Dumb question
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 783
From: Las Vegas NV
Good question. I dont get it either. Weather it opens at 160 or 185 or whatever the coolant is still going to 198-220 like its supposed to.
I see this thread going several pages already.
I see this thread going several pages already.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I can get a 186 thermostat for 13.99 less 15% at Advance or I can pay 19.99 plus shipping for a 160 and the car will run at 200 either way.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 783
From: Las Vegas NV
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 1
I am no expert but I don't think that would be the case in the winter. If the thermostat is open then you are limited by the heat exchange capacity of the radiator and not the flow of coolant. However, if the weather were cooler, or you had a more efficient radiator then your temps would be lower.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 68
From: Memphis Tn
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
The purpose of the thermostat is to set a minimum temp, not a maximum. If the car is driven at 80mph when it is very cold outside, it may get down near 160, but it won't stop the car from warming up when it is hot outside.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Don't disagree, but if you tune the car warm and that number is around 200, why would you want the temp floor at 160?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Did that and have a Z07 radiator but it still runs at 200. The oil runs so cool, I had to block the grill to get oil temps up.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
You use a 160 Thermostat so you can cycle the fans to start earlier and shut off earlier. With a stock stat, if you wanted to start the fans at 200 and off at 195 then the stat will start opening and closing, which ain't good.
Remember, the temp on the stat is when it starts to open, not when its fully open.
Remember, the temp on the stat is when it starts to open, not when its fully open.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
You use a 160 Thermostat so you can cycle the fans to start earlier and shut off earlier. With a stock stat, if you wanted to start the fans at 200 and off at 195 then the stat will start opening and closing, which ain't good.
Remember, the temp on the stat is when it starts to open, not when its fully open.
Remember, the temp on the stat is when it starts to open, not when its fully open.
THanks!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
You are correct! ....and to my surprise it looks like we are finally making progress on this subject.