swap out a thermostat?

[billschroeder5842]

I have a 160 degree stat in my 383 with a super mild build (aluminum intake, headers, cam, Eddy) and am mostly satisfied with the performance.

I mostly try to run it cooler as it gets so damn hot in Texas!

Recently I've read other on the board that say that a 180 or 195 is a better, more efficient stat to run.

so if I swap to a higher degree what can I expect and/or what would I give up?

Thanks!

[Paul G]

The engine runs more efficiently when it is around 180° to 195°. I had a 160° for a while. Mid summer it made no difference, I was running over 200° anyway. The rest of the year, and at night, the engine was just too cold. I run a 180° now and it seems to like it a lot better. 

[Chryco Psycho]

the thermostat is only a control for minimum operating temp , is you car running at 160 * ?
mostly it will warm up quicker to the minimum temp of 180* but may/should not run any hotter than it does now .

[billschroeder5842]

my dash guage reads 160

[Chryco Psycho]

Awesome the cooling system is working well 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

My 160º stat runs 180-185º

[FLG]

My 160º stat runs 180-185º

Chris, if this is the case why not run a 180 stat? Your basically just running your 160 wide open all the time, and on a cold night you probably will get her down to 160 and have really crappy heat.

[Paul G]

My 160º stat runs 180-185º

Chris, if this is the case why not run a 180 stat? Your basically just running your 160 wide open all the time, and on a cold night you probably will get her down to 160 and have really crappy heat.

Thats exactly why I swapped out my 160°. On the trip to Vegas it was chilly. The engine temp was right at 160°. Not fully warmed up enough to run it hard.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

My 160º stat runs 180-185º

Chris, if this is the case why not run a 180 stat? Your basically just running your 160 wide open all the time, and on a cold night you probably will get her down to 160 and have really crappy heat.

I hear ya but I do most of my driving in the heat of the summer.....dont even know if my "heat" even works