First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List
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Over the years I've run both with and without a thermostat, and I
believe you're better off with one. You're right that a thermostat
simply sets a minimum temp, and was designed into the system to raise
the engine temperature to a specific level as quickly as possible. It's
true that the warmer the outside temperature, the less impact the
thermostat will have, but including a thermostat, having a functional
crossover, using a heat riser with an air cleaner, and having a
functional thermostatic damper in the exhaust manifold will result in
optimum street ability no matter where you live or when you drive (I run
an open air cleaner, hi-flow 195-degree thermostat, and long-branch
manifolds without the damper).
I think that the biggest advantage to including a 195-degree thermostat
is that it is the most effective way to drive off moisture and other
contaminants from the oil. Given how seldom most people drive these
cars, that's one of the engine's biggest threats. Running a 160- or
180-degree thermostat may temporarily mask an overheating problem, but
doing so may be creating another problem in the process.
Andy
Mlueker wrote:
First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List
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Remember, a thermostat is simply a closed valve in the cooling system
designed to eliminate coolant flow until the core engine temperature reaches
a desired level. Then it opens and allows coolant flow throughout the
engine. Thus, a Tstat will do nothing to lower maximum engine operating
temperatures, all it does is ensure the engine runs at a minimum temperature
which is the Tstat temp. In fact, my view is that a Tstat on older cars is
unnecesary unless you live in a cold climate.
To reduce maximum operating temperature, you need to look at multiple
variables - radiator size, radiator efficiency, radiator flow rate, coolant
heat transfer capacity, internal engine coolant restrictions, water pump
flow/capacity, airflow restrictions in front and behind the radiator, fan
speed, fan flow/efficiency, shroud design, etc
Thanks,
Mark Lueker
308 SYSTEMS Inc.
970-282-7006
www.308systems.com
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