Correct Thermostat Temp

[Bewy]

A 160 stat might lower the temp slightly. That is because the stat is not not fully open until the temp is 20-30* above it's rating. So a 180 stat may not have max flow until 210*.

 

[Gator]

Thanks guys for the input. I guess I will just stay with the 180 thermo.

 

[DartGTDan]

My rebuilt 318 has a 195* thermostat in it. All my cooling system components are new (Spectra Premium CU526 radiator). Around town driving my AutoMeter Z-Series water temperature gauge shows about 195*ish. On the freeway around 70+ mph it rises to about 205*. These temperatures are with an ambient air of around 85* (it's been hot/muggy here in metro-Detroit).

 

[BillGrissom]

I wouldn't worry using whatever T-stat the 5.2/5.9L Magnum V-8 used since essentially the same engine design. Probably 195 F, like most current engines. Once the T-stat is full-open, it acts the same as a 160 F one, if both have the same flow area. The only reason to run a lower temp T-stat is for drag racers, but they sometimes even chill their engines before a run.