Colder Thermostat For Ls3

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

what thermostat temp ranges is there for ls3
and were can you by colder ones from ??

what temp is the stock one ??

do you need to change any thing in the tune if you put a colder one in
mine is running at 96 .c most of the time

[6.2L.Club]

You shouldn't need to put a colder thermostat in an LS3, something must be wrong if it's running that hot. Most stock thermostats are set to about 86 or 87 degrees and at this time of year it shouldn't be seeing temps anywhere near 96 degrees. Suggest you look into the cause of running hot instead of just changing the thermostat.

[macca_779]

You shouldn't need to put a colder thermostat in an LS3, something must be wrong if it's running that hot. Most stock thermostats are set to about 86 or 87 degrees and at this time of year it shouldn't be seeing temps anywhere near 96 degrees. Suggest you look into the cause of running hot instead of just changing the thermostat.

96 is actually about right. Have a look where he lives. The build up has come early this year FYI.

[SICK SS]

what thermostat temp ranges is there for ls3
and were can you by colder ones from ??

what temp is the stock one ??

do you need to change any thing in the tune if you put a colder one in
mine is running at 96 .c most of the time

yep thats were mine sits two. It hit 35 degress here yesterday:rofl: Carnt wait for summer

[swingtan]

90'C to 100'C is a normal temp range for nearly all of the LSX based motors, when sitting in traffic. While the actual thermostat is rated at around 86'C, if there is insufficient airflow through the radiator, then the temp will climb to the mid 90's before the thermo fans turn on. So at low speeds or when the car is stationary the thermo fans also have a marked effect on the measured running temp of the engine.

When up at speed, the temps will possibly drop a little, but not to the 86'C limit of the thermostat. This is because the thermostat is just a valve that opens and closes to help regulate the temperature and it is not a "binary switch". It will open and close differing amounts depending on the engine coolant temp. While it starts to open at 86'C, it will not be fully open till nearly 100'C. It also has some inbuilt "hysteresis", which means the closing temps are not the same as the opening temps.

So the basics are, an 86'C thermostat will not keep your car running at 86'C, but with the help of the thermofans, will keep it in the mid 90'C range.

As for tuning, you can adjust the fan switch points to come on earlier to help reduce low speed heat build up. With the stock thermostat you can regulate engine temps to the low 90'C range but not much more. Mainly because the thermostat closes a bit and reduces the coolant flow.

There are a couple of threads on changing thermostats, here's a really quick summary...

Pro's

less heat soak = more potential for power


Con's

heater is not as warm
engine may never actually reach "correct" operating temp
higher chance of oil contamination from fuel dilution and water condensation


Putting it bluntly, there is little to gain in changing the thermostat unless you change the tune as well. Even then the difference on a daily driver is probably not great. The exceptions would be....


Race cars that are looking for every last 1/10th of a KW.
Self tuners that understand what is going on and can quickly make adjustments as needed ( who also tend to be perfectionists when it comes to their own car )


On the street I can't really see that the potential for power increase is justifies costs involved, both in terms of cash and other trade offs.

Just my views though, others will disagree.

Simon.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

OK guys thanks
so you recon 96 is OK ?
i would be happy with 85.c

im just used to seeing all the diesel engines we used to run at about 80 to 85 .c got a lot longer life out of them and less oil leaks and consumption at those temps rather then( 92 .c factory spec) and had a bit more margin before the alarms go of oil contamination should not be a problem with 7000 km oil and filter changes it does get very hot up here 40.c is very comen AC is all ways on even when the windows are down witch loads it up and creats more heat

[macca_779]

OK guys thanks
so you recon 96 is OK ?
i would be happy with 85.c

im just used to seeing all the diesel engines we used to run at about 80 to 85 .c got a lot longer life out of them and less oil leaks and consumption at those temps rather then( 92 .c factory spec) and had a bit more margin before the alarms go of oil contamination should not be a problem with 7000 km oil and filter changes it does get very hot up here 40.c is very comen AC is all ways on even when the windows are down witch loads it up and creats more heat

I would recommend installing a 160F Thermostat (around 80c ECT actual).
Certainly doesn't do any harm in my experience. The cooling systems in our cars are obviously pretty good because the highest I've ever seen mine get to in an N.T Wet Season is about 87c.

[8throttlebodies]

I just got one from Fraser @ Speedinc for under $30 landed for a L98. I'm pretty sure its the same one.

8tb.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

I just got one from Fraser @ Speedinc for under $30 landed for a L98. I'm pretty sure its the same one.

8tb.

ok thanks mate have you got the part number ??

[8throttlebodies]

itemno description price buy
IZM1014 1997-2004 160* T-Stat $44.99 buy
IZM6367 Speed inc 160* Thermostat 2004-2006 LSX Engines $15.99 buy
IZM6369 Speed inc 180* Thermostat 2004-2006 LSX Engines $15.99 buy

from www.ls1speed.com
speak to Fraser tho. ( sorry Fraser if I stepped on ya toes)

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

itemno description price buy
IZM1014 1997-2004 160* T-Stat $44.99 buy
IZM6367 Speed inc 160* Thermostat 2004-2006 LSX Engines $15.99 buy
IZM6369 Speed inc 180* Thermostat 2004-2006 LSX Engines $15.99 buy

from www.ls1speed.com
speak to Fraser tho. ( sorry Fraser if I stepped on ya toes)


thanks mate
i have sent them an email i guess they have an out let in oz ??
cheers