Thermostat Recommendation

[MAGONSTERZ68]

Thermostat temp selection? If rad/fan combo has capacity to exchange heat beyond potential of engine combo in harshest of high temp climates then why not install one closer to best operating temperature? lets say 195? with intent to run at 205 deg. operating temps or is it always best to install a 160 or 180 deg and let the fans regulate temp? would that cause the coolant to run through the engine faster than needed and not effectively absorbing as much thermal load as it could? and also cause fans to cycle in and out more than should?

[streetk14]

If I remember right, the stock LS thermostats are 192 degrees. Just going off memory, but the cars I had with that thermostat would run around 195 during normal freeway driving. I guess the question is what temp do you want the engine to run at, and that’s something that’s been debated for as long as I can remember.

I like running my engines on the cooler side, but I’m also on the coast where it’s easier to do without massive fans. I have a pwm fan setup on my LS7 and it stays below 180 during normal driving without much more 50% duty cycle. If you’re running at 200 with a 160 thermostat and the fans at full blast, then it’s not doing much for you. If you’re happy with the engine running at 205, then I’d probably install a stock thermostat. It’ll make the coolant temp more consistent and it’ll warm up faster in cool weather.

[MAGONSTERZ68]

much appreciate actual input

[streetk14]

much appreciate actual input

No problem. You’ll probably get a whole bunch of different opinions on this. I’ve seen differences in power and knock resistance running lower coolant temps, so that’s what I prefer if it’s doable. My GM crate motor came with a 160 stat, so that’s what I’ve been running in my ‘68. My ‘67 had a similar setup to yours; cam/head LS1 with AC and a Magnuson blower. So it had a condenser and heat exchanger in front of the radiator. Ran right at 195 all the time with a stock thermostat.