You will reach coolant temps required for closed loop operation before a 160F thermostat opens. The only other hard requirement is the timers to expire, and those are fixed.

But no, an LT1 doesn't need anything lower than the 180 factory stat. You also have an air check valve to burp the system on LT1s.

 

You're absolutely right that a t-stat won't fix an over heating problem (unless the stat itself is the root cause). However, the cooling system SHOULD be good enough to drive the temps "down against the stat" -especially when moving at highway speeds. Thus, the stat SHOULD have an effect; setting the lower limit of the operating range.


The ECM has absolutely no control or "say" over the operating temp. The ECM reacts to operating temp using the CTS....but it in no way controls the operating temp.



The engine will warm to the t-stat's opening point at exactly the same speed, regardless of which stat you choose. If the trip is too short to fully warm the engine....then it's too short for ANY stat. It's a short trip, period. The engine will warm to 160* at exactly the same speed, whether you have a 160 stat in there or a 195 stat in there. Doesn't matter.


I agree. Note that I didn't advocate for the OP to install a lower stat....I advocated for him to check and bleed his coolant. But regarding HP, did you read that whole thread? There were a total of FOUR tests cited in there, where significantly more power was made at cooler temps, than at hotter....and that was without even exploiting one of the greatest benefits of cooler temps: More timing.