I have been told that a car will run warmer than 160 with no thermostat at all. Is this true? I was told that the thermostat kept the water in the radiator longer with a thermostat actually cooling the water better than no thermostat at all. Cooling system is new. Radiator, water pump hoses.If your cooling system is in good shape, a 180° would be perfect. Your 273 shouldn’t overheat with it. You want it to get to operating temp.
Thermostats are there for control. I have tried without and it didn't overheat or overcook either. Most race engines have restrictions which act like a Thermostat but they don't regulate temp. The most important thing is there is nothing mechanical there to fail. Billions of cars run thermostats. Put one in and get on with your crusing.I have been told that a car will run warmer than 160 with no thermostat at all. Is this true? I was told that the thermostat kept the water in the radiator longer with a thermostat actually cooling the water better than no thermostat at all. Cooling system is new. Radiator, water pump hoses.
Try it without and then with a 160 and see what results you like best.It’s a 273 I want car to run as cool as possible. Is a 160 degree thermostat my best option or no thermostat at all?
I agree AND make sure you TUNE the engine when it;s up to operating temp. When they run cool like that, it's important to retune them for it. Most will take some more timing and can be fattened up at the carburetor a little.If you do get the engine to run near 160 make sure you change the oil a little more often because the temp isn't high enough to get the condensation out of the crankcase via the PCV. There is a reason for the factory putting higher rated stats in.