Cooling system ?

['73 K5]

I'm going to do some engine work in the next few days and I also want to change out the thermostat because it hasn't been done since the rebuilt engine was dropped in a few years ago. My mechanic is the one that put the engine in, so I don't know what temp thermostat he used and I haven't pulled it out yet to check. My question is what temp SHOULD be in my engine?
--Rebuilt 4 bolt 350.
--Vortec heads
--Edelbrock intake and carb


'73 K5
Chevy good...Ford bad

 

[POWERMAD]

I run 195 stats in all of mine.
2 BBC's and 1 SBC.

my truck's not dirty, it's earth tone paint

 

['73 K5]

Cool. I was thinking either 180 or 195....I just didn't know what would be better.

'73 K5
Chevy good...Ford bad

 

[Twiz]

I'd second the 195, Check with other locals, see what the run and why.

Twiztid

 

[WakeBoard&4X4er]

I put a 195 in mine, that is what the guys at "Poor Mans" told me that I should uses.

 

[Sparky87k5]

I've tried both 180 & 195 stats. Without a doubt, the 195 is better. Engine temp is way more consistant with 195. 180 stat would run from 180 to 215 when towing in mountains, 195 would run 195-200 and my oil consumption was down with 195 stat. Oil temp with 180 stat was as high as 270 and would consume 1qt every 1500 miles. 195 stat oil temp was never over 230 and used 1qt every 2300-2500 miles. Go with 195 stat.

87 K5, D60 & 14FF, 5 sp & NP208 & 383 stroker. Build it Bulletproof and take it fishing!

 

[Twiz]

O.K. That confirms it! (what Sparky87k5 said)

; With a low t-stat temp (like a 180), that suckers wide open at normal operating temps (in my opinion 200 deg is a normal operation temp) So, with a 180 deg t-stat, it does not restrict the coolent flow enuff to alow the radiator to do it's job. The coolent just flows too fast through the radiator and does not give the coolent enuff time to disapate the heat before it flows back into the engine. But, with a 195 t-stat, the coolent flow is restitcted and the flow is slower. Thus, giveing the radiator enuff time to do It's job.

Ahh hahaha

Twiztid

 

[Pugsley]

I'm currently running a 195 and love it. I had a 180 in it, and it was always teetering on "the red".

I'm so poor I can't even pay attention

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