Changing Themostat
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
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From: Atlanta Ga
Changing Themostat
I've read that most people change the stat to a 160 or so to help with engine cooling/performance. I live in Atlanta and would love to bring down the temp a bit. But how will this help? Once the coolant reaches 160 and the stat opens the rest of the coolant is introduced to the circuit and will be heated. Ultimately the temp will reach operating temperature regardless of the stat. How will this mod keep the temp cooler? :confused:
Maybe I'm forgetting something but I just don't get it. Someone set me straight. :confused:
Maybe I'm forgetting something but I just don't get it. Someone set me straight. :confused:
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Re: Changing Themostat (Dolfan)
Basically you are correct!
But introducing a full flow of coolant at a lower temp seems to stabilize the temp at a lower level (less latent heat build up in the block and the oil temp)
Plus when temps do run up to 200 plus, on the cool down, the thermo will allow temps to move back down to the 170 level, whereas with a stock thermo they remain at 185 plus
Personally, no scientific reason, I prefer 180 degree.
:seeya
But introducing a full flow of coolant at a lower temp seems to stabilize the temp at a lower level (less latent heat build up in the block and the oil temp)
Plus when temps do run up to 200 plus, on the cool down, the thermo will allow temps to move back down to the 170 level, whereas with a stock thermo they remain at 185 plus
Personally, no scientific reason, I prefer 180 degree.
:seeya
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
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Re: Changing Themostat (Dolfan)
Operating temp is determined by the thermostat. Ideally the engine will maintain the coolant temp at the point (approximately) where the stat opens. Once the stat is open the coolant flows freely carriying heat from the engine and expelling it into the atmosphere in the radiator. There is adequate air flow through the radiator at highway speeds; a complimentary temp fan sw maintains air flow and so coolant temp in city driving.
I prefer the 160 deg stat and fan sw since I want all the extra HP possible, as every 30 deg drop in temp is worth about 10hp more.
I prefer the 160 deg stat and fan sw since I want all the extra HP possible, as every 30 deg drop in temp is worth about 10hp more.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Re: Changing Themostat (65Z01)
Thanks for the insight, What is the stock thermostat temp? In Atlanta I do need some warm up for winter but I deal with much more heat. I guess I should go to the 180 with a switch for all-year driving.
Is the switch from Zips the one people are usng or other brand?
Is the switch from Zips the one people are usng or other brand?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: The Top of Utah
Re: Changing Themostat (65Z01)
I prefer the 160 deg stat and fan sw since I want all the extra HP possible, as every 30 deg drop in temp is worth about 10hp more.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: TX
Re: Changing Themostat (VetteNoob)
L98's have a 195 thermostat and LT1/4 have 180 thermostats from the factory. I noticed a drop in gas mileage when I went with the 160 thermostat. LT1's do not like heat for power. You will get an easy 5 rwhp from this mod. For only $20, it is definitely worth it. With the old thermostat my highway temp was 193. It is now 173. To take full advantage of the thermostat you should get a fan switch or reprogram the fans, but you will see a benefit even if you don't. I haven't run the car in stop and go traffic in 100 degree heat yet, but I will get that chance this summer.
Your car will still get hot enough in winter. The thermostat will just take longer to open since the coolant will start at a lower temperature. It will eventually hit the same operating temperature.
Your car will still get hot enough in winter. The thermostat will just take longer to open since the coolant will start at a lower temperature. It will eventually hit the same operating temperature.
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