are there any benefits to running a hotter thermostat?

jcskokos · Feb 23, 2014

I picked up a new 180* stat from the part slingers earlier this week because they had told me that the oem spec was 195 and I wanted cooler than that, an195 just seemed really high for an older car. Turns out it had a 160 in there to begin with and now the gage shows right in middle of the long bucket shape, a little higher than center on the whole gage.
Should I go back and get a 160 or is there any benefit to keeping the 180?
My 67 has the 383 with a nonworking compressor.

HYRDGOON · Feb 23, 2014

Recently read this (by recently I mean this morning in the washroom!

As long as the coolant doesn't boil (even locally, such as steam pockets in the heads, which can cause detonation), the hotter the better, up to certain limits. This keeps oil cleaner and more pure (boiling off any fuel that contaminates it), improves fuel economy and can actually increase HP (less heat of combustion lost to the cooling system) as long as the intake charge stays cool.

Constant cooling temperatures can also decrease engine wear. If coolant temperatures vary, so do cylinder wall, piston, crankshaft, main bearing bore dimensions etc... It also makes the cooling system more efficient.

Dennis H · Feb 23, 2014

These temp threads can go wrong quick. I run a 180 Napa Superstat. 160 seems too cool except for racing applications. 195 OK depending on your application. Guys at new Challenger forum running 180's on their 5.7. No way. Heat is good for modern Mopars.

HT413 · Feb 23, 2014

Oem stat was 195 in 69, if I recall? FWIW, turbine engines work more efficiently the hotter they get, I did a lot of research in high temp materials BITD for military turbine applications. We tried for years to make blades of silicon carbide and silicon nitride so we could get the temps WAY WAY up. Problem was the frozen turkey test - the blades just exploded every time. :sFun_doh2:

Badvert65 · Feb 23, 2014

My big blocks have always run best with a 180 thermostat (and a good coolant system). I ran a 160 when my radiator wasn't up to snuff. When I got a new radiator, had to switch to the 180. I tried a 195 once when they didn't have a 180 in stock and the engine didn't really like the added heat.

jcskokos · Feb 23, 2014

After driving close to 100 miles this weekend, it does feel to run better but does ping a bit under heavy load as in up a big hill at freeway speeds. Gas mileage seems a bit better too.

monaco66coupe · Feb 23, 2014

195 degree therms were more common up north. You want your heater working asap. Nebraska area, 180 is best. it opens at that temp, and runs 185-190 all day. Better than opening at 195, and running at 205 plus.

are there any benefits to running a hotter thermostat?

jcskokos

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HYRDGOON

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Dennis H

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HT413

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Badvert65

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jcskokos

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monaco66coupe

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