Thermostat - Use one or forget it.

[jreiley]

Should I run a thermostat on a 350sbc? The engine runs in the 200+ range and I'm nervous.

[chevyfireball]

Checked your head gaskets lately?

[johnracer]

Are we talkin race car here? If so, I run without. Having a stat makes them hard to cool below stat rating.....200 degrees is really nothing to get nervous about though.
Jmo,
Johnny

[FullTimeRacing]

what do you have in it ? If it is a 160* put a 180 in it and it will help slow the water down.

Also add a airdame under the radaitor support.

[ARUSSELL]

Ditch ut and go with restrictors

[TS1955]

I run race motors with no stat. Stock motors with a stat. And performance street motors with a restrictor. And I agree 200*- 210* is nothing to worry about. JMO

TS1955

[jreiley]

Thanks all. It's a race motor - so no thermostat. Not sure what a restrictor is.

[FullTimeRacing]

take a old t/stat and cut the middle out,the part that moves, that is a restrictor

[tcarda]

take a old t/stat and cut the middle out,the part that moves, that is a restrictor

X2. Thats what I did with mine too with no heating issues. Kinda nice after I shut the motor down to leave the fans and water pump run.

[mopar1968]

I always run one, 200 at the traps, 160 back to trailer!! Mine cool's down pretty quickly :!: :!:


''JUST MY TWO CENT'S WORTH''

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[Tod74]

I use the gutted out thermostat approach.

[cepx111]

I've never ran one in my racingjunk, it never gets over 200 even on the hottest days/nights.

[wmeabates]

I use a 160 thermostat with 4 3/16 to 1/4 holes driled in the part that does'nt move.This lets hot water move past the stat to keep it from cycling and the stat lets the motor warm faster on cold mornings.with the holes in ther you can also plug the thermostat bypass and stop hot water from going back into the block.Bill.

[StrokersGraphics]

i do the same as TODD74, just gut the thermo and keep the housing in place. it will restrict the flow.