Where do I go to get a 160 Degree stat cheap that works ? I know the Hypertech is probably the way to go but is it the only way to go ? If so I'll buy it but if an Advance or Autozone is alright I would rather do that. Part #'s are good to if someone has them if something else will work. Thanks!

 

My AZ one with housing was $30. Works great!!!

 

What he said.

A thermostat is a thermostat. There isn't really that much of a difference between brands to be spending a crapton of money on it.

 

my napa one works great

 

So if I ask AZ or Napa for a 160 stat for a 2000 LS1 Z28 will they know what I'm talking about or will they look at me like I'm stupid ? I just wonder if they're going to say the 160 is not recommended for the LS1 or some crap like that. I wish I had a part #, do you guys think they'll give me the right stat ?

 

Don't waste your money, just program your fans right and
keep your condenser & radiator fins clean. Thermostat only
sets -minimum- temp, which is never the problem.

 

I got a hold of my local Napa idiot on the phone and he said they didn't offer a 160 for my application. He said if I had a copy of an invoice or a part # he might be able to find something.

 

I purchased mine from here.

http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...roducts_id=724



.

 

Doesnt setting your fans at a low temp make them run all the time which causes drag on your motor???

 

That's up to you and where you set them. But a thermostat without
running fans, has no authority unless you're rolling fast.

Figure 30A fan fuse means 4000W, or about 3/4 of a HP loss. You lose
a lot more than that, if your ECT runs up to 220F and you pull 5-10
degrees of timing on account of it.

If you want reliable, consistent power you have to control the high
end of the temperature swing. That is not the thermostat's job or
ability.

 

Both true and good points.




.

 

My tuner said unless you have a real problem with over heating go with a 180 instead of a 160. Because these aluminum blocks run better around 185-190.

 

I would agree. My '98 has a 160 stat and unless it is 85 degrees it takes forever for the car to warm up. The fans rarely kick on though. It does give you a warm fuzzy feeling to see your temp gage at 170-180 instead of 220 though. I would agree to go with a 180.

Scott

 

Nailed it.

I honestly don't see why so many people put in 160's and expect some sort of advantage. I don't really see holding the thermostat open 20 degrees cooler would make a big difference anyways, the motor will keep heating up and hit 180* in no time.

None of this is to say that if you need to replace the thermostat that a 160* is a bad idea, I just don't see it being an improvement.

FYI: I've got a stock 180 in my 98 Z28 and my coolant temp basically never gets above 195 even when sitting in traffic.

 

I have my fans programmed to 160. I have the stock thermostat and I have seen no change in the power. The car runs right at 160 all the time.

 

this is a good thread, made me decide that an aftermarket t-stat isn't really worth it. once i get done with the mods i want when i get the Camaro, i will probably get one just for ***** and gigs and something to do one day.

 

That seems kinda low. Are you going by the stock dummy gauge?

 

I agree I had mine tuned to kick the fans on early. Never had any problems and my car runs great