What degree thermostat ?

[Houle #382]

Just wondering what degree thermostat everyone is running 160, 180, 195 ?

 

[PurpleBeeper]

180-degree for me. I used to run colder ones (might still), but I've read a few places that getting the engine up to 180F was important before doing any carburetor tuning.

 

[69a100]

What's your FSM or Owners manual say? I bet it says 180*.

 

[popslavaz]

DO NOT USE MR.GASKET STATS!!!!!!! Had one fail on the dyno and again in the shop after engine was installed. Use a Stant !

 

[Dibbons]

I'm going to run a 160 degree thermostat to begin with in my next high compression motor, a little paranoid with detonation fears.

Many Mopars were factory equipped with 185 degree thermostats, not available in the aftermarket. Seems like the 185 would be a good compromise if you could find one. From page 0-7 of 1972 Plymouth Factory Service Manual:

 

[Houle #382]

DO NOT USE MR.GASKET STATS!!!!!!! Had one fail on the dyno and again in the shop after engine was installed. Use a Stant !

There is actually a few out there that are not very good, Stewart Components is a very good one to buy. They buy their thermostats from RobertShaw and modify it by drilling three 3/16 holes so there is coolant moving as soon as you start your car but they are not cheap almost $40.00 plus shipping. I went onto RobertShaws website and they sell the exact same thermostat that they sell to Stewart but under their own name ( FlowKooler ) but it's not modified for $18.99. Summit carries FlowKooler so I ordered a 180 degree thermostat but I'm not sure if I will modify it or not.

 

[khryslerkid]

Super Stat 180*

 

[rad savoy]

milodon 180*

 

[WileE]

I've used 180 on all my personal cars since the 70's.

 

[GetX'd]

Super Stant 180* in my X. Always have run a 180* - switched to the Stant this past summer on recs from others on the site.

 

[65wgn440]

No thermostat.

 

[Dan64]

So I've been told to use a 180 because a 160 doesn't keep the water in the radiator long enough to keep the engine cool . Been told it can actually make your car run hotter by using a 160 vs. 180. Can anyone confirm this?.

 

[Ranger16]

I doubt it. If a 160 made it run hotter, it'd be called a 170. I'd go with a 180.

 

[Don Frelier]

The engine is designed to run at 180-190. Running too cold or too hot actually increases wear.

 

[Dennis H]

180 Stant Super Stat. Green coolant. Mancini Billet Housing.

 

[bobs63wagon]

Many things factor into what thermostat is best. Sometimes a higher temp thermostat lets the coolant stay in the radiator longer, allowing it to cool. Then when the thermostat does open the coolant is cool enough to let the thermostat close. A 160 degree sounds good, but need to drop the coolant temp enough to let it close. Otherwise it is like having no thermostat. Some people don't use a thermostat, but sometimes the coolant moves through the radiator so fast it can't cool it. I suppose you will find an answer for your particular combination.