160 Degree Thermostat
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 606
Likes: 7
From: Nashville, TN
160 Degree Thermostat
Has anyone here used a lower temp thermostat on the new LT1? I see Lingenfelter is using them in their packages:
https://www.lingenfelter.com/engine-...cid-lt1-550-hp
https://www.lingenfelter.com/engine-...cid-lt1-550-hp
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 1,029
From: Thomas Texas
After having a 160° in my C6 for a few years, I took it out and put in a 186° from Stant so I've been down that road. I am not in favor of the 160° thermostats.
My experience has been with the 160° 'stat, the coolant runs over a wider temperature range than a stock 'stat. My C6 with the 160° 'stat would run 180° on the highway then 220°+ in stop 'n go traffic while the stock 'stat will run 207° - 220°. Maintaining a constant coolant temperature is better for the engine and cooling system than a 40°+ swing. A 160° does nothing to help reduce peak coolant temps because both the stock and 160° 'stats are fully open.
However, reducing the coolant temp down indirectly reduces under hood temperature which lowers the Intake Air Temp (IAT), which is a good thing for power because it will make for increase air density going into the cylinder.
But I would rather use a more direct way to reduce IAT temps such as insulating the air bridge and routing cool air to the filter.
I drove around my neighborhood while running HP Tuners scanner over the weekend and saw 125°+ IAT on a 82° day. That's going to be a problem in the middle of Texas in August on a 105° day.
My experience has been with the 160° 'stat, the coolant runs over a wider temperature range than a stock 'stat. My C6 with the 160° 'stat would run 180° on the highway then 220°+ in stop 'n go traffic while the stock 'stat will run 207° - 220°. Maintaining a constant coolant temperature is better for the engine and cooling system than a 40°+ swing. A 160° does nothing to help reduce peak coolant temps because both the stock and 160° 'stats are fully open.
However, reducing the coolant temp down indirectly reduces under hood temperature which lowers the Intake Air Temp (IAT), which is a good thing for power because it will make for increase air density going into the cylinder.
But I would rather use a more direct way to reduce IAT temps such as insulating the air bridge and routing cool air to the filter.
I drove around my neighborhood while running HP Tuners scanner over the weekend and saw 125°+ IAT on a 82° day. That's going to be a problem in the middle of Texas in August on a 105° day.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Look up water pump outlet. Looks like the outlet contains the thermostat. That's what I have in GM service information on it. Should bolt to the "engine coolant manifold" which is what the outlet, water pump, and hoses all go to.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,961
Likes: 2,643
From: Texas Hill Country
After having a 160° in my C6 for a few years, I took it out and put in a 186° from Stant so I've been down that road. I am not in favor of the 160° thermostats.
My experience has been with the 160° 'stat, the coolant runs over a wider temperature range than a stock 'stat. My C6 with the 160° 'stat would run 180° on the highway then 220°+ in stop 'n go traffic while the stock 'stat will run 207° - 220°. Maintaining a constant coolant temperature is better for the engine and cooling system than a 40°+ swing. A 160° does nothing to help reduce peak coolant temps because both the stock and 160° 'stats are fully open.
However, reducing the coolant temp down indirectly reduces under hood temperature which lowers the Intake Air Temp (IAT), which is a good thing for power because it will make for increase air density going into the cylinder.
But I would rather use a more direct way to reduce IAT temps such as insulating the air bridge and routing cool air to the filter.
I drove around my neighborhood while running HP Tuners scanner over the weekend and saw 125°+ IAT on a 82° day. That's going to be a problem in the middle of Texas in August on a 105° day.
My experience has been with the 160° 'stat, the coolant runs over a wider temperature range than a stock 'stat. My C6 with the 160° 'stat would run 180° on the highway then 220°+ in stop 'n go traffic while the stock 'stat will run 207° - 220°. Maintaining a constant coolant temperature is better for the engine and cooling system than a 40°+ swing. A 160° does nothing to help reduce peak coolant temps because both the stock and 160° 'stats are fully open.
However, reducing the coolant temp down indirectly reduces under hood temperature which lowers the Intake Air Temp (IAT), which is a good thing for power because it will make for increase air density going into the cylinder.
But I would rather use a more direct way to reduce IAT temps such as insulating the air bridge and routing cool air to the filter.
I drove around my neighborhood while running HP Tuners scanner over the weekend and saw 125°+ IAT on a 82° day. That's going to be a problem in the middle of Texas in August on a 105° day.
You can also put in a bigger/more efficient radiator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 16
From: Monroe Township New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
St. Jude donor in memory of jpee '14
From what I see just driving around these cars seem to be more prone to heat soak than the C6.
I think that a lower stat with the cooling fans set to go on at a lower temperature will only marginally help. I see the air intake tube in the direct path of radiator heat.
The C6 had a shorter run near the radiator and the C7 seems to travel all along the radiator. Heat rises and whomever ever designs a cold air intake will have to find a way to insulate the tube as it travels along the radiator.
Whatever GM utilized to keep the console cool, should also be used for the intake tract
I think that a lower stat with the cooling fans set to go on at a lower temperature will only marginally help. I see the air intake tube in the direct path of radiator heat.
The C6 had a shorter run near the radiator and the C7 seems to travel all along the radiator. Heat rises and whomever ever designs a cold air intake will have to find a way to insulate the tube as it travels along the radiator.
Whatever GM utilized to keep the console cool, should also be used for the intake tract
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 1,029
From: Thomas Texas
You have to reprogram the fans to come on at lower temps. You can do this through HPT. This helps hold them temps down, otherwise, yes, it will eventually rise to normal temps (since that's when the fans came on stock).
You can also put in a bigger/more efficient radiator.
You can also put in a bigger/more efficient radiator.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Opposite issue
This threads reminded me that I may have a bad thermostat. It takes me about a good 20 miles at freeway speed to get the temp anywhere near 200. (ambient outside temp 70 degrees). I have 1500 miles on it and been that way since new. Anyone else?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,961
Likes: 2,643
From: Texas Hill Country
are looking at your oil or water temp gauge?