[Z06] thermostat and engine temp question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
thermostat and engine temp question
yes been discussed many times but what I am asking is:
1. what do YOU think is the best temp for the ls1/6 engines to run at and WHY
2. is there any documented info or studies etc. which would tell/show why a 160 degree stat is bad for the motor or good
3. why did the 60-70 hipo motors use a 160 thermostat and new ones don't.......I think it is for emissions only.
1. what do YOU think is the best temp for the ls1/6 engines to run at and WHY
2. is there any documented info or studies etc. which would tell/show why a 160 degree stat is bad for the motor or good
3. why did the 60-70 hipo motors use a 160 thermostat and new ones don't.......I think it is for emissions only.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 30,897
Likes: 45
From: Picking on the weakest kid in the yard.
1) Yes, a colder engine will make a tiny bit more power but so will running a really thin oil. Neither will make enough to matter.
2) Will your engine really be 160 degrees when you make the power? Not in the type of racing I do. The engine temp will be above 180 no matter what thermostat is in there so the 160 stat will make zero more HP for me.
3) Yes, higher temps are probably mostly for emissions, but they probably also help your fuel economy as well.
4) The lower stat wil NOT solve any overheating problems.
5) I don't have any proof that 160 stats result in shorter engine life, but it's pretty well accepted than engine wear is much greater when the engine is cold than when it's up to temp, so does that mean 160 degrees equals more wear than 190? I don't know, but it makes logic sense.
Mainly I would question why use a 160 instead of a 180? To gain a minimal amount of power that you won't even be able to feel and only when the engine has not been run hard enough to get the temp higher? Seems like no gain to me.
2) Will your engine really be 160 degrees when you make the power? Not in the type of racing I do. The engine temp will be above 180 no matter what thermostat is in there so the 160 stat will make zero more HP for me.
3) Yes, higher temps are probably mostly for emissions, but they probably also help your fuel economy as well.
4) The lower stat wil NOT solve any overheating problems.
5) I don't have any proof that 160 stats result in shorter engine life, but it's pretty well accepted than engine wear is much greater when the engine is cold than when it's up to temp, so does that mean 160 degrees equals more wear than 190? I don't know, but it makes logic sense.
Mainly I would question why use a 160 instead of a 180? To gain a minimal amount of power that you won't even be able to feel and only when the engine has not been run hard enough to get the temp higher? Seems like no gain to me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 0
From: Willow Springs IL
Good points. I believe that I only made 2 or 3 more rwhp when allowed to cool for 20 minutes or so between pulls. Honestly.... there probably is NO reason to use a 160 stat instead of the factory stat. I would definately agree with adjusting the fan cut in temps though.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2,641
From: Texas Hill Country
It depends on what you want to do. Drag racing? Road racing? Street driving? There is always a compromise between horsepower and longevity/reliability/wear. It is safe to say that cars come from the factory with longevity/mileage/emissions in mind and not ultimate horsepower. That's why you can always change stuff on a car and make more power.
I forgot to mention my point.... Cold coolant and hot oil make the most power. I don't even run a thermostat in my race car. But if it gets over 150 deg I turn off the motor, lol. I race it at 120 deg. I rebuild it every 30 miles.
I forgot to mention my point.... Cold coolant and hot oil make the most power. I don't even run a thermostat in my race car. But if it gets over 150 deg I turn off the motor, lol. I race it at 120 deg. I rebuild it every 30 miles.
Last edited by Higgs Boson; Jan 29, 2009 at 12:33 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
thanks, didn't see that sticky, read it all the way thru and made comment on my car. by the way, stock thermostat is rated 100*C which equals 212F
which equals low 200s to low 220s in traffic for me
which equals low 200s to low 220s in traffic for me
