know you got me wondering whether to install it? 
160* or 180* therm?
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From: St. Cloud Minnesota
160* or 180* therm?
I live in MN dont know if that makes a difference but, I recently ordered a 180* thermostat but they sent a 160*. Which would be better and why? My car has been running no less than 226* and all the way up to 240!yikes! No issues with radiator blocked, check and clean regularly. Recommend I flush system? water-wetter? and mainly which thermostat!? Also resetting fans when I go in for the tune...what should i set the fans for on 180 and 160?
Le Mans Master
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From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Originally Posted by 99WhtC5
I live in MN dont know if that makes a difference but, I recently ordered a 180* thermostat but they sent a 160*. Which would be better and why? My car has been running no less than 226* and all the way up to 240!yikes! No issues with radiator blocked, check and clean regularly. Recommend I flush system? water-wetter? and mainly which thermostat!? Also resetting fans when I go in for the tune...what should i set the fans for on 180 and 160?
Rsty
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From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX
St. Jude Donor '05
I have a 160 and I don't like it. The engine never gets hot unless I'm sitting in traffic and cruising down the highway is a 180 degree affair. Too cold for my taste. I'll probably be ripping it for a stocker in the near future.
8th Gear
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160 or not to be....
I've got the same problem...a 160 in the box and wondering whether to install it or not.
I've heard both sides....that a cooler engine makes more HP, and that the Corvette engine is made to run at 200 to 220 and that you will not be operating it at peak efficiency (including clearances for piston rings etc.) at cooler temps...........think that I will stay stock for a while longer. I run it every two weeks in the winter to get the oil hot and it would take a lot longer to do that -- especially when it is below freezing.
I've heard both sides....that a cooler engine makes more HP, and that the Corvette engine is made to run at 200 to 220 and that you will not be operating it at peak efficiency (including clearances for piston rings etc.) at cooler temps...........think that I will stay stock for a while longer. I run it every two weeks in the winter to get the oil hot and it would take a lot longer to do that -- especially when it is below freezing.
Pro
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From: Enterprise AL
Originally Posted by 99WhtC5
I live in MN dont know if that makes a difference but, I recently ordered a 180* thermostat but they sent a 160*. Which would be better and why? My car has been running no less than 226* and all the way up to 240!yikes! No issues with radiator blocked, check and clean regularly. Recommend I flush system? water-wetter? and mainly which thermostat!? Also resetting fans when I go in for the tune...what should i set the fans for on 180 and 160?
The LS series engines were designed to operate best between about 190 - 210 coolant, and that will put the oil temps at or about 195 - 215 or so cruising. Aggressive driving will increase the oil temps more than the coolant temps until the car slows down to where there is not sufficient airflow through the radiator for effective heat exchange. That's when the fans take over, below 35 mph to get that air moving.
So to finally answer your question, I would go with the stock t-stat temperature rating.
Last edited by ZO6vettepilot; Apr 4, 2006 at 02:25 PM.
Burning Brakes
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From: Olympia WA
I just replaced my stock stat with a 160, oil temps on freeway 170-180 coolant temps 170-175 still runs at 235 on warm day in traffic. Car runs great and got 27.8 mpg on 6600 mi. trip. I'm thinking on putting stock stat back in this winter, 180 might be ok.
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From: Montara Ca
Originally Posted by Sponge Vette
I'm about to install the 160 Degree myself, does any know whether you have to replace the gasket when changing the thermostat?
Race Director
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From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
I have my Z06 getting headers and a tune right now. Tuner did not think it was necessary to install a 160 thermostat . . . just didn't think there was enough HP in it.
I have also read on here where guys claim the cars run best from 190-194 with a season of documented drag strip passes.
I am leaving mine alone for now.
I have also read on here where guys claim the cars run best from 190-194 with a season of documented drag strip passes.
I am leaving mine alone for now.
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From: St. Cloud Minnesota
thanks so far guys...another question though...whats the stock thermostat temp? I'm having issues with my car getting very hot like constantly 235-240 and never ever less than 226 even on 45* days. Like i said, no issues with clogged radiator. Would having older fluid contribute to this? If i install the 160* do you think it would bring the temps down to that 190ish range being that i run hot the way it is or does installing the 160 mean i'm gonna run pretty much at that? what would cause my car to run this hot in the first place? the warmest it usually get here is about 95 tops so its not like i live in an extreme climate
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From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
Originally Posted by 99WhtC5
thanks so far guys...another question though...whats the stock thermostat temp? I'm having issues with my car getting very hot like constantly 235-240 and never ever less than 226 even on 45* days. Like i said, no issues with clogged radiator. Would having older fluid contribute to this? If i install the 160* do you think it would bring the temps down to that 190ish range being that i run hot the way it is or does installing the 160 mean i'm gonna run pretty much at that? what would cause my car to run this hot in the first place? the warmest it usually get here is about 95 tops so its not like i live in an extreme climate
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From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by 99WhtC5
I live in MN dont know if that makes a difference but, I recently ordered a 180* thermostat but they sent a 160*. Which would be better and why? My car has been running no less than 226* and all the way up to 240!yikes! No issues with radiator blocked, check and clean regularly. Recommend I flush system? water-wetter? and mainly which thermostat!? Also resetting fans when I go in for the tune...what should i set the fans for on 180 and 160?
Youll hear alot of theories that if you use a 160 its bad for the LS1. But nobody has ever proven that so why listen?
Last edited by Ikester; Apr 5, 2006 at 07:49 PM.
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From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Originally Posted by LT-4 CE
If you car is running that hot, you have issues that a lower temp stat won't fix. Your current stat could be stuck, your fans could not be working properly, etc. Changing stats may help, but only if your current one is bad.
if you are seeing those temps while cruising or normal driving, than your T-stat is stuck, or your fans might not be coming on.I see those temps in my car, but only in stop and go traffice for a long period of time.
Pro
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From: Enterprise AL
Originally Posted by LT-4 CE
If you car is running that hot, you have issues that a lower temp stat won't fix. Your current stat could be stuck, your fans could not be working properly, etc. Changing stats may help, but only if your current one is bad.
I think you have a stuck stat, it probably isn't opening all the way, so you're probably not getting a full flow to the radiator.If the temperature is going way high while above 35 mph, it's most likely the t-stat stuck, or some other reason restricting flow to the radiator. If it's going way high below 35, make sure your fans are coming on and cycling.
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Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Originally Posted by 99WhtC5
I live in MN dont know if that makes a difference but, I recently ordered a 180* thermostat but they sent a 160*. Which would be better and why? My car has been running no less than 226* and all the way up to 240!yikes! No issues with radiator blocked, check and clean regularly. Recommend I flush system? water-wetter? and mainly which thermostat!? Also resetting fans when I go in for the tune...what should i set the fans for on 180 and 160?
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Ocala, Fl. State of Confusion
If you do a search on this topic, you will get every opinion in the book.
My opinion and experience is go with the 160 and reset the fans. It will run 180 on the hiway and 190-200 in traffic. And to me, that sounds about perfect.
You will find all the other reasons to switch when you do the search. Good luck.
My opinion and experience is go with the 160 and reset the fans. It will run 180 on the hiway and 190-200 in traffic. And to me, that sounds about perfect.
You will find all the other reasons to switch when you do the search. Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: granville mass
Those water temps are too high. Fans is not the issue if it happens over 40 mph. Check to be sure that your missing cat is not in the duct work going to the radiator. Fluffy, or something may be blocking airflow. Airflow = cooling.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Hot Springs AR
Originally Posted by 99WhtC5
I live in MN dont know if that makes a difference but, I recently ordered a 180* thermostat but they sent a 160*. Which would be better and why? My car has been running no less than 226* and all the way up to 240!yikes! No issues with radiator blocked, check and clean regularly. Recommend I flush system? water-wetter? and mainly which thermostat!? Also resetting fans when I go in for the tune...what should i set the fans for on 180 and 160?
Before you do anything I'd head over to www.corvettemechanic.com and post the same question there. Paul is outstanding about helping us out. Now, onto debugging...
First on the list would be the t'stat, which you're replacing. Since going to a lower range t'stat isn't going to make any significant difference, I'd stick with an OE t'stat.
Second (done at the same time as the t'stat), is ensure your cooling system is full. Air in an LSx engine can yield wild temperture swings.
If you still are running hotter than normal (195-220), then you've got some other problem. Could be water pump failing, clogged coolant paths (uncommon, but can happen if air has been in the system a while), or a clogged (internally) radiator.
Once you get the problem solved, then you can start the debates about water wetter, coolant percentages, lower t'stats, etc.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Palm Coast, FL
Hold on to the 160 one. You said you were going to be getting a tune, when Corvettes of Westchester did my tune, he wanted the 160 in there.
I am in Jersey and had plenty of heat after the tune - the car runs great!
Rob
I am in Jersey and had plenty of heat after the tune - the car runs great!
Rob