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You can order a 160 thermo right here on the Forum at the Corvette Store. You can also get an LPE unit on EBay.
Do a search, there are a zillion threads on this subject, with lots of believers and doubters.
A 160 thermo warms up the car just as fast. Your operating temps will be right around 180 (vs 190+ w/ the stock thermo), oil temps will also run 10 degrees cooler than stock. The heater will still blow hot air.
Main benefit is that the engine will not run as hot after extended stop & go driving, or heavy loads. The ECM will start to pull timing if the temps get much above 200. At the dyno, this can result in lower HP measurements after the first pull, unless you allow the car to cool down. At the track, same effect.
For cars with forced induction or other mods that increase power, lower temp thermos are almost mandatory. Many tuners insist on them.
You can order a 160 thermo right here on the Forum at the Corvette Store. You can also get an LPE unit on EBay.
Do a search, there are a zillion threads on this subject, with lots of believers and doubters.
A 160 thermo warms up the car just as fast. Your operating temps will be right around 180 (vs 190+ w/ the stock thermo), oil temps will also run 10 degrees cooler than stock. The heater will still blow hot air.
Main benefit is that the engine will not run as hot after extended stop & go driving, or heavy loads. The ECM will start to pull timing if the temps get much above 200. At the dyno, this can result in lower HP measurements after the first pull, unless you allow the car to cool down. At the track, same effect.
For cars with forced induction or other mods that increase power, lower temp thermos are almost mandatory. Many tuners insist on them.
You can order a 160 thermo right here on the Forum at the Corvette Store. You can also get an LPE unit on EBay.
Do a search, there are a zillion threads on this subject, with lots of believers and doubters.
A 160 thermo warms up the car just as fast. Your operating temps will be right around 180 (vs 190+ w/ the stock thermo), oil temps will also run 10 degrees cooler than stock. The heater will still blow hot air.
Main benefit is that the engine will not run as hot after extended stop & go driving, or heavy loads. The ECM will start to pull timing if the temps get much above 200. At the dyno, this can result in lower HP measurements after the first pull, unless you allow the car to cool down. At the track, same effect.
For cars with forced induction or other mods that increase power, lower temp thermos are almost mandatory. Many tuners insist on them.
Gary
Then why did the engineers decide that the Corvette should run at a higher temperature?
I wonder then if having a 160 thermostat will pass a California Smog Test?
I have never seen a thread on any LSx forum whatsoever where someone failed an emissions test due to a low-temp thermo. I think they sell just as many 160 thermos in CA as they do in any other state.
GM engineers make many design decisions and compromises that are contrary to those made by high performance enthusiasts. If it were otherwise, there would be lots of aftermarket performance companies out of business.
You can order a 160 thermo right here on the Forum at the Corvette Store. You can also get an LPE unit on EBay.
Do a search, there are a zillion threads on this subject, with lots of believers and doubters.
A 160 thermo warms up the car just as fast. Your operating temps will be right around 180 (vs 190+ w/ the stock thermo), oil temps will also run 10 degrees cooler than stock. The heater will still blow hot air.
Main benefit is that the engine will not run as hot after extended stop & go driving, or heavy loads. The ECM will start to pull timing if the temps get much above 200. At the dyno, this can result in lower HP measurements after the first pull, unless you allow the car to cool down. At the track, same effect.
For cars with forced induction or other mods that increase power, lower temp thermos are almost mandatory. Many tuners insist on them.
Gary
I asked my tuner about the 160 degree thermo and he informed from his experience (of over 200 LS2 tunes), that he has found that the LS2 block likes to run hot, and makes more power when they are hot. I of course have a naturally aspirated motor, just with a CAI and LG LT's. I myself do not know, just what my tuner, Omer Phelps, St.Louis Power Tuners stated about the LS2, and he seemed very knowledgable with many years in the business.
Last edited by jdenny21; May 10, 2007 at 09:11 AM.
Reason: wrong # of tunes, fat fingered
I asked my tuner about the 160 degree thermo and he informed from his experience (of over 200 LS2 tunes), that he has found that the LS2 block likes to run hot, and makes more power when they are hot. I of course have a naturally aspirated motor, just with a CAI and LG LT's. I myself do not know, just what my tuner, Omer Phelps, St.Louis Power Tuners stated about the LS2, and he seemed very knowledgable with many years in the business.
So then does this mean you stick with the factory thermostat? 192?
I asked my tuner about the 160 degree thermo and he informed from his experience (of over 200 LS2 tunes), that he has found that the LS2 block likes to run hot, and makes more power when they are hot. I of course have a naturally aspirated motor, just with a CAI and LG LT's. I myself do not know, just what my tuner, Omer Phelps, St.Louis Power Tuners stated about the LS2, and he seemed very knowledgable with many years in the business.
He is the only one I have heard say that, everyone else has stated they like cooler, which makes perfect sense. I would really love to hear his technical reasoning.
He is the only one I have heard say that, everyone else has stated they like cooler, which makes perfect sense. I would really love to hear his technical reasoning.
I would guess that he means, the stock tune will make the most power with stock thermostat. However its not disputed that a cooler thermostat (cooler to a point) will make the air fuel charge cooler. Allowing for more timing advance, and thus more peak cylinder pressure, and more horsepower.
He is the only one I have heard say that, everyone else has stated they like cooler, which makes perfect sense. I would really love to hear his technical reasoning.
I asked my tuner about the 160 degree thermo and he informed from his experience (of over 200 LS2 tunes), that he has found that the LS2 block likes to run hot, and makes more power when they are hot. I of course have a naturally aspirated motor, just with a CAI and LG LT's. I myself do not know, just what my tuner, Omer Phelps, St.Louis Power Tuners stated about the LS2, and he seemed very knowledgable with many years in the business.