oldred95

I'm getting more familiar with efi live and starting to realize running it a little cooler is going to gain me more than trying to keep it at 195 with 91 octane. Are there any adverse effects to running it at 170 degrees other than slightly less heat in the winter? I'm currently able to get 24 degrees out of it on 87 octane without issues and would like to get into the 30 range with all around better performance if I can. I'm sure this has been brought up before but I didn't find what I was looking for with a quick search. Who makes a 170 that fits in the water outlet on this engine?

Gadgetized

iTrader: (9)

I'm not sure how true it is, but I have beard that a stat too cold can cause moisture not to be evaporated in the oil system. Like I said I have heard that, and still run a cooler stat in my car, and the stock one in my truck. I would think any local auto parts store could get you a cooler one.

charcoal03silvy

iTrader: (1)

There was an article I had read somewhere on here i believe that was talking about how the cooling system of the LS engines are designed to run warmer than other engine types. I have read a few horror stories of lower temp t-stats swaps causing problems

oldred95

Anyone else? I see 160s and 180s on ebay for about 20 bucks. I want heat in the winter and don't want to have to switch thermostats every season.

charcoal03silvy

iTrader: (1)

stock thermostat

00ChevyScott

iTrader: (10)

Stick with stock

6789olds

i think the stock is 186*

oldred95

So I should ignore the fact that it runs a lot better before it reaches full operating temperature?

charcoal03silvy

iTrader: (1)

There's also a lot to be said about getting an engine up to operating temperature before beating on it hard

budhayes3

iTrader: (19)

There was a lengthy thread about a year ago, and what I learned from that thread is that the LS engines seem to like to operate between 185-200* IIRC. I've been running a 160* stat in this truck for years though and it has worked well for me. Heat in the winter is not an issue, as 175ish degrees is more than enough to keep your booty warm lol. (I've noticed that that's about where this engine would operate before I had my fans adjusted to come on at a higher temp, and back when I had the clutch fan) Actually, I always ran 160* stats in my carbureted sbc's prior to this truck, and what I really like about them is that the heat comes up quicker since the t-stat opens sooner Just so you know, 160* is the temp that the the stat starts to open, it isn't fully open until it's over 170*.

I've read different things about the stock stat temp, with folks stating it to be a 180, 187, 192, and 195...I don't think that 180* is correct, but I know that 180* stats are offered out there. BTW, if you still have your original water pump, or a direct replacement, $20 sounds cheap for your stat, as your stat is the one that comes with the housing, not just the stat element. IIRC, 04 is when they switched to the separate stat/housing