Which thermostat?

bowtie_pasta · June 2, 2003

I just replaced my thermostat this weekend and upon removal of the old one I noticed it was a 180 and my new one is a 195. 195 is what the book called for so I'm assuming it's what GM puts in from the factory.

It does run slightly hotter now, but is this a good or bad thing? What are the advantages of running a 180 t-stat? I know for emission purposes they tend to run them hotter. My gut is telling me cooler is better, but I'm having trouble finding some solid information.

Any tips?

Thanks

bowtie_pasta · June 3, 2003

Finally found some information I could sink my teeth into.

Any thoughts on these theories? Sounds logical to me.

Thermostat Theory

Frank S · June 3, 2003

It's not really going to matter much on that slight of a change.

I do know that the 195 is what comes from the factory but what you have to remember is the temp rating is what temperature the thermostat opens and lets water from the radiator circulate.

If you live in a cooler climate you'd be better with the 195 as your heater and vehicle in general should theoretically warm up faster by allowing the water to warm up more before going through the intake and heater core.

IMO,you should be fine with a 195 as that is indeed what the factory thermostat is.

bowtie_pasta · June 3, 2003

Ok. Well now I'm even more confused. More opinions are welcome.

Thing is, it used to run a couple ticks cooler with the 180 in there.

Thanks yZR2k!

Frank S · June 3, 2003

OK,it should run cooler by a little bit with the 180.That is the temperature the water should be reentering your engine from the radiator and your thermostat is mounted on the feed hose coming from the radiator.Your temp gauge has nothing to do with what the temperature of the water in the engine block is.

Keep in mind that once the water goes in to the block it heats up in a hurry so you are not running that water at what your temp gauge is reading,that is just what the water coming from the radiator is measured at.

If the climate you are in is mostly warm,go with a 180 but if you do get some cold winter spells you'd be better off with the 195 as the water circulating through the heater core will be warmer and it will heat up your vehicle faster.