If I put a 160 degree thermostat in my 92 RS will my heater put out enough heat in the winter time? I have a 160 in my LS1 and I get great heat in the cold, but will my 92 RS with a 305 TBI be the same way? Thanks guys.

 

Depends on how cold it gets and how long you want to wait to get warm. A 160 is too cold for proper engine operation first of all, but you can figure about 45-55 degrees below stat temp as far as duct air is concerned . A 170 or 180 might be a better choice.

 

i recommend a 170 or 180

 

i would run a 170 t-stat at lowest also!

 

Why wouldnt you guys use a 160 degree thermostat? Ive heard that it can cause the computer to stay in open loop but i dont see how because the computer goes into closed loop long before it reaches 160 degrees.

 

I have a 160 stat and the coldest it got down here this past winter was to like the high 30s, and I still had heat. I always let my car warm up about 2 or 3 minutes and it's enough time for it to go to closed loop.

 

You are right, the car will go into closed loop at around 105 deg coolant temp assuming the O2 sensor reaches temp. Problem is the ECM is programmed for a target temp and by running it that cold you will find if you place it in field service mode it will almost always run rich. With a carb it may not matter as much, with EFI operating parameters are a little more critical for overall driveability.

 

gotcha, thanks for the info

 

Temps in the 30-50 degree range, my 305 carb took a while to warm up with the 160* stat.
180 is a good median.

 

ive always ran a 180, i live in seattle and ive never had any problems, always have had hot air after about 3 minutes, and never a overheating problem. i say go 180

 

Thanks for the info everyone, HITHERE appreciate it.