what is the temp for a stock thermostat? is a 180 thermostat going to do much for the temperature in my combustion chamber? should i go lower then a 180, and if i do will it hinder the operations of my smog equipment? thanks-

1987 z28 305 4 barrel

 

170 is usually the lowest you should go on a stock engine/PROM. Lower than that and you usually start getting into driveability problems. Just ask the PROM burning guys about that. The lower thermo should help to lower temps a bit but if you have some other cooling problem, such as a water pump on the fritz, then it will do no good at all. It will not affect your emissions equipment to go to a lower temp thermo but remember that GM designed these cars to run really hot in order to keep emissions down but in turn caused the engine components to wear faster. If your engine is in proper working order you should have no problem passing smog tests, provided you have them. I have a 180 in my car. BTW, the stock thermo temp is 190.
bsa

------------------
"If they do not run, Then they will die." - Stonewall Jackson
#3
'87 IROC, 355 TPI, Converted to SD, 700R4, B&M Megashifter, 3.42, Trick Flow Twisted Wedge Heads, Edelbrock Intake, Accel Runners, Comp Cam, Crane Gold rockers, Lucas 24# injectors, Edelbrock headers, Flowmaster 3'' exhaust, Mallory Ignition, Transgo Performance Shift Kit, Corvette Servo, 2,000 Stall Torque Converter

 

A 180 is probably the best choice. If you have an electric fan (im not sure) then you will have to do something to get it to turn on sooner, otherwise it will heat up in traffic anyway.

I wouldnt worry about smog if the car is in tune, a 180 wont affect it if its running right.