Thermostat reccs
 

What thermostat would you recommend for a mostly stock Formula 400 motor -- 160 degree, 170∘, 180∘, or 195∘? Car is in So Cal but is driven mostly near the coast so it's not in a lot of extreme heat. AC has been removed. Thanks --

the 180 in my car works great, gauge stays near the first mark at all times. 195 seems too high to me, not much of a margin for safety.

In California, 160 Stant Super Stat... Stay away from MR Gasket t stats..

195 was there to cut down on emissions. 180 is a happy medium.

I run 160s in my soCal cars.Tom

i put 160's into anything vintage

180 in my ElCo. I also live near the coast. Car runs at 180 all day long, 190 with the A/C on.

Thermostat "Static" Rating, is in your hand. " Dynamic" rating is what temp it opens FULLY and runs at.
In a fairly "STOCK" GM Engine ( with newer fuel that makes engine run Hotter) The "Dynamic" rating is
about 12-15 degrees above the Static ( in the box) rating. IF you have an automatic, that is cooled by the radiator, you will want your temps Below 200.
The newer fuel ( NO Co1 , and NO Lead, and 10% alcohol at least) takes care of any Emissions thoughts when they first designated a Thermostat.
Running a 160 is where you should be. With 8.0:1 or more, you'll have great cylinder efficiency, and complete burn up.
Cooler engines last much longer.
Your temps may VARY based on the efficiency of your radiator, and the Shroud, and the Fan blade assembly.
Edit: GM makes a 170 degree Thermostat. It was stock in S-10 Blazers .

Thanks everybody -- very helpful as always.

Never thought to go as low as 160 but gave it a try and installed AC 12TP1B from amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cant believe how cool the car's running
Once again, this forum comes through
Thanks