160 vs 172 thermostat
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 5
From: West Coast
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (SQEZN BI)
Stock t-stat open at 192F. If you set your fans to turn on at 190F, the fans will be fighting the t-stat, not a good choice.
Heat does make power BUT to a certain degree. The LS1 makes the most power between 185-190F. Even temps of 195F are OK, but after that, the HP levels begin to drop.
This is a FACT. The reason the LS1 was set-up to run 230F was because OF EMISSIONS not because of HP. The hotter it gets, the cleaner in runs, EPA regulations needed to be met.
I recommend a 170F t-stat. Set the fans to 180F. THe car will run 20 degrees hotter than the t-stat opening point. So about 185-195F.
Heat does make power BUT to a certain degree. The LS1 makes the most power between 185-190F. Even temps of 195F are OK, but after that, the HP levels begin to drop.
This is a FACT. The reason the LS1 was set-up to run 230F was because OF EMISSIONS not because of HP. The hotter it gets, the cleaner in runs, EPA regulations needed to be met.
I recommend a 170F t-stat. Set the fans to 180F. THe car will run 20 degrees hotter than the t-stat opening point. So about 185-195F.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 36,453
Likes: 2
From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (Ebein)
LG installed a 160 for me... Being that I live in Texas and spend a lot of time on the autocross course, it seems like a good choice to me. I might change back to a stocker for the winter months, though. For now, she runs about 175 down the highway. :D
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Spring Tx
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (FKING1)
At 200 degrees my car is a slug, barely able to get out of its own way.I have two 13.95+ timeslips to prove it, I also have a 13.17 run at 178 degrees. Only changes to the car was the t=stat ,Hypertech programming and a ZO6 catback...
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 76
From: Bedford Va.
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (lost)
i have a 172/178 stat in my car it still wants to run at 190-194min. (fans lowered) this is in 50-60 deg. air. on the dyno the car pulled 7 more hp at a lower temp's. I didn't want the 160 stat ether but a 160 is on order. I was told to expect 173 running temp with the 160.
i don't do much winter driving so low heater temps is not an issue for me.
i don't do much winter driving so low heater temps is not an issue for me.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass OR
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (pettrix)
Stock t-stat open at 192F. If you set your fans to turn on at 190F, the fans will be fighting the t-stat, not a good choice.
Heat does make power BUT to a certain degree. The LS1 makes the most power between 185-190F. Even temps of 195F are OK, but after that, the HP levels begin to drop.
This is a FACT. The reason the LS1 was set-up to run 230F was because OF EMISSIONS not because of HP. The hotter it gets, the cleaner in runs, EPA regulations needed to be met.
I recommend a 170F t-stat. Set the fans to 180F. THe car will run 20 degrees hotter than the t-stat opening point. So about 185-195F.
Heat does make power BUT to a certain degree. The LS1 makes the most power between 185-190F. Even temps of 195F are OK, but after that, the HP levels begin to drop.
This is a FACT. The reason the LS1 was set-up to run 230F was because OF EMISSIONS not because of HP. The hotter it gets, the cleaner in runs, EPA regulations needed to be met.
I recommend a 170F t-stat. Set the fans to 180F. THe car will run 20 degrees hotter than the t-stat opening point. So about 185-195F.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 9,724
Likes: 229
From: Motor City Vettes Ringleader
SE Michigan Coordinator
CI 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09-'11,-'13-'14-'15
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (Ebein)
172 stat for me...and workin like a charm...definitely keepin everything cooler...
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Creighton Mo
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (Ebein)
I don't think you will notice any difference between 160 and 172 I have 160 stat and my 99 runs about 175 to 180 I have fans set to come on at 200 and off at 180
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 5
From: West Coast
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (fascar)
There is a problem with running TOO COLD. THis needs to be addressed. The all aluminum LS1/LS6 can run hotter than an iron block/heads motor. Having it TOO COLD causes a HP loss, as does running TOO HOT, causes a HP loss.
There is a "sweet spot" for LS1 motors. Ask any dyno place and they will usually agree that it is the 185-195F range. Some may even say 200F but the average is 185-195F.
Running at temps below 180F makes the computer believe that the car has NOT warmed up to opertating temperature. So running TOO COLD has the same HP loss effect as running TOO HOT.
:seeya
There is a "sweet spot" for LS1 motors. Ask any dyno place and they will usually agree that it is the 185-195F range. Some may even say 200F but the average is 185-195F.
Running at temps below 180F makes the computer believe that the car has NOT warmed up to opertating temperature. So running TOO COLD has the same HP loss effect as running TOO HOT.
:seeya
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 76
From: Bedford Va.
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (pettrix)
i think the computer see's 163 as the maximum low temp. anything above that is good operation temp. a stock car may run cooler with a 178 but add some HP and my178 runs at 190-194 in cool air. i havn't driven it in hot weather with the present setup.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,824
Likes: 351
From: Albuquerque NM
Re: 160 vs 172 thermostat (pettrix)
Running at temps below 180F makes the computer believe that the car has NOT warmed up to opertating temperature. :seeya
