I have noticed a lot of threads about the "correct" degree thermostat to use on my 401 nailhead. but i have also seen where higher op temps have created problems etc. i was planning to get the 160 degree thermostat from CARS to install in my motor. is this a wise choice? or should i go with the 185 that was what i removed from the motor ?? thanks for the insight
The general views that I've noted are that a 165 is cooler than you really want to run in a mild street car Seems more commonly used at the strip. Are/were you running hot with that 185? 185 seems like a commonly recommended t-stat for street use.
I run a 160* stat. Too cold when the temps drop to 50 or so degrees. Last show I took the car too, temps rarely rose above the thermostat rating. Next time I probably would put a 180* stat in it.
I would run 180-190. I recall old engineering testing showing increased cylinder wear when in the 160 area-
sounds good to me ill grab up a 185 to replace the one that was in it.:TU: no it wasnt running hot or anything.. never really TOOK her anyplace just ran in garage to keep everything spinning ya know Thanks again for all the help. anyone have a good set of used 401 headers that will fit my 62 invicta? 300 plus 160 to ceramic is a tad over what i was planning to spend for them geeez.ou:
Exactly. The Sanderson ones might fit, but if recall correctly, they don't even fit the Riv's all that well. That is the cheapest option out there too - you could just get some header paint from the auto parts store and spray them with that, you don't have to ceramic coat them.
Yeah i checked the Sanderson ones out they are about the same as the ones on ebay and cost is not much different. 300 for a set of raw headers is about the lowest ive seen. :shock: i was hoping i might happen accross someone that had a used set in their stockpile i could scarf up for less and repaint them.ray:
I'm selling the Sandersons I have that I used on the Dyno. They are raw, and have small 1/4" holes drilled in each pipe where the EGT probes went in. They are the BNH2 model desigend for the first gen Rivs. Other than that, they are new. $200 plus shipping. How that for a deal? Erik
Erik if they will fitin my 62 invicta 4door then heeeel yeah sounds good to me. :TU: :TU: :TU: :laugh: ship to zip will be 43901 harrisville ohio.. unless your close enough for me to run n get them lol.. theBNH2 design?? im googling to see what they are.. dont really matter to me as long as i can paint em up and theyll fit in my invicta. 200 is better than 3 or 4 so im happy. PM me the details and well go from there. if u have a pic of them that would be cool also... Ill deff take then if theyll work .. I trust you on that one because i have no clue thanks again E Bill
Back to thermostats for a minute - In a related thread not long ago, Doc mentioned the "railroad" philosophy of cooling internal-combustion engines. Simply put, use a radiator that has more cooling capacity then will ever be needed, then use the proper thermostat. The engine will run at the proper temperature. In my 425 Nailhead-powered '82 C-10 pickup, I installed a new monster radiator for the 6.2 Diesel. With a 180 degree thermostat, you can't make the engine overheat.
I replaced my thermostat when I replaced the water pump on my 401 about 4 months ago (put in a 180 degree 'stat this time). Yesterday I drove in about 90 degree temps for over an hour on the interstate at 65 MPH and the hottest she got was 195, I'm happy with that compared to the 210-220 she was bringing prior to the change.
