160 Thermostat?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: GA
160 Thermostat?
Okay, I have LT's, LS6 intake, and CAI. I just picked up an SC (Vortech) to install on my 99. I noticed a lot of people are running the 160 degree thermostat. What is the advantage of doing this? How about 180 degree? 160 seems a bit too cool... Carbon build up with a 160?
TIA,
DBLX
TIA,
DBLX
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
Yes - from Autozone.
I have it. Now the operating temps are completely dependent on outside air temps. (the stock radiator is the weak link)
At speed, cruising on the freeway, it varies from 189* when it's 55* outside to 205* when its over 100* outside.
To take advantage, I need to change the radiator.
On the track (damn hot day at 106*) the temps ran 238*
Mitch
I have it. Now the operating temps are completely dependent on outside air temps. (the stock radiator is the weak link)
At speed, cruising on the freeway, it varies from 189* when it's 55* outside to 205* when its over 100* outside.
To take advantage, I need to change the radiator.
On the track (damn hot day at 106*) the temps ran 238*
Mitch
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 968
Likes: 12
From: Regina Sask
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Check my website - under simple C5 mods.
A 160 TStat with a manual fan control switch will give you the ability to keep the temps down at the track - even as you are waiting to get to the line on hotter days.
As stated about, the therm. temp is NOT the temp your car will run at during normal driving.
A 160 TStat with a manual fan control switch will give you the ability to keep the temps down at the track - even as you are waiting to get to the line on hotter days.
As stated about, the therm. temp is NOT the temp your car will run at during normal driving.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Anyway -- NO - the TStats temp is NOT that temp your car will run at. There are many factors.
changing the Tstat is one of the great Corvette hot topics.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
I tried a German 160 this summer. In the kitchen, it began to pop open at 174, then when cooling down, it closed completely right about 160.
On the road in 95 degree temps, it would stabilize at about 174.
Of course, in town, it went on up and cycled within the fan on/off temps of 200-190.
I personally think 174 is a tad too cool for longterm use, and being concerned it would go even cooler during the winter, I replaced it with a modified stocker, which stabilizes about 183 in 90 degree weather.
What I would really love is for the car to run between 180-190 under all circumstances. But everyone has a pet temp.
DG
On the road in 95 degree temps, it would stabilize at about 174.
Of course, in town, it went on up and cycled within the fan on/off temps of 200-190.
I personally think 174 is a tad too cool for longterm use, and being concerned it would go even cooler during the winter, I replaced it with a modified stocker, which stabilizes about 183 in 90 degree weather.
What I would really love is for the car to run between 180-190 under all circumstances. But everyone has a pet temp.
DG
Safety Car
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From: The Great Truth: "There ain't no free lunch"
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Unfortunately, shortly after writing that I had an accident and never got to work on the car. I am planning to start my installation next Monday night though.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 82
From: New Market AL
Good luck with the wrench turning Vettenuts. I just finished my AFR205 install, and made a quick 1st to 2nd pull last night. Even though I was pretty rich @ upper 11 AFR, it put a big smile on my face when it continued to burn the tires through 2nd gear. Anybody's butt dyno can feel that kind of difference over stock LS1 heads.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
On my stock LS1 engine, highway coolant temps. run between 182-186 degrees, and oil temps. run between 195-205 degrees.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Great, have you driven it recently now that temps are starting to drop?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Good luck with the wrench turning Vettenuts. I just finished my AFR205 install, and made a quick 1st to 2nd pull last night. Even though I was pretty rich @ upper 11 AFR, it put a big smile on my face when it continued to burn the tires through 2nd gear. Anybody's butt dyno can feel that kind of difference over stock LS1 heads.