There are always a bunch of posts on the issue of LT1's running hot (mine's a 95). I have had the same problems and questions as many others, but here's what I've done and I think it might be cured and it was pretty easy and cheap. First, pull off that upper radiator shroud and clean the radiator (I scrubbed mine with some dish detergent and a nylon brush and then hosed it off). Then I installed a Hypertech 160 thermostat. This is pretty easy on an LT1 and the new thermostat already has the gasket. You'll need to drain about a gallon from the radiator to get the coolant level below the thermostat housing, and make sure you get it all back in there before taking a drive. You may have to start it and stop a few times to get all the coolant back into that upper reservoir where the radiator cap is.

I'll admit that I haven't run this under every condition yet, but my average temp is DOWN about 25 degrees from 198-205 to around 175-178. Obviously, the 160 allows more flow. I haven't done anything with the fans and don't plan to at this point. Sure, it will still go up when you're sitting in traffic, but it comes back down quickly and you can always punch on the AC to turn the fan on if it bothers you.

Anyway, I'm excited and the vette runs and feels a LOT BETTER! :hurray: :hurray:

 

You might as well not even have a thermostat in your engine because at the temperatures you claim, your 160 stat is wide open all the time and it isn't doing squat for temperature soar at a stop light!

 

You're right. The only thing that helps at a stop light or long line at a stop sign is fans and the AC cures that. But I got what I was after which was a much lower normal running temp. With no thermostat, there's no limits on the lower end which may cause other problems. :cheers:

 

John, cleaning the radiator probably helped the most. I've been running a 160 in mine for over 5 years without any problems. Do you work out on the arsenal? My father was a CW4 in the Signal Corp and retired to live in H'ville. :steering:

 

Actually, cleaning the radiator accomplished little, so I guess it was already pretty clean. The dramatic change was the 160 stat.

 

Told you so :yesnod: :thumbs:

 

I put a 160 thermostat as well....i didnt' notice much difference in summer weather, you have to reprogram the ECM to make the fans switch on sooner, thats the best way. I sometimes switch the AC at a stop light so the fans kick in but sometimes annoying to switch it on and off.

 

Hard to swallow, but I'm convinced now that the Hypertech 160 allows more flow. That's the only explanation that makes any sense for the temp stabilizing 25 degrees lower withoput playing with the fan temps. It works. Period. :steering: