180 Deg TStat??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 512
Likes: 19
From: Greensboro NC
180 Deg TStat??
How much of a difference in running temp at hwy speeds will a 180 deg TStat make? I've heard different schools of thought on this. For you guys out there running the 180 deg units, what temps are you running at cruising at 70MPH?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: The Nether Region IL
Re: 180 Deg TStat?? (QwikSilvr)
I put in the 178 tstat, and it didn't do squat until I had the fans lowered with LS1 Edit. I think 1st fan comes on at 185, 2nd comes on at 195.
Now I stay between 180 and 185 on the freeway, 185 to 190 in traffic. On rare occasion I will climb to 200 in traffic, but its gotta be hot out and traffic has to be bad.
Now I stay between 180 and 185 on the freeway, 185 to 190 in traffic. On rare occasion I will climb to 200 in traffic, but its gotta be hot out and traffic has to be bad.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: 180 Deg TStat?? (QwikSilvr)
The degree shown for a thermostat is the temperature at which the stat opens. If you are running at highway speeds, for example, your car will reach whatever temp it always does; the stat will just open a little sooner. It won't warm up quite as quickly, but it will reach normal operating temps. Fans on sooner is what you want. :smash: :yesnod: :)
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Southern CA
Re: 180 Deg TStat?? (carpe dm)
I installed a 160 degree thermostat and used the Hypertech and it has made a night and day difference. The high speed fans which really are the only ones that move enough air through to do any serious cooling turn on at 194 and off at 185. So far my car has not passed that temp unless I shut if off while it is at 194. Even idling the high speed fans cool it down. It hangs out around 170 on cooler days. I really believe it helps make the engine run better. Especially in stop and go traffic and 90 plus outside air temps.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Noble OK
Re: 180 Deg TStat?? (DRMC5)
I agree with DRMC5 that the 160 is a good way to go. Cruising down the highway it runs about 174 right now, but I'm sure as fall gets here it will not even be this high. My fan temps are a little higher than those posted, and my car never goes above 210. I plan on installing stock thermostat back in when it starts getting cold, there have been numerous posts about the LS1 liking higher temps than the LT 1. I think the 180 would be fine if you changed your fan turn on temps also. It will probably stay around 180 going down the highway.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 47
From: Tullahoma, TN
Re: 180 Deg TStat?? (QwikSilvr)
I have noticed little difference with my 180 Tstat; I put it on because the JET stage II module I had installed is designed to run with a 180. :confused: It all works good anyway and doesn't overheat. :)
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