Currently using a 180 deg. robertshaw thermostat with GMPP sig. series BBC. Wondered if there would be anything to gain by switching to a 195 deg. thermo? T.I.A., Tony A. :D

Your oil will stay cleaner, tailpipe emissions will be reduced.

On the downside, you may be more likely to run into detonation. Performance may also go down due to the warmer intake and carb heating the incoming air charge.

Mike

Anyone else?

You want to run it cooler -- you should make more power with a cooler engine, aluminum heads or iron. I think best power numbers will probably happen with the engine at about 160* F.

My aluminum head SBC runs fastest with temps between about 150 and 170.

Also, remember that coolant temp will typically spike right after your burnout while staging. If you start your burnout at 180* or more the engine may well be 200+ when you launch.

Higher temps in new cars has everything to do with reducing emissions and nothing to do with making power.

So it's just endemic to my old GM alums that they only make gobs of power when they're hot!? ( have to run a 195).

This is what I'm talking about. I know the aluminum disipates heat more quickly than iron, so wouldn't it make sense to run it hot? Time for some comparison shopping! graemlins/beers.gif

I also get my best ET at 160.

You want the ENGINE hot, but the intake charge COOL. Computer controlled cars respond to colder thermostats because it tricks the computer into providing a richer mixture.

Yes, increased temp can lead to detonation, and that should be avoided. Otherwise, hot engine, cold intake.