i am gonna get a 160* when spring comes around. whats the difference between the hypertech and the regular autozone ones for $4.99? should i get the hypertech or jus go with the cheap one?

 

The Auto Zone one is probably just for a regular chevy smallblock.

 

Just make sure you get one for reverse cooled heads.

 

I did that when I first bought my car the guy said it was for my year car, then I looked a Shoeboxes website and found out I have the wrong thermo installed. It never ran hot and I never noticed the diff. between them the Mr G. 160 and the Hypertechs but I hurried and changed it out to a Hypertech stat.

 

The real LT1 thermostat controls flow in both directions, ostensibly to prevent thermal shock to the heads from excessive cold water.

 

I ran my engine with no thermostat for 100 mi cuz I was stuck in the mountains and my stock stat got stuck closed. I wonder if my heads were affected for driving at 230 temp with the stat closed before I fixed it. I have the Hyp 160 stat..use that or just stay with the 180 stock stat?. And why?

 

235º should not be a problem. The stock secondary fans don't even come on until that temp. You can find some ramblings about the 160º thermostat here.

 

They didn't list a 160* for a 94-95Z at AutoZone or Advance when I checked. They only listed the stock 180*.

As far as I know, only Hypertech makes a 160* for 93+ F-bodies.

 

well im not sure what the manufacturer of the 160* at autozone but it was only 4.99 they also had the hypertech there for like 23.

 

The $4.99 one is the wrong style. It is the old SBC one and not made for the reverse flow LT1.

 

I use the Hypertech 160, but there must be a lower cost alternative.

 

There really isn't.

 

I think Motorad is the outfit that makes the 160 t-stat. If you can find someone who sells Motorad, it might be cheaper.