Thermostat question 180 or 160?

[Cuse99]

I'm collecting parts for a crate motor. Chevy 350/290 long block. Max 308 HP and I doubt it will have that much, nothing special. Should I get the 160 deg thermostat or the 180 deg? I'm thinking 160 to help keep it cooler. No computer in the car. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mac442]

With a good radiator and decent water pump 180 will be perfect for a SbC.

 

[565bbchevy]

I run a 180 in my 86' Regal with a 355 SBC with aluminum heads and roller cam etc and have an aluminum radiator and water pump and new clutch fan with a shroud and it runs 180 all day long.

 

[Cuse99]

With a good radiator and decent water pump 180 will be perfect for a SbC.

Thanks - I could have mentioned its the standard original radiator ('84) and a new aluminum water pump.

 

[jlat]

hello people: Do youz think the same is true for a turbo Buick?

IBBY

 

[motorheadmike]

160* with a 180-195ish fan temp setting is a pretty effective way to ensure the thermostat is fully open. You need a decent operating temperature to boil off any water in the oil.

 

[83MonteCarloSS]

What fan are you using?

 

[Supercharged111]

I run 180 stats in my trucks. Like Mike said, the oil needs to get up to temp. I run a 160 in the Camaro but everything gets up to temp and beyond in it.

 

[Cuse99]

What fan are you using?

The original that came in the El Co in 1984.

 

[83MonteCarloSS]

The original that came in the El Co in 1984.

I wouldn't go lower than 180.

I went from 160 to 180 with the stock clutch fan and 180 was almost too low. I switched to an electric fan and 180 is about perfect.