C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Which Stat should I Use???

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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 08:30 PM
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Default Which Stat should I Use???

We've got a '92 and the thermostat needs to be replaced. Is one better than the other? I mean-- 160 or 180 ?
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 08:37 PM
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Don't go with a 160. And as far as brands go, either go OEM or Stant. And make sure that the stat is LTx specific,
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 09:24 PM
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180... 160 is too cold. It'll take your car forEVER to get up to operating temp.
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 09:42 PM
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in Michigan, stick with stock 180
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 10:50 PM
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160 on an LT1 is similar to using a 180 on a TPI, right? Due to the reverse flow.



Anyone condoning a 180 stat on a TPI should be condoning a 160 on a LT1.

Anyone insisting on a stock 180 stat on a LT1 should be insisting on a stock 195 stat on an TPI.

Last edited by CentralCoaster; Aug 12, 2006 at 11:20 PM.
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 10:53 PM
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I have a 160 degree in my '92 here in Arkansas and it warms up just as quick as it did with a 180 degree.

Last edited by NEVRL8T; Aug 12, 2006 at 10:56 PM.
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 10:55 PM
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I still don't recommend the 160F stat... they are just too cool for the modern engine.

The various metals are designed to work at very specific temp ranges, and those are between 195F-220F. This is the type of temps the computer is expecting.
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Old Aug 12, 2006 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by bogus
The various metals are designed to work at very specific temp ranges, and those are between 195F-220F. This is the type of temps the computer is expecting.
Precisely..
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:09 AM
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Go with 180 degree, the OEM temp for LT1. 180 is still cool, by most standards. For instance, my Dodge Dakota has a 195 as OEM temp. 160 is too cool.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:12 AM
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Originally Posted by bogus
I still don't recommend the 160F stat... they are just too cool for the modern engine.

The various metals are designed to work at very specific temp ranges, and those are between 195F-220F. This is the type of temps the computer is expecting.

And that is exactly the range my gauges show my car to be running at.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:14 AM
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160 on an LT1 is similar to using a 180 on a TPI, right? Due to the reverse flow.

Anyone condoning a 180 stat on a TPI should be condoning a 160 on a LT1.

Anyone insisting on a stock 180 stat on a LT1 should be insisting on a stock 195 stat on an TPI.

Your thoughts people? Or does 180 just sound like a pretty number?
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by bogus
The various metals are designed to work at very specific temp ranges, and those are between 195F-220F.
I am not sure I understand what metals you are refering to, do you mean the use of allum. and iron?
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
Your thoughts people? Or does 180 just sound like a pretty number?
If one is not reprogramming the fans they both will be operating at about the same temp. when warmed up. The gain I could see using a 160* is if you are trying to be in a certain temp. range w/fan programming, and ambient temps. are relatively warm (above 60ish fahrenheit.).

Last edited by mseven; Aug 13, 2006 at 12:30 AM.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 10:04 AM
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In south Florida you can go with a 160 tstat. My operating temp are just under 190 always. Many vettes down here don't uses a thermostat at all. I use a AutoZone 160 and it works great. I usually run 185 all year around with a big mouth air dam. I drive 1800 miles a month.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by elefkow
In south Florida you can go with a 160 tstat. My operating temp are just under 190 always. Many vettes down here don't uses a thermostat at all. I use a AutoZone 160 and it works great. I usually run 185 all year around with a big mouth air dam. I drive 1800 miles a month.
Exactly the same temps it would run with a 180° thermostat. The only thing the 160° stat does for you is lengthen the warm up time and add, slightly, to the wear and tear of the engine.



Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
160 on an LT1 is similar to using a 180 on a TPI, right? Due to the reverse flow.



Anyone condoning a 180 stat on a TPI should be condoning a 160 on a LT1.

Anyone insisting on a stock 180 stat on a LT1 should be insisting on a stock 195 stat on an TPI.
I understand the logic. But where does the advocate for a 160° stat in an L98, fit with the GEN II crowd?

RACE ON!!!
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:14 PM
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I have a 160* in mine. I haven't fired up the engine yet, so I cant say for sure. Where I live, we have extremes in both high, and low temps. I may have to use a 180*, but at the time I was installing it, 160* was all they had. All I can do is wait, and see. I've got to get the overdrive working today. Always plenty to do...

EDIT: If the car seems to run near the 160 mark, I believe it would be wanting to switch back, and forth, between open, and closed lope. Correct me if I am wrong...

Last edited by Steel Breeze; Aug 13, 2006 at 12:22 PM.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:31 PM
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The thermostat doesn't determine the engine's operating temp. It only defines the minimum operating temp, not the norm or the max. Once the stat is open, it has no further control, it's out of the picture. It won't run any cooler with a 160° stat than with a 180° stat regardless of hot the weather gets.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The thermostat doesn't determine the engine's operating temp. It only defines the minimum operating temp, not the norm or the max. Once the stat is open, it has no further control, it's out of the picture. It won't run any cooler with a 160° stat than with a 180° stat regardless of hot the weather gets.

RACE ON!!!
Exactly, that is what I am counting on. I was just thinking about a cold day, and cruising on the open road... I've got my cooling system up to par now, but like I said still haven't fired it to see the real world effects my sweat equity has bought me...
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To Which Stat should I Use???

Old Aug 13, 2006 | 01:05 PM
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On the coldest Midwest days my car still runs ~175* with a 160* stat.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 01:11 PM
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Sure gives me plenty to think about.. Nothing is easy or simple with a Corvette.
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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Steel Breeze
EDIT: If the car seems to run near the 160 mark, I believe it would be wanting to switch back, and forth, between open, and closed lope. Correct me if I am wrong...
Both LT1 and L98 are in closed loop well before the 160 opens. LT1 has temperature settings in the computer that prevent closed loop before a set temperature is reached (~150) and L98s will be in closed loop at about ~140, which is where mine goes in. Later L98s may also have a temperature setting in the computer, but I guarantee its lower than 160.

Those who will tell you that you run in open loop all the time dont know what they are talking about. And all the engine timers all expire within about 2 minutes.

Last edited by vader86; Aug 13, 2006 at 01:19 PM.
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