160 thermostat...
#3
LS1Tech Administrator
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Location: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
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I would skip that mod for an LS1.
Stick with the stock t-stat (which is a 186*F unit) and set the fans to keep coolant temps cycling in the 195-205 range. That's always worked best for me.
Stick with the stock t-stat (which is a 186*F unit) and set the fans to keep coolant temps cycling in the 195-205 range. That's always worked best for me.
#5
I put a 160 thermostat in my LT1. About a year later it died...Sure, it helps the car stay pretty cool, but in my experience they are cheap. (I had a hypertech) Someone else told me they had the same one and a year later it died, except he ended up blowing a head gasket.
When your car starts to over heat, it could be so many things. Your better off sticking with the stock one and getting a tune. This way, your fans kick on sooner and keep the car cool. As far as price, i think they are like $20.
When your car starts to over heat, it could be so many things. Your better off sticking with the stock one and getting a tune. This way, your fans kick on sooner and keep the car cool. As far as price, i think they are like $20.
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#8
TECH Senior Member
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i really really wouldnt **** with the t-stat a few people can agree with me the stock one ifs mroe than adequet, all you need a a tune to ahve them cut on earlier. the car running to cold can make sludge and **** build up, not exactly a positive effect from a so called "performance" mod
#9
TECH Regular
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I disagree, sludge is going to build up from oil burning, not being too cool. Plus I really don't think the thermo will have much effect on engine oil temps anyway. The primary purpose (back in the day anyway) of the LS1 160 thermo was to keep the heads cool to stop pinging. If you're car doesn't have this issue then the t-stat will show no hp gain to you. Second reason was with A4 cars your trans cooler runs through the radiator (even with an aftermarket add-on) so you *could* help keep you tranny temps down a little, assuming you programed the fans correctly. On a M6 car, spend your money else where.
I've had 2 LS1 cars, one A4 w/ 60K+ miles and one M6 w/ 27K miles (current). Both had 160 t-stats installed. The A4 was run hard, the M6 is "babied". Used Mobile 1 in both. Neither had any kind of sludge build up period.
I've had 2 LS1 cars, one A4 w/ 60K+ miles and one M6 w/ 27K miles (current). Both had 160 t-stats installed. The A4 was run hard, the M6 is "babied". Used Mobile 1 in both. Neither had any kind of sludge build up period.