Engine Temps whats the best range Thermo Stat? 160,180,190?

[89K1500Chevy]

Im wondering cuz i have a 160 in it and it stays at 160 or below that and i wanted to know whats the best temp for Engine Performance. Ive heard 200 to 210 before Im not sure about that, i think before i went to 160 i had a 180 in it. /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif /forums/images/graemlins/truck.gif /forums/images/graemlins/usaflag.gif www.zombieoffroading.8m.net

 

[Blazer1970]

Stock thermostat for your truck is 195, and IMO there is no good reason to run a cooler one.

 

[SkulzNBonz]

I run a 180, but when it goes, I will go back to a 195.

John

 

[89K1500Chevy]

Yeah i got dual ele. fans that i put together and they keep the engine down to 160 or lower but i got them toggled and they arent always on but i dont like letting my engine warm up only to cool it back down to 160....... /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif /forums/images/graemlins/truck.gif /forums/images/graemlins/usaflag.gif

 

[83ZZ502_Jimmy]

I personally like to run a 180* t-stat. I like it to run a little cooler, but not too cool. I think the 180 is a good choice IMHO.

John

 

[Emmettology 101]

I was told by a very reputable Chevy engine builder aroudn here that he wouldn't run anything under a 180, maybe 175... A 160 doesn't allow the coolant to sit in the radiator long enough to cool.

 

[Grim-Reaper]

[ QUOTE ]
Im wondering cuz i have a 160 in it and it stays at 160 or below that and i wanted to know whats the best temp for Engine Performance. Ive heard 200 to 210 before Im not sure about that, i think before i went to 160 i had a 180 in it. /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif /forums/images/graemlins/truck.gif /forums/images/graemlins/usaflag.gif
www.zombieoffroading.8m.net

[/ QUOTE ]
And does it pass emmissions running that cold? It may not be going into closed loop on the FI and running rich with that low of thermostat.

 

[ZonkRat]

Running lower temp in these trucks will lower milage.I tried 160 when I was having cooling probs,caused exaust to stay sooty.{ran rich}.Tried 180,almost as bad.Factory is 195 and this is where mine runs best.Picked up bout 2 MPG going back to it.Also run HOWE alum rad and dual electric fans,1 on thermostat 1 on toggle.Could tell more diff with ele.fan than lower temp. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[Lonnie]

The goal is to keep the oil hot enough to remove moisture from it while allowing cool enough running for safe operation (not on the verge of boiling over).

A small block chevy usually works well with a 180 stat. A stat is generally full open 5deg above its rating, so a 180 stat will usually hold the water temp at around 185. Much cooler & you risk condensation in the oil. The oil is usually 25-30deg hotter than the water. 212 deg oil will give up all moisture.

Remember the key to power is to keep the combustion chamber hot & the inlet temps cool for the most dense air/fuel mixture. Sort of a balance between the 2 to make the most power.

A 195 is stock in most to help emissions (hot combustion chambers are more efficient). If you have a detonation problem, a cooler stat will help prevent this & you may pick up a few HP. Most 160's will also make the heater work poorly in the winter as well.