Pretty quiet on here so I thought I would ask a question. What is the best thermostat to use, 180 or 195? I have a 72 lemans 350 with headers, dual exhaust, 4 barrel car, with a stock style radiator and cooling system. I live in Wisconsin and only drive in temps ranging from 50 to 100 degrees. I am currently using a 195 thermostat with no issues but I am thinking of switching to a 180 to help keep temps down. Is that a smart move or just a waste. I of course find conflicting info on the web so I thought I would ask people I trust. Thanks as always!
Thermostat
- Thread starter Jferguson
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well as you already know there is conflicting info but the choice would be 160 or 180. People claim the oil doesnt get hot enough with the 160 to boil/evaporate off any water that condenses into the oil. Nevertheless I have been running 160 in both a 71 GTO and a 69 Corvette with no issues for many decades. I do not put many miles on either car so my oil changes are at an annual basis. As long as you use a good oil with high phosphorous and zinc levels, since you are running a flat tappet cam, and the viscosity is either 10W30 or 10W40 you should be fine with the 160.
Thanks as always Mel. I run Amsoil high zinc 10w40. I didn't think 160 would be "good" for cars that are just "cruisers" so that is why I thought 180 would be a better option than the 195, but again this shows why I come here
160 just seems to low of a temp, but again that is why I come here. Do you use a certain brand? I also have heard of people drilling a 1/4 in hole in the flange, do you do that? Again, thanks for the help!
160 just seems to low of a temp, but again that is why I come here. Do you use a certain brand? I also have heard of people drilling a 1/4 in hole in the flange, do you do that? Again, thanks for the help!Sorry, 1/8 in hole not 1/4.
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this is the thermostat I recommend for 180, they also have 160. The more expensive one has the holes already drilled. I do not have holes drilled in mine. Notice that the mouth of the thermostat is larger than conventional providing less of a restriction to coolant flow.
https://www.summitracing.com/search...7l-350?keyword=thermostat&N=401094+4294898880
https://www.summitracing.com/search...7l-350?keyword=thermostat&N=401094+4294898880