160' Thermostat
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: 160' Thermostat (CorvettemanLT1)
I looked at Autozone and saw their 160* thermostat, but it was not a very high quality part. I decided it was worth the $15 to get a good quality one from hypertech vs the $7 one.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 3
From: Lafayette IN
Re: 160' Thermostat (Glock'94)
I looked at Autozone and saw their 160* thermostat, but it was not a very high quality part. I decided it was worth the $15 to get a good quality one from hypertech vs the $7 one.
In all actuality, your money is best spent with a thermostat that fails in the OPEN position. I am not sure anymore which ones do this, but they are a good buy. If it fails in the closed position, well, it is just bad news. :cheers: -Matt-
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Re: 160' Thermostat (JonM)
When I purchased mine, I ended up getting it from Zip. I couldnt find a supplier locally that carried the LT1 T-Stat in anything except the standard 180 degree version. I checked NAPA, Pep-Boys, Auto-Zone etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 6,272
Likes: 2
From: Chino Valley AZ
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Currently Corvette-less
Re: 160' Thermostat (CorvettemanLT1)
The LT1 engine is a reverse cooled engine, meaning that the coolant flows through the heads first, then passes to the block, vs. it's predecessor which flowed coolant through the block first, then the heads.
Why is this important?
Because the standard T-stat that is commonly bought at Autozone, PEP Boys, etc. will not work properly in the LT1. The LT1 Powerstat has two sealing surfaces vs. the standard t-stat which only seals at one point.
Typically, the Powerstat will cost roughly $20. If you find one in the $5 to $10 price range, be very cautious, as it most likely is not a Powerstat. Also, most local auto parts stores will not carry the 160 degree heat range, even if they do carry the Powerstat.
My recommendation is to contact MidAm, Eckler's, ZIP, Corvette Central, etc., and purchase the proper Powerstat from them.
Lastly, I run a 160 degree Powerstat in my 92 LT1, but be careful to remember that along with changing the Powerstat to a lower temperature range, you will need to change your fan settings. I purchased a Performance Resource chip and along with other modifications, had them tune the chip to turn my fans on at 180 degrees.
Purp
Why is this important?
Because the standard T-stat that is commonly bought at Autozone, PEP Boys, etc. will not work properly in the LT1. The LT1 Powerstat has two sealing surfaces vs. the standard t-stat which only seals at one point.
Typically, the Powerstat will cost roughly $20. If you find one in the $5 to $10 price range, be very cautious, as it most likely is not a Powerstat. Also, most local auto parts stores will not carry the 160 degree heat range, even if they do carry the Powerstat.
My recommendation is to contact MidAm, Eckler's, ZIP, Corvette Central, etc., and purchase the proper Powerstat from them.
Lastly, I run a 160 degree Powerstat in my 92 LT1, but be careful to remember that along with changing the Powerstat to a lower temperature range, you will need to change your fan settings. I purchased a Performance Resource chip and along with other modifications, had them tune the chip to turn my fans on at 180 degrees.
Purp
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Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: 160' Thermostat (CorvettemanLT1)
I've got the hypertech one. Something like $15, I got it because that just happened to be the brand that the place I was ordering parts from carried. The stats don't look too much different but it is in your best interest to get one specific to the LT1 motor.
