On my old 94 Z I ran a 160 tstat and a manual fan switch, and generally never saw temps over the 180 range.

I'm going to install a manual switch on my 96 ws6 today and was wondering why people run the manual fan swtich in conjunction with a 160 thermo. I assume with the stock 180 thermo, temps shouldn't rise over 200 deg.

Is there that much of a difference between running at 180 and 200 that would justify going with the 160 thermo??

 

The purpose of the fan switch is to be able to turn the fans on when the car is not moving, so there is air flow across the radiator. If sitting still, the fans don't come on until the temp reaches 226°.

 

I understand that...basically what I was saying is when I had my 94 z I ran the fan switch on all continuisly with a 160 tstat and always saw temps of around 180deg.

Now when I install the fan switch and run it consistently with a 180 tstat, I assume that I will see temps of around 200deg.

My question is: Is there a big difference between running a car at 200 (180deg tstat) or 180 (160deg tstat) that would justify the purchase of a 160 tstat?

 

200 is not too hot, IMO. I have my fans programmed to come on between 195 and 200. I don't see any point in having them on all the time. The only way you are going to prove a difference is to try both and log or dyno the results. The difference would be minor, IMO.

15-20 over the rated thermostat temp is common for a running temp.

 

wow...fan on continuously...

i had the fan switch and a 160 stat in my 96 and daily driving on the highway and around town (not traffic) the temp would stay a smidgen above 160...about 1/8th inch above the line.

only used the fan switch in HEAVY traffic or at the track