i have a 1985 firebird se with a regular firebird hood and with a new engine in it that i built. i stuck a 160 degree thermostat in it and ive only had overheating problems due to the lack of ventallation what is everyones take on how well my choice was to use a 160 degree thermostat?

 

did you burp the air out?
i like 160's myself, i prefer the balanced sleeved ones, as they flow more
i also try to drill small holes in them to let the air bleed out easier

also make sure your raditor is clean, fins are good
and you have the lower air dam spoiler

e-fans might help as well, i prefer them in puller setup

i've also had luck using the flow kooler water pumps too

timing and jetting can also cause over heating issues too
plus if you have an auto, try running it to a seperate tranny cooler too.
i've done that in the past with great sucess for cooling the tranny and engine/rad too

 

I run a 160 also, and it works great for me. Everything has to be in good working order for Arizona though....
I also have a Hypertech 177 fan switch, a new radiator with dual Spal fans and I run Water-Wetter. My car
runs right at teh thermostat, 160-170.

 

my 160* runs fine, I'm not a believe in how important burping the system is, as I think it'll do that on it's own, but if you have a problem, it's worth trying.
My car runs nice and cool.

of course make sure your air damn is on, maybe flush your cooling system as well.

 

i have the air dam but i have a pully fan and i want to upgrade it but just dont kno what the best is to get. i wouldnt be suprised my timing is off due to im the one who built the motor but other then that the radiator and block should be clean. i had the block hot tanked and ive had teh radiator checked prior to installing it. but thanks for the info guys