What Thermostat?
 

Hey everyone I want to get a new Thermo for my 1992 Camaro. I narrowed it down to either a Hypertech or a Jet Chip Thermo. Now my question is should I get a 160 or a 180? As of now i have Cam, Heads, Exhaust, Intake, Ignition. So which one do i get?

If you still have your stock computer and stock chip I would run it with a 180 degree thermo. Reason is the computer programing is ment to run at the higher temp. If you get a hypertech computer chip (dont know about a JET chip but probally the same) You will need to go to a 160 thermo. The new chips are programed for and actully require a 160

I see you live in Florida (warmer climate). I would not go lower than a 180* with the stock radiator. What will happen is the colder times of the year you will run cooler, but the hotter months there is no way the stock radiator will even come close to running the car that low and it will be open constantly with a 160* therm and running more like 210-220*

The variance in running temps will cause different wear patterns on the motor. Metal of course expands and contracts with heat.

I live in PA and even in 90 degree weather with my 160 degree thermostat my temp gauge doesnt budge above 150. Not that its a good thing because the car barely blows any heat now but I just figured Id let ya know.

While the concept itself is quite true, the effect isn't even that pronounced in arizona. My V8 runs with a 160 (replacing with 175 before winter hits due to TCC highway lockup/overcooling issues I encountered 2-3 times last winter) and during the worst of summer rarely hits 195...

However, on a general note, I no longer reccomend 160 degree thermostats due to just how close to open loop temperature they run... and any variation in the manufacturing quality can cause issues. 175 or above for me.