lower temp t-stat

**1MileCrash** · 04-09-2012, 07:14 PM

Ill be getting headers on the car here shortly. Just pulled my egr system and removed the air pump and tubing today as well. Aside from the k&n filter shes stock internals on the ls1. I will be getting the computer tuned by a guy that iknow thats good at what he does. Question being...will a lower temp t-stat be a good move for me or will it just be a bit of a waste of time and cash.

**0rion** · 04-09-2012, 10:20 PM

I would personally put a lower stat in there. You'll hear people say you should run a 180 but I put a 160 in way back when and my temps consistently stay in the 170-180 range with the tranny cooler in front of the radiator.

**ls1camino** · 04-10-2012, 04:09 AM

The lower temp t-stat is useless unless you lower the temperature at which the radiator fans kick on as well.

With my aftermarket 3" thick radiator, 160* t-stat, and the fan temps kicking on at 170*, my car NEVER sees over 180*, even sitting in traffic. When she was on the dyno, she didn't even need the fan blowing air on her to stay cool during multiple back-to-back pulls.

**Firebirdjones** · 04-10-2012, 09:40 AM

Just go with the 160 stat. You'll find due to design they don't open until about 172 degrees anyway, they don't really work at 160 as claimed. So you'll find the engine will run at about 175-180 all the time, just as everyone reports.

**2002ssslp** · 04-10-2012, 10:28 AM

You have an M6 car so I do not think you need the 160 stat because it will not help the transmission like it would on an automatic. unless you are going over 200 I would not waste the money. After the install you need to reset the cooling fans and tell the PCM you have made a change. 150.00 @ Frost.

**KMdef9** · 04-10-2012, 11:17 AM

How many miles are on it? If you feel the tstat needs replacing as maintenance, it wont be a bad idea, but if your doing it to satisfy your MOD need, I might go a different route.

I would spend my money somewhere else, but that's me. Maybe get some LCA's, SFC's, or other suspension. If your worried about your engine temp for the track, the fan switch will help cool your motor down better than a tstat in between runs.