what is the difference in a regular small black chevy thermostat and an Lt1 thermostat? are they compatible? does it hurt anything to use a standard small block thermostat?

 

I think its just a different size because of the different water pump being gear driven, and might something has to do with the reverse flow cooling through the heads first...
it's been discussed before, i just forget exactly why..
just put a 160 stat in from hypertech and you'll love it

 

As already said, the LT1 thermostat is different from a regular SBC stat, its longer, probably due to the difference in thre waterpump and reverse-flow cooling properties unique to the LT1. Make sure you get the LT1 stat, the regular SBC won't work properly.

 

thanks for the help

 

Here is a picture of the difference. Use the correct thermostat for your LT1 engine.

 

A "regular" Chevy small-block thermostat prevents flow of coolant through the block until it opens.

An LT1/LT4 thermostat prevents coolant flow to the radiator from the block until it opens, but allows the coolant to bypass the radiator and re-circulate through the block at that time keeping the block at an even temperature through-out.
When the LT1/LT4 thermostat opens, it allows coolant flow from the block to the radiator but shuts off the coolant path that bypasses the radiator.

If you install a regular thermostat in a LT1/LT4, some of the coolant is always bypassing the radiator -- not a good thing on a hot day.

Essentially, an LT1/LT4 thermsotat has two valves built into it -- a standard small-block thermostat has one.

Tom Piper