i just bought a 160 degree thrmostat is that to low or should i just stick with that???

 

Go with a 180 stat and Purple Ice in the Radiator . 85% water , 15% antifreeze unless you live up north then go 50-50 . I heard L98's don't like 160's .

 

I agree, I went with a 170 and think that is the lowest they should go.

 

170 is primo if you can find one....I notice most places around here don't stock them.

 

If you are planing on doing some High performance stuff like dragracing stick with the 160 Thats what I have in my car & it works just fine.

 

I got a 160 with no problems. I also drilled little holes in the t-stat so that air pockets could escape. If you buy a t-stat from TPIS they come pre-drilled and they charge you like $15-$20 for one.

 

On a stock 350 and stock chip the 160 deg thermostat will be to cold for you and will mess up your ECM and may give you SES codes. 180 deg would be the lowest one.

 

Yeah I almost forgot.. I've replaced 10 ECM's and my SES light has been on ever since Go figure

 

TPIS has 170 stats.

 

A 160 stat will not mess up the ECM..the worst it will do is cause the EFI system to stay in open loop.

 

I personally would say that forcing the computer to stay in open loop all the time IS messing it up......but that's just me.

 

Oh boy...... a lot of misinformation here. We really need to post an FAQ on this topic. Two issues:

A 160 t-stat will harm the ECM. Concern: The inability to attain closed loop. This is false. Closed loop is attained when: a) Coolant temp reaches 104 deg F (not a typo) AND exhaust temps reach 600 deg F. This information is directly from my 1987 Camaro shop manual. My personal experience is that on a cold morning (35 degrees or so) on a cold engine, I attain closed loop within two miles, well before my t-stat opens. This is verified by my linear 21-LED oxygen sensor bargraph (and my scanner). The only concern with running a 160 t-stat is the inability of the heater to produce warm enough air. On some cars, this is no issue. On others, it is. I cannot explain why there's a difference.

A 170 t-stat is hard to find. Yes, TPIS sells them but do you know where they get them from? GM!!!! The part number is 10220957. They retail for around $6.

 

Thankx Willie .... Also , is it true that a 160 Tstat will cause a small puff of carbon smoke when you first start the car ?

 

Mine has no problems what so ever of course my car doesnt have the stock chip in it anylonger

 

Thankx Willie ....

Absolutely. We're all here to help one another. In the grand scheme of things, isn't that what it's all about?


Also , is it true that a 160 Tstat will cause a small puff of carbon smoke when you first start the car ?

Nope. That's hardened valve seals. Very common on small block Chevy's.


Mine has no problems whatsoever.

Agreed. Mine neither.


Of course, my car doesn't have the stock chip in it any longer.

It doesn't matter. One of my Z28's is bone stock with a 160 t-stat. It's been like this since 1992!!! Runs great!

Willie