T-Stat Q....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 0
From: E. Amherst NY
T-Stat Q....
Just out of curiosity...
I'm currently running a 180 stat in my '86L L98. Temp outside today is 54 degrees, when driving earlier, the coolant temp was staying between 175-178 degrees. Oil was 190-195. I'm fine with these temps.
My question is this, if I were to go to a 160 stat, what would happen? I can only think it is one of two scenarios.
1. Coolant temp would stay the same
2. Coolant temp would run cooler, perhaps too cool, and would cycle more often. Temp would go over 160 degrees, coolant would get to maybe 170, then it would cool back down below 160 because of cold coolant in radiator.
I've got too much time on my hands, I know. Just curious is all...
I'm currently running a 180 stat in my '86L L98. Temp outside today is 54 degrees, when driving earlier, the coolant temp was staying between 175-178 degrees. Oil was 190-195. I'm fine with these temps.
My question is this, if I were to go to a 160 stat, what would happen? I can only think it is one of two scenarios.
1. Coolant temp would stay the same
2. Coolant temp would run cooler, perhaps too cool, and would cycle more often. Temp would go over 160 degrees, coolant would get to maybe 170, then it would cool back down below 160 because of cold coolant in radiator.
I've got too much time on my hands, I know. Just curious is all...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,389
Likes: 391
From: Lakeville MI
During yesterday's drive with similar weather and a 160 degree stat, my ecm internal coolant temp reached 160 degrees after 300 seconds (5 minutes) of running time and remained between 160 and 170 F for the duration of my datalog.
You will run a little cooler with a 160 degree stat, cool weather permitting, or if you run the fan down to low coolant temps.
You will run a little cooler with a 160 degree stat, cool weather permitting, or if you run the fan down to low coolant temps.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 0
From: E. Amherst NY
I'm not sure at this point, that I want to change the stat out. I'm quite comfortable with those temps. Even during the middle of summer, the temps were 185-190, which I was very pleased with.
I think I'm going to end up ordering an ALDL cable, and get TunerPro RT over the winter and adjust the fan temp. I think I've got another couple issues I need to look at when I'm in the computer anywho.
I think I'm going to end up ordering an ALDL cable, and get TunerPro RT over the winter and adjust the fan temp. I think I've got another couple issues I need to look at when I'm in the computer anywho.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I am running about like you with a 180* stat. IMO 160* makes no sense in a L98 unless you drag race. It just slows warm ups in cooler months which isn't very efficient. Lowering my fan on temp to 205* helped in the hot summer months.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 0
From: E. Amherst NY
Well, the thing is, I do drag race. 
Even so, I still seem to be able to cool the car down fairly easily between rounds. Although I have become fairly religious about icing down the intake between runs. I *may* just try a 160 one night at the track and see if that makes a difference..
Even so, I still seem to be able to cool the car down fairly easily between rounds. Although I have become fairly religious about icing down the intake between runs. I *may* just try a 160 one night at the track and see if that makes a difference..
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
It just slows warm ups in cooler months which isn't very efficient.
I *may* just try a 160 one night at the track and see if that makes a difference
Try a copla passes at low and at higher coolant temps and compare trap speeds; I think you will be convinced.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 0
From: E. Amherst NY
What kind of 1/8mi trap speeds/ETs were you getting stock?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski