160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps?
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Sacramento california
160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps?
my corvette mech was describing in detail to me the many benefits of the 160deg thermostat has over the OEM thermostat 1 of the main benefits was lower engine compartment temps, which means that electrical components, and electricals connectors, hoses, wires all last longer because of lower engine compartment temps. true or false?
Race Director
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From: I live in my own little world
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Re: 160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps? (boonie2)
Well...yea...true...TECHNICALLY. I switched to a 160 stat, and it droped the average operating temp from about 194° to 177°. But the difference 17°F will make in the degradation of plastic and rubber componants i can't really see as significant.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: seattle WA
Re: 160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps? (Alchemist)
I like the 180 thermostat in mine ;) and I agree with above-20 degrees wouldn't make that much difference-remember the General designed these cars to run hot. ;)
Race Director
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From: The Top of Utah
Re: 160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps? (boonie2)
Most cars run little or no cooler with a lower temp thermostat, only. In those cases all you do is prolong the warm up time between 160 and the operating temp IF you drive it far enough for that to happen. If it isn't running hot, and you don't need cooler temps for racing or another specific purpose, leave it stock or 180 at the lowest.
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Harrisonville MO
Re: 160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps? (boonie2)
I have a 160 in mine. It runs at or about 160 in the early spring and late fall when daytime temps are very cool around here. Once it starts weather starts warming up though it doesn't really make any difference. She still runs very hit in the summer.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: 160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps? (boonie2)
Yes, engine compartment temps will be lower IF you help it by changing fan settings.
Otherwise, it will just take longer to run hot. If you dont drive long, thats not a problem.
Otherwise, it will just take longer to run hot. If you dont drive long, thats not a problem.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Poway CA
Re: 160deg thermostat=lower engine compartment temps? (boonie2)
Another hint...even with a 160 degree stat, the greatest benefit may not be reached without either changing out your fan sensor or installing a performance/custom chip in order to re-set the controlls on your fans to match the 160 degree stat. Also, I went to the 160 degree and custom chip and still saw higher temps...found that my radiator was jammed full of debree on the primary fan side...now my '91 will not boost 190 degrees in "stop and go" traffic on a 75 degree So Cal day...runs nice and cool. Also...the custom chip now turns on both fans within a few seconds of each other to provid max airflow.
