92LT-1 Will thermostat help???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Oconomowoc WI
92LT-1 Will thermostat help???
My 92 LT-1 Automatic coupe has the typical over 200 degrees coolant blues- occasionally approaching 230 on hot days in traffic. I am installing a Hypertech 160 degree thermostat. The way I understand it, this will trigger my fan at 160. How much of a reduction in coolant temperature can I realistically expect? 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Re: 92LT-1 Will thermostat help??? (92LT-1BoughtItRight)
The thermostat won't make the fans come on any sooner....did you mean a Hypertech Chip, and thermostat?
The answer is maybe. If your radiator is not clogged up with crap.
I ended up replacing my radiator with a new one in addition to a chip and thermostat before mine cooled down enough to suit me.
[Modified by 92corvette, 3:42 PM 7/6/2004]
The answer is maybe. If your radiator is not clogged up with crap.
I ended up replacing my radiator with a new one in addition to a chip and thermostat before mine cooled down enough to suit me.
[Modified by 92corvette, 3:42 PM 7/6/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,140
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: 92LT-1 Will thermostat help??? (92LT-1BoughtItRight)
Installing a lower temp thermostat will not make your fans come on sooner.
Installing a Hypercrap chip will make them come on sooner, as the fan settings are that chip's main benefit.
Installing a 160 will lower average temps, but with sufficient time on the road, they will still reach the 230's. The only permanent fix is to have a chip made to change the fan settings (or have yours reprogrammed). However, you can clean the space between condensor and radiator, flush the cooling system, and that will lower your average temps as well.
Installing a Hypercrap chip will make them come on sooner, as the fan settings are that chip's main benefit.
Installing a 160 will lower average temps, but with sufficient time on the road, they will still reach the 230's. The only permanent fix is to have a chip made to change the fan settings (or have yours reprogrammed). However, you can clean the space between condensor and radiator, flush the cooling system, and that will lower your average temps as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: 92LT-1 Will thermostat help??? (92LT-1BoughtItRight)
You line too far north to consider a 160 tstat. Stick with the OEM stock 180 tstat. Heat doesn't hurt LT1's, @ 230 both radiator fans kick on high and will rbing down the temp. Another option, that's free of charge, would be to simply turn on the air conditioner because that will activate the radiators fans, too.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Oconomowoc WI
Re: 92LT-1 Will thermostat help??? (92corvette)
No, it is actually a Hypertech 160 degree thermostat. I plan to install a chip and according to Hypertech's web site the only chip they make for my car requires the use of a 160 degree thermostat. since I am thinking my car runs too hot and I am planning on putting in a chip I thought I would do the thermostat first.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Re: 92LT-1 Will thermostat help??? (92LT-1BoughtItRight)
From what I understand, the #1 reason that C4s overheat is all the crap that is lodged between the radiator and air conditioner condensor. These bottom breathers act like a big vacumn cleaner and suck stuff off the road. Take the fan shroud off and you will be suprised what you find. I have heard of dead animals, K-mart bags, condoms etc. And then have your radiator and block completely flushed, check the condition of your hoses and refill with fresh 50/50 water and antifreeze. 
[Modified by corvetteronw, 11:38 PM 7/6/2004]
[Modified by corvetteronw, 11:38 PM 7/6/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,140
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: 92LT-1 Will thermostat help??? (92LT-1BoughtItRight)
No, it is actually a Hypertech 160 degree thermostat. I plan to install a chip and according to Hypertech's web site the only chip they make for my car requires the use of a 160 degree thermostat. since I am thinking my car runs too hot and I am planning on putting in a chip I thought I would do the thermostat first.
The main reason it requires use of a 160 is because it bumps the timing up so far that a cold engine is needed to keep from having problems.
You'd be better off having someone here burn you a chip, much cheaper.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,080
Likes: 0
From: Corvette valley Georgia
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: 92LT-1 Will thermostat help??? (92corvette)
The thermostat won't make the fans come on any sooner....did you mean a Hypertech Chip, and thermostat?
The answer is maybe. If your radiator is not clogged up with crap.
I ended up replacing my radiator with a new one in addition to a chip and thermostat before mine cooled down enough to suit me.
.
[Modified by 92corvette, 3:42 PM 7/6/2004]
The answer is maybe. If your radiator is not clogged up with crap.
I ended up replacing my radiator with a new one in addition to a chip and thermostat before mine cooled down enough to suit me.
.
[Modified by 92corvette, 3:42 PM 7/6/2004]
Really all you need is a good radiator! http://www.dewitts.com check them out! I replaced mine and never have seen any thing over 210 degrees
[Modified by grapeknutz, 10:50 PM 7/6/2004]
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
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
