Thermostat Question

[dremn2]

I have read that allot of people have replaced the thermostat with a 160 degree thermostat. What is the advantage?
Thanks in advance! My mechanical skills barely allow me to find the thermostat!

 

[vader86]

cooler running temps mostly, running cooler allows you to add timing, and the L98 likes that

it also, for some reason, tends to launch harder when its coolant temps are very low (there are results to prove it)

but mostly its for peace of mind, you dont hit those 240-250 running temps much after installing one

 

[dremn2]

Thanks Vadar, It sounds like a good investment and an easy fix. I was looking for something to do this weekend along with the K&N air filter. -Gary

 

[Chas]

you should look into this deeper...i was gonna change mine and posted the question here....was suprized to find that it wouldnt make a diffrence in the running temp by changing it to a lower temp thermostat....did you get the top element to go with your k&n?
i had the filter and liked it...then i got the top element and loved it!

maybe check the archives on the temp question...just me though!

 

[dremn2]

Hi Vettedude, What is the top element for the K&N? I just purchased the air filter

 

[Chas]

its a k&n filter add on...

it goes on the top of the element you have ...as the top of your filter holder...it lets air run directly down the throat of your carb/intake...made a big diffrence in my vette....the most noticable was the sound in the cockpit...it got much finer i think is the word...i had a "droaning" sound inside that made it hard to talk at times, depending on the speed...but when i installed the top element it vanished...it makes it much easier to get air where you need it...thru the top!...go to the place you got it or look at www.summitracing.com it was about $60 and worth every penny...it looks just like the filter you have but its on the top..and it looks real good...i can post a pic if you would like to see it...let me know bud....no problem-o.

 

[dremn2]

thanks vettedude, would appreciate seeing that pic. Thanks!

 

[scorp508]

Re: its a k&n filter add on...

it goes on the top of the element you have ...as the top of your filter holder...it lets air run directly down the throat of your carb...

You don't mean for his 85 do you? There is no carb on an 85.

The 160* thermostat will promote circulation of the coolant in your system sooner, but it will not cause your cooling fans to operate at lower temperatures. You may see cooling benefits at highway speeds with just the thermostat, but not in casual driving around town.

To turn the fan(s) on at lower temps you need to have the PROM in your car reburned, or purchase a lower temperature fan switche that will replace the one already in your cylinder head.

With that said I run a 160* stat in my car year round with lower fan temps. On cold cold winter days [like under 30* (F)]it takes a long time (almost too long if you wanna hammer on it soon) for the temperatures to come up at all.

 

[tnovot]

Re: its a k&n filter add on...

it goes on the top of the element you have ...as the top of your filter holder...it lets air run directly down the throat of your carb...

Copmments may not be appropriate. Dremn2 has an L98. Intake is a little different. No carb.

 

[Chas]

sorry if i dont know much...

if my comments are unappropriate it seems someone else has a better idea...

even if it dont have a carb ...does it still get more air to the thing or not? is it worthy in your opinion? or am i trying to help someone for nothing? :BOW

 

[dremn2]

Vettedude, I appreciate the help. I can use ALL the help I can get LOL. Thanks to all. This is a great site

 

[Chas]

Gary, i will post pics for you tomorrow pal...carb or not , it will feed more air to it for you. but this is just my opinion...please keep in mind that mine has a carb, and it is very diffrent than yours...it may be inappropriate to give you this advise...i dont want to make you think im a mechanic or something..

 

[Tuna]

I have read that allot of people have replaced the thermostat with a 160 degree thermostat. What is the advantage?
Thanks in advance! My mechanical skills barely allow me to find the thermostat!

Back to the original post -

The 160 will allow your engine to run cooler when your cruising and you have proper air flow through the radiator. A 160 stat alone will not help keep it cooler when your sitting at red lights or driving in slow parades.

For that, you need to have the fans turn on sooner. This means chip reprogramming or switches that turn on fans on manually.

I have the 160 stat and a different chip. They work together to keep the engine in a lower temp operating range. I routinely see 175 to 185 on the low end (depends on outside air temp) and my fans turn on at 210ish. So in parades and city traffic, I don't see those 'high' temps of 230.

 

[Chas]

here ya go gary...

this is a carb set up ....im sure you understand that i was only trying to be helpful...sorry if i offended anyone by my comments...wont try anymore.

 

[Chas]

top filter

 

[scorp508]

vettedude, here is what an L98 engine looks like. No place for one of those.

 

[Chas]

gary asked what a top element was... i told him...dont care what is under his hood...i was simply telling him what a top element was...look at the thread.




" Vettedude, What is the top element for the K&N? I just purchased the air filter"

 

[scorp508]

And I was just trying to be helpful for future references. :Roll

 

[Chas]

Good Job!

:Twist