Drilled Thermostat?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Drilled Thermostat?
I am in the process of doing my Opti and water pump. While it is all off, I am going to replace the thermostat. My question is, in one of my other cars ( Supercharged Buick Regal ) I drilled out a 180* stat with two 1/8 inch holes. The car now runs cooler by about 7* and cools down faster at the track.
The vette seems to run a little on the warm side for being a 180 stat. I was curious if anyone recommends drilling a couple of small holes to help with cooling. The stat has the jiggle valve to help purge air, so this would only help that system too...
Edit: I appoligize, it is a 95 M6.
Any thoughts.
Mike
The vette seems to run a little on the warm side for being a 180 stat. I was curious if anyone recommends drilling a couple of small holes to help with cooling. The stat has the jiggle valve to help purge air, so this would only help that system too...
Edit: I appoligize, it is a 95 M6.
Any thoughts.
Mike
Last edited by svoshop; Sep 5, 2007 at 05:36 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 27
From: Athens Ohio
I did drill two small holes in mine to help purge the air in the system. I had problems in the past. I changed the stock thermostat to a 160, so I can't say if the holes make the car run cooler. My guess would be it doesn't.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I drill holes in the stat for my 86, 415 to help purge air. They help for that purpose.
Other than that, all they do is allow the engine to run for a slightly longer period of time before it reaches normal operating temperature. It doesn't allow the engine to run any cooler once it reaches normal op.
The stat I use in my 96 LT1 comes with an air purge hole already in it. So I just drop it in as it comes in the package.
Jake
Other than that, all they do is allow the engine to run for a slightly longer period of time before it reaches normal operating temperature. It doesn't allow the engine to run any cooler once it reaches normal op.
The stat I use in my 96 LT1 comes with an air purge hole already in it. So I just drop it in as it comes in the package.
Jake
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg, NY
I drilled holes in the thermostat on my 89. The main intention of the holes is to facilitate the removal of air. It really does not affect the performance of the thermostat, and if anything takes a little longer to get up to opening temperature.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 3
From: STANTON CA
Did mine, no more air problems
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Drilling should only be done if you need to relieve pressure from a high flow pump (does not apply on LT1s) or for purging air. And the OEM stats already have small holes in them for just that purpose.
Otherwise drilling it defeats the point of having a stat. 2 x 1/8" is too big IMO.
Otherwise drilling it defeats the point of having a stat. 2 x 1/8" is too big IMO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I agree with Coaster, you really don't have to drill the holes on an LT1. But I have been doing it for so long that I have drilled my T-stat on my 92 Vette. It runs around 190 to 195 in 95 to 100 degree temps. The car warms up quickly and maintains a good operating temp, so for me, it seems to work fine. Remember, even though our cars are similar, each car has its own individual quirks that can't be explained, and you have to find what works best for your car. If in doubt, your stock 180 t-stat should be fine; if you want to experiment by drilling your t-stat, it shouldn't cause a problem. Good luck!
Bernie
Bernie
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
A single 1/16" hole will do the job, and holes won't make the engine run cooler or cool down faster.
Larry
code5coupe
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Larry
code5coupe
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not easily impressed....
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I remember driving out of Frazier park in 20F weather, the car didn't want to stay over 120F, and was keeping the oil cold also. I put on my jacket and ran the a/c with the windows open to try and build up heat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
You should drill smaller holes for a stat used during the winter than one used during summer months.
TPIS' Hints booklet has the dimensions the holes should be, but I don't have access to mine right now.
Jake
TPIS' Hints booklet has the dimensions the holes should be, but I don't have access to mine right now.
Jake
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
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From: sw Ohio
I dont even think my stat works at all, the temp climbs all the way up to 230 and then drops to 195 with the fans. I thought about leaving it out but that didnt work so well last time I tried it, couldnt get over 128*
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Sound like you have a 195 stat. The coolant temp is supposed to be higher than that stat rating, that's entire point of the tstat, to keep the engine above a certain temp.
