans should start shortly. If they don't you have a fuse, relay, or fan motor issue with the fan that does not come on.

your tune requires a 160 stat so if you switch back to the 180 (won't resolve your overheating) than you will need the tune adjusted.

also understand LT1 motors are reverse cooling so unlike regular v8 motors you need to bleed air from the cooling system if you replace a stat, radiator hose or radiator..

ignore post #3 about the function of a stat
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Old Aug 15, 2013 | 06:41 AM
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I wasn't aware of the draining of air after an thermostat install, That might be it. How do you get the air out of the system??
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Old Aug 15, 2013 | 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by acerman
I wasn't aware of the draining of air after an thermostat install, That might be it. How do you get the air out of the system??
I have instructions if you are only replacing the thermostat. Works for me every time. If you drain coolant, then you need to do more.
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Old Aug 15, 2013 | 04:53 PM
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shbox,
Thank You for that very well done article on getting the air out of the system. Very informative.
To open the bleeder screws is it just a single turn, or multiple turns?
I don't have the car yet. I'm just trying to get somewhat educated on issues before I get it.
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Old Aug 15, 2013 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by acerman
shbox,
Thank You for that very well done article on getting the air out of the system. Very informative.
To open the bleeder screws is it just a single turn, or multiple turns?
I don't have the car yet. I'm just trying to get somewhat educated on issues before I get it.
There are not many threads on a bleeder and too many turns out and you can lose it. About 1 to 1-1/2 max should suffice.
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