Do you guy think I should go with a 160 thermo? Are any of you running this if so is it affecting the way your car runs? Thanks in advance...

 

If you should use a 160 or not, beats me. Try a search on them as there are always lots of discussions on the topic which could help in your decision. You will need to reprogram your fans before it will do any good.

 

 

I have been running the 160 on my car now for over a year. Lot's of people will say it's not good for the motor, or the LS1 was designed to run at XX temp etc etc.. When I had my heads/cam installed I talked to 3 of the best tuners/insallers around (some on this board) and they all said with my mods, running a 160 is a good idea.
What you have to remember is that you also need to have your fans re-programmed to come on earlier to take advantage of the lower t-stat otherwise it's a waste of time. My 1st fan comes on at about 178 second fan is on about 188-190 I believe.

Effects on my car. Overall the car runs great. I can be in 90 degree ambient temps in stop and go traffic, hottest my coolant will get is about 188-190, and my oil will get up to about 205, maybe a bit more..in stop and go traffic the fans will pretty much stay on until you get above 45mph in that kind of temp.
Cruising with 80-90 degree temps out, oil stays around 200, coolant at about 175-180.

Now, the only downside so far I can see, is that during the winter in very cold temps out below say 32F, the oil does not get above 180 or 185, which is not ideal, but wont hurt if you are not romping on the motor. I don't drive my car hardly at all in the winter so it does not really matter.

With the proper tuning etc.. it's fine. I would only do this if you decide to add other mods..if you are running a stock set up, no real reason to change as you don't really gain anything. Hope this helps.

 

Awesome write up FrankTank very helpful , thank you..

 

I have been using a 172* stat and it keeps my engine vitals where they should be...

 

the temp rateing of the thermostat is an indication of the temp at which the stat starts to open, thereby allowing coolant to circulate thru the block. after the thermo opens the operating temp of the engine is determined by internal design factors( like coolant capacity, fan on-off temps, air movement over the engine, engine compartment venting, etc) NOT the thermostat.With a 160 thermo my car runs betweem 180 and 200 depending on ambient temp and speed of travel.

 

Same here....AND...no issues with the heater not being hot enough for the 5 or 6 times I drive during winter months...go 160 IMO..