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Best thermostat

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woody View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote woody Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Best thermostat
    Posted: Apr/05/2012 at 6:08pm
Running a 9 to 1 401, 4 spd.   What temp thermostat is best?   Want the engine to run cool.

Thanks,
Woody
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 69 ambassador 390 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Apr/05/2012 at 7:30pm
I would run a 180 degree Robert Shaw brand.  They flow better and work very well at controlling temps without the fluctautions of standard poppit styles.  If you cannot find Robert Shaw brand I believe they are also sold under the Mr. Gasket brand name.  They look a little different and open in a screw motion.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Apr/05/2012 at 8:15pm
Originally posted by woody woody wrote:

Running a 9 to 1 401, 4 spd.   What temp thermostat is best?   Want the engine to run cool.

Thanks,
Woody
 
'stat sets the minimum temp, not the maximum. The max depends on the BTU output of the engine vs. the BTU removal of the cooling system. The cooling system includes the coolant, radiator, fan, shroud (amazing how much difference a good shround properly installed makes), that sort of thing.
If the engine puts out as much or more than the cooling system can remove, the stat temp won't matter a lot.
 
Actually, unless there are problems with the engine, hotter is better, more effecient. Too cool means less power put out. So don't try to run it TOO cool.
 
I'd never run cooler than a 180 stat - that's the coldest i'd ever go. I prefer to run warmer, but also go by the manufacturer's specs, too.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6768rogues Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Apr/05/2012 at 8:19pm
The temperature rating of a thermostat is where the thermostat just starts to crack open. It takes additional heat to open it fully. I found on both of my AMCs by experimenting with a number of brands and temperature ratings of thermostats that they consistently run 15 degrees hotter than any thermostat I install. From that anecdotal evidence, I conclude that the thermostats I have tried cracked open at the rated temperature and were fully open 15 degrees higher.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote irish13jeff Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Apr/05/2012 at 8:27pm
I run a Mr.Gasket 180 in my 401 9.5-1.It runs at a idle-in town 180,  Hold 200 at Hwy.Check this out,lots of great tech info on how to set up a proper cooling system.

Edited by irish13jeff - Apr/05/2012 at 8:36pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stephnsons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Oct/14/2017 at 11:28am
Very informative thread.
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