What thermostat do you use?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 508
Likes: 59
From: Oscoda Michigan
What thermostat do you use?
So I am trying to decide what thermostat to put in my car. New Dewitts radiator, EGR seems to be plugged somewhere in the manifold, and I have a 100 degree vacuum switch for my EFE. Stock is 195 but I am thinking about doing a 180 or even 160. I do not drive the car during the salt season so need just a limited amount of heater output inside the car for fall and spring driving. Mike
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
What GM says to use. Keep in mind that using a 160 or so will take the engine much longer to reach operating temp and shutting down before reaching it can leave condensation in the oil and exhaust system creating problems.
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Aug 10, 2015 at 08:08 AM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,093
Likes: 4,017
From: New Braunfels Texas
I use Mr. Gaskets Hi-flo in 160 or 180 depending on where you live.
The Hi-flo is the old Thompson-Stant unit and works great.
When running a hi-flow water pump I drill a small hole in any thermostat due to the volume at start up trying to push against it.
There is a bypass hole of course....but IMHO is not big enough for hi-flow
water pumps.
Jebby
The Hi-flo is the old Thompson-Stant unit and works great.
When running a hi-flow water pump I drill a small hole in any thermostat due to the volume at start up trying to push against it.
There is a bypass hole of course....but IMHO is not big enough for hi-flow
water pumps.
Jebby
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,170
From: Hermosa
Parallel flow Mr gasket 180* thermostat. It looks like this;
Parallel flow thermostats don't have to be forced open against the flow of water. I got mine off the shelf at Oreilly's. 180* is a good balance between power and wear on the engine.
Too cold and you get excessive engine wear. Too hot and you get cooling issues, fuel percolation in the carb, loss of power, or potentially other under hood heat related issues.
Parallel flow thermostats don't have to be forced open against the flow of water. I got mine off the shelf at Oreilly's. 180* is a good balance between power and wear on the engine.
Too cold and you get excessive engine wear. Too hot and you get cooling issues, fuel percolation in the carb, loss of power, or potentially other under hood heat related issues.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
On my '68 (no pollution devices) I was using the 195* that the P.O. installed, but in city traffic/95*F+ ambient, the engine went to 220* too many times.
Then I installed a 160* thermostat for about 6 months (Louisiana heat), but in the cooler months (75-80*F) the inside of the valve covers started to slime up/condensaton...NOT good.
Now I have a 180* thermostat/no slime at all..........if the engine temp goes up to 195* the E-fans (195 ON/180* OFF) have no problem dropping the temp down to 180* in stop/n/go city traffic.
Then I installed a 160* thermostat for about 6 months (Louisiana heat), but in the cooler months (75-80*F) the inside of the valve covers started to slime up/condensaton...NOT good.
Now I have a 180* thermostat/no slime at all..........if the engine temp goes up to 195* the E-fans (195 ON/180* OFF) have no problem dropping the temp down to 180* in stop/n/go city traffic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,737
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From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
After having a Stant thermostat fail closed on me, I switched to a Robert Shaw thermostat. Because the Robert Shaw is a balanced thermostat, should it fail, there will still be some coolant flow.
I run a 195 degree thermostat. With an alumnium radiator, fresh clutch fan and all factory shrouding/seals it runs 195 degrees rock steady even when in backed up traffic.
I run a 195 degree thermostat. With an alumnium radiator, fresh clutch fan and all factory shrouding/seals it runs 195 degrees rock steady even when in backed up traffic.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Live in a warmer climate (we dont get snow) have used 160 Milodons since the late 80s or so on the toys, never had one go bad.
DD gets a stock whatever the factory computer likes.
DD gets a stock whatever the factory computer likes.