[Joe454]

Ok.since I've seen others having some trouble, I want to do it right the first time (hopefully).So, I'll ask you guys.I have a 454/th400 , 4 core radiator w/ shroud , stock fan (no clutch) No A/C .What temp thermostat should I use? The car only gets driven on warm sunny days.T I A

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–Joe–
"67 Malibu"





[This message has been edited by Joe454 (edited 07-05-99).]

 

[SirVette]

You will probably do best w/180.
Definitely start w/180.
Sounds like great car.

[This message has been edited by SirVette (edited 07-05-99).]

 

[Joe454]

Thanks Vette, Nothing is in it now.I am just putting it all together.I also was thinking 180°-185° .I'll keep working on the car and I'll post the results when I take that first cruise.This will be my first big block and I can't wait to feel the power. It might be awhile but , hopefully before summer is gone..............Joe454

 

[SirVette]

I see you were posting reply while I was editing.

I think you will really like that 454.

[This message has been edited by SirVette (edited 12-22-1999).]

 

[Patrick Schamun]

180 But here is a trick thing to do... before you install the stat. drill (2) 1/8 in the stat flange 90 deg. to the center section that holds the stat. One on each side. about half way between the edge and center. These two hole help get rid of the traped air/steam in your radiator.

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ACES #2637
TEAM CHEVELLE #69

 

[Joe454]

Patrick, I heard of that trick before but, never knew why it was done.Thanks for the info! ..........Joe454

 

[Riffers70]

Patrick,
Is this a trick that I might do for my 307? I have a 190 thermostat in it. I'm not having over heating problems, but if this will help avoid them in the future I'd be willing to do it.

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Fred
Madness takes it's toll, please have exact change.
'70 Chevelle
www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/9385/1970Chevelle.html

 

[SirVette]

A 1/16" will work. It will not prevent overheating problems.



[This message has been edited by SirVette (edited 12-22-1999).]

 

[Doc Willis]

I've got a 165 degree 'stat in my 454 and drive in Louisiana heat where freezing is never a problem. Now, in my limited understanding of engine cooling, it would seem to me there is no advantage in letting the water temp get to 180-195 before the radiator gets a chance to start cooling your block. Admittedly, I'm a brain surgeon who's just started tinkering with engines several months ago and I am in need of some enlightenment on this topic. But why is a thermostat even needed? Doesn't a hot block rob HP?

 

[Gandalf80]

Actually each engine has a specific temperature where it will make it's peak HP and 165 is usually lower than that peak. 180-185 is usually an ideal temperature. If you had no thermostat your water would flow through the radiator to fast and not get cooled enough and then would overheat. What you can do is get a thermostat and gut it out so that it just slows the water down. The only real advantage of making the water wait longer to circulate is that the engine will get to it's running temperature faster.

Chris

 

[ehjorten]

Actually, most people don't realize that the hotter an engine runs the more efficient it is and the more horsepower you will make. The only catch, is detonation and keeping the intake charge cool. The later is the reason why most people think that a cooler thermostat will make more power, because they haven't isolated the intake charge well enough.