Thermostat

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by 1969briviera, Sep 19, 2020.

  1. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    Originally the 1969 Riviera came with a 190 degree thermostat from the factory.
    If a new one is needed which one would be the best choice (160/180/195) ?

    Thanks.
     
  2. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    I prefer 180. Makes good heat and keeps engine at a good temp.
     
  3. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  4. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    Thanks for the info!
     
  5. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    Thanks!
     
  6. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    Hi, rockauto.com says the 195 thermostat as to be an OE thermostat replacement...a little confused now as to what i should order? Btw: my car is all original, nothing modified, no racing etc.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2021
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The thermostat sets the operating temperature of the system. Do you want the engine to run at 180* or 195*? It's just that simple.
     
  8. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    I understand that, so at normal operating temp there is no difference? Or does it run a bit cooler at normal operating temp?
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2021
  9. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    No, the thermostat tries to keep the temperature at the stat rating. If you want the coolant temperature on the gauge to read 195* or more fully warmed up, choose the 195 stat. If you want it to run closer to 180*, choose the 180 stat.
     
  10. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    Thanks. Is there any advantage for my stock situation to lower temp t0 180 on the gauge? Is it better for the engine?
     
  11. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Higher coolant temperatures are better for emissions, gas mileage, and oil cleanliness. They are worse for oil pressure, and tendency to detonation. Running an engine at higher temperatures is better for power PROVIDING you can keep the engine out of detonation. That's why newer car engines have 195 stats. Those newer engines also have microprocessor controlled fuel injection and ignition timing with knock sensors. Cooler running intake air is better for power as well. 160* is too cool. I think 180* is the perfect compromise. That is what I run.
     
    rkammer likes this.
  12. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    Thank you Larry, your engine situation is far from original right? So for my original/stock situation you would still recommend 180 over the 195 thermostat?
     
  13. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    How do you drive the car, like a little old lady, or do you drive it aggressively? How about climate? Do you live in an area with consistently high temperature, or cold? I am not going to recommend one or the other, you make that decision based on your preferences. Just don't expect the engine to run cooler than the thermostat you select.
     
  14. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    I drive it mostly normal, not aggressivly nor like an old lady. It is like NYC climate here, mostly not that strong winters though, and summers last a bit shorter here. My car is stored inside from november to about march early april. Thanks.
     
  15. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    Either stat will work fine for you but, if you have A/C and drive in stop and go traffic during the hot summer months, I'd go with the 180. Also, if your motor is old and oil pressure is less than it was when the motor was new, the 180 is also better since it allows oil pressure to be a little higher. If none of the above concern you then stick with the factory replacement or a 190.
     
  16. 1969briviera

    1969briviera Antique Gold Poly

    Okay, thank you Ray.
     

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