Building a 390, I'm trying to determine the best Thermostat rating to use. The factory OEM spec says 192 for the 76 Ford F-250, according to O'Reilly Auto.

A mechanic friend says you need to go higher on the thermostat, that way it will open and close at the right time, allowing more time for the coolant to cool down in the radiator, to prevent overheating. Is this correct?

This my first rebuild on a 390. Cam is a Comp grind XE262H. I'm estimating around 8.6:1 compression with my 76cc heads, and stock exhaust manifold. Approx. 300HP. However, debating on headers. Anyway, does 192-195 sound like a good thermostat for this setup? Just looking for some feedback....

Byron

 

Byron, 180º has been working for 50 years now. These ol trucks have turbo air flow, don't really need fans at all as long as they are moving forward 20-25 mph.

Guys are going to shrouds, lectric fans, my of 66 is sittin out back with none of that stuff and doing well.


John

 

I run a 180* high flow thermostat in my 416. I have the cheesy stock fan and no shroud. The motor has headers, 9.2:1 compression, etc., etc. I pulled a loaded horse trailer full of calves in 95* weather with no heating problems. 3 loads actually.