What temp thermostat to use?

[GetX'd]

I buy as much as I can from Summit. Love their system and service. Even though I live in CA I still get pretty quick shipping. Not sure if they have a warehouse in the West but things get here quickly.

 

[coloradodave]

Sparks, NV...

 

[lyndondb]

Well it does make a difference.
Six packs came with a 190 degree thermostat - important. And I can tell you from experience it makes a marked difference in performance. Seems the fuel dropping into the intake will not atomize with cooler temperatures.
Of course carburetor, radiator, etc...,

 

[Jeff J]

I have always used 180 the engine at this temp seems to run better, fuel burns better

 

[747mopar]

That is not true. The thermostat DOES control the operating temperature.

"Perhaps the most common example of purely mechanical thermostat technology in use today is the internal combustion engine cooling system thermostat, used to maintain the engine near its optimum operating temperature by regulating the flow of coolant to an air-cooled radiator. This type of thermostat operates using a sealed chamber containing a wax pellet that melts and expands at a set temperature. The expansion of the chamber operates a rod which opens a valve when the operating temperature is exceeded. The operating temperature is determined by the composition of the wax. Once the operating temperature is reached, the thermostat progressively increases or decreases its opening in response to temperature changes, dynamically balancing the coolant recirculation flow and coolant flow to the radiator to maintain the engine temperature in the optimum range."

Have to agree here, thermostats control the operating temperature. On start up they stay closed until the temp reaches the set rating then let's the coolant begin to flow. If you have an efficient setup the cooled fluid will cause the thermostat to begin to close restricting flow in order to maintain the set temp. I've swapped 160s for 180s and 180s for 190s and my operating temp always follows within 5 degrees mostly depending on where the sensor is located.

As for what will happen without a thermostat, if your system is capable of doing it's job it will run cool. If it still runs the same temp then your coolant system is borderline capable of doing it's job. I'm sure many have had cars that ran well over the thermostat rating..... better overhaul your setup because it isn't doing it's job.

 

[ODZKing]

I use 180 on both my 383 and 400. Both seem to work just fine and is what Chrysler called for.
Plugs: NGKs on both as well. Used Champion for years and have no problem with those either. Some don't like them because they say they're made in China. Guess where most of them are made?

 

[MiamiMopar]

I guess it really depends on where you live and the setup you have. i can only tell you about my experience with a dead stock '69 RR 383 in the Miami heat. It was a show car and I wasn't able to use any modern cooling beyond adding some Water Wetter to the distilled water (no antifreeze needed) I was running. My best results for my particular climate were when I completely removed the stat and allowed the coolant to circulate continuously. But if you are able to use upgraded parts and you don't generally sit in traffic, that might not work. I just wanted to present my own real world results for you.

 

[Desotokid]

Looking for suggestions on what temp thermostat to use on my 535”.

180, 160?

Thanks

You may have to play with it a little, the 180 is great for early spring/fall seasons, but try the 160 for late spring/hot summer cruises. I know this is a pain, but at least they are easy to work on..

 

[green 66]

You may have to play with it a little, the 180 is great for early spring/fall seasons, but try the 160 for late spring/hot summer cruises. I know this is a pain, but at least they are easy to work on..

You may have to play with it a little, the 180 is great for early spring/fall seasons, but try the 160 for late spring/hot summer cruises. I know this is a pain, but at least they are easy to work on..

160 with 3small 1/8 holes rj12yc plugs

 

[Traintech55]

Absolutely no winter driving in my car lol, 535 cubic inches and drag radials wouldn’t do so well on winter roads haha

Well they do keep the roads pretty nice here in Indiana. Whatever you do, do not cross the Illinois state line.

 

[1967coronet440]

Well they do keep the roads pretty nice here in Indiana. Whatever you do, do not cross the Illinois state line.

I try to stay out of that dumpster fire state as much as possible

 

[GetX'd]

Bizarre occurance for me on this subject. As I posted earlier I went from a 160* to a 180* expecting my stroked 494 to run warmer - it seemed like it was running to cool - via the stock gauge. The opposite has occurred as it’s actually running cooler. I didn’t have a laser temp gauge and was relying on what my stock in dash gauge was telling me. Now I doubt that and went out to get a laser gun. I have to warm up the X to see what temp it’s really running at - but I won’t be able to note a change from the switch over from the cooler stat to the warmer one. Hell I just want to know HOW WARM my car runs.

How do you test the gauge - or fix it to ensure it’s running at the correct temp?

 

[cudamark]

Looking for suggestions on what temp thermostat to use on my 535”.

180, 160?

Thanks

Use at least a 180 if you want to the heater to work any time soon, and to keep the oil dilution down. It's also a good place to start when you're working with a new engine. Most engines like to get to full operation temp, so depending on use and how the engine likes that temp, you can go up or down from there. If you have an overheat problem with a 180, most likely you have a problem somewhere else and not your thermostat choice.

 

[doc332]

Thanks, NGK have great reviews I’m gonna start with a set of those

Mancini recommends one heat range cooler than stock, for every 100 horsepower greater than stock.

 

[crazzledazzle]

Looking for suggestions on what temp thermostat to use on my 535”.

180, 160?

Thanks

 

[crazzledazzle]

Are you having a over heating problem.

 

[1967coronet440]

Are you having a over heating problem.

No it’s a fresh build

 

[Triple Black 73]

I left the thermostat out when I fixed the water pump leaks. I plan to put a high flow 160 in this weekend.

My uncle from Wyoming use to run his big blocks without a thermostat during the summer then put a 195 in during the winter time for the heater. He said you don't even need one in these big block Mopar because they run so hot and the cooling is so poor.

 

[crazzledazzle]

Looking for suggestions on what temp thermostat to use on my 535”.

180, 160?

Thanks

 

[crazzledazzle]

I have 440 six pack thermost is a cup 195 deg. Thermostat, that is what factory used howerever you need, a good radiator,good fans,timming needs to be correct.