T-Stat question...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
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I think the stock LS2 t'stat is rated at 195*. You can get a 160* unit from several forum vendors. My '05's coolant temp runs in the high 170's* at highway speeds with the 160* t'stat. However, the car has not been tuned to allow the cooling fans to come on at a lower temp, hence, when in traffic, the temp will climb to the same temps as stock, before the fans come on, especially while running the ac. That's really not a bad thing, as occasional trips past 220* will boil out any condensation that may have accumulated in the oil and won't hunt anything.
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: fort mill sc
T'stat comment
I don't know why you would want to run your engine at lower than design temperature. Why not just keep the factory T'stat and operate the car at 194 degrees. I think there are many factors to consider when lowering the T'stat setpoint.
BTW My oil temp runs about 216 when the coolant is at 194 assuming adequate air flow through the radiator (around 40 mph).
BTW My oil temp runs about 216 when the coolant is at 194 assuming adequate air flow through the radiator (around 40 mph).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Cantonment Florida
Thank's for the replies....
The reason I asked the question, my Tuner suggested that I install a 180 deg. T-Stat to get the most out of his tune, he also stated that a 160 deg. was too cold, and would not allow the engine to operate at it's maximum potential. So, I'm thinking that the 186 deg. T-stat may be a good comprimise......
Steve.
Steve.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by rmd8136
I don't know why you would want to run your engine at lower than design temperature. Why not just keep the factory T'stat and operate the car at 194 degrees. I think there are many factors to consider when lowering the T'stat setpoint.
BTW My oil temp runs about 216 when the coolant is at 194 assuming adequate air flow through the radiator (around 40 mph).
BTW My oil temp runs about 216 when the coolant is at 194 assuming adequate air flow through the radiator (around 40 mph).
However, you must tell the computer that you have the cooler thermostat or it does little if any good.
This is what I have been told, and it sounds logical, so I have the thermostat but haven't gotten around to installing it.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 125
From: laguna niguel ca
180 degree????
Steve, I'm not sure if it's type specific LS2. C5 stats came 160, 172, and 180. Even though they don't have the extended spring and disc at the end. They would work. Yet since it's rating of 180 is so close to the factory, I don't think you would gain any overall cooling. I've always used the 160 stat in my LS1 and LS2 motors. My highway temps have always run at 178-183. In town and in traffic it sometimes reaches 198-203, and then starts down as I start moving again. With the correct tunning the fans will cycle on by % of total speed as temps go up. In the C5's you could simply turn them on at certain temp and off at another. Not so in the C6's. For example, last weekend I was in Las Vegas, At speeds of 90-110mph my engine temp never went over 181, oil at 214 Degrees. In town at 110 outside temp in traffic my temps never went over 207 idleing. BTW when the A/C is on the fans are at almost %100 of there max speed. Anyway hpoe the info helps.
Andreas G.
Andreas G.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 125
From: laguna niguel ca
180 degree????
Steve, I'm not sure if it's type specific LS2. C5 stats came 160, 172, and 180. Even though they don't have the extended spring and disc at the end. They would work. Yet since it's rating of 180 is so close to the factory, I don't think you would gain any overall cooling. I've always used the 160 stat in my LS1 and LS2 motors. My highway temps have always run at 178-183. In town and in traffic it sometimes reaches 198-203, and then starts down as I start moving again. With the correct tunning the fans will cycle on by % of total speed as temps go up. In the C5's you could simply turn them on at certain temp and off at another. Not so in the C6's. For example, last weekend I was in Las Vegas, At speeds of 90-110mph my engine temp never went over 181, oil at 214 Degrees. In town at 110 outside temp in traffic my temps never went over 207 idleing. BTW when the A/C is on the fans are at almost %100 of there max speed. Anyway hope the info helps.
Andreas G.
Andreas G.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
Stock is 186, why mess with a 180? Go to a 160 and adjust your fans if you are looking for a noticeable difference. My two cents anyway. If I did not drag race I would just leave in the stock thermostat. 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: az
Originally Posted by shurite44
Stock is 186, why mess with a 180? Go to a 160 and adjust your fans if you are looking for a noticeable difference. My two cents anyway. If I did not drag race I would just leave in the stock thermostat.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Originally Posted by EuroRod
I think the stock LS2 t'stat is rated at 195*. You can get a 160* unit from several forum vendors. My '05's coolant temp runs in the high 170's* at highway speeds with the 160* t'stat. However, the car has not been tuned to allow the cooling fans to come on at a lower temp, hence, when in traffic, the temp will climb to the same temps as stock, before the fans come on, especially while running the ac. That's really not a bad thing, as occasional trips past 220* will boil out any condensation that may have accumulated in the oil and won't hunt anything.
When in the high 170's on the highway, what's the oil temp?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Cantonment Florida
Ok, so let me understand...
I can buy a 160 deg, T-stat, but it won't be a direct replacement part, rather it will be a generic, one T-stat fits all part ? I am leaning towards doing the 160 deg. as I LOVE to Drag Race ! 
Steve.
Steve.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: az
Originally Posted by P-Colavette
I can buy a 160 deg, T-stat, but it won't be a direct replacement part, rather it will be a generic, one T-stat fits all part ? I am leaning towards doing the 160 deg. as I LOVE to Drag Race !
Steve.
Steve.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 97
From: Palm Coast, FL
How about this combo...?
Originally Posted by timd38
I was told that as the temprature goes up, the computer starts to retard the timing to prevent spark knock, so a cooler thermostat will allow you to have more advance in the timing without hurting the engine.
However, you must tell the computer that you have the cooler thermostat or it does little if any good.
This is what I have been told, and it sounds logical, so I have the thermostat but haven't gotten around to installing it.
However, you must tell the computer that you have the cooler thermostat or it does little if any good.
This is what I have been told, and it sounds logical, so I have the thermostat but haven't gotten around to installing it.
Your thoughts....
Sal