thermostat
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
well think of it this way. The thermostat holds coolant back until it reaches a certain temperature i.e. 185f. when that's hit then it allows coolant to flow to the radiator. the largest reason why many oem applications call for the 185 degree thermostat is one, engine performance as said above. second, so that there is a good transfer of heat through the block and in the winter the heater core. What exactly made you wanna run with a lower thermostat?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,945
Likes: 13
When i first got my truck it had a 165 in it... not really sure why. The cooler thermostat helps performance a little, but really increases wear on the internals, increases emissions and virtually kills the heater. 180 or 195 would be the way to go. Some engines you can get a 210.
The only good thing about a 165 thermostat is that is the temp that makes an automatic the happiest.
The only good thing about a 165 thermostat is that is the temp that makes an automatic the happiest.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
HOTRODSRJ’s COOLING TIPS Operating temperature vs power and longevity!
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