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View Full Version : Which Thermostat to get?




Puropuro
07-09-2006, 11:06 PM
Hi guys,

I read the great "Alternate Thermostat" thread on LX forums, but now I'm not sure which one to get (copy/paste from Meister's thread):
I want something for daily driving on the SRT8 that won't throw a CEL and that I don't have to grind to make it fit. Which to chose and where to get?

TIA,
Puro

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190 degree thermostat for LX Hemis:
Napa 381-190. Reported to run right around 190 degrees, sometimes as low as 185. Around $16. (Info courtesy of mikespy, with thanks.)

180 degree thermostats for LX Hemis:
Stant 14248. Reported to run at 180-183 degrees. No wiggle pin. Heavy duty. From the Ram/Cummins diesel application...designed for an engine with a 500,000 mile rebuild interval. Around $15. (Info courtesy of ImaThorp, with thanks.)
NAPA 191. Reported to run at 181-182 degrees. (Info courtesy of Nevermore, with thanks.)
Caution: This tstat has a relatively small inner diameter (I.D.), raising questions about it's suitability for summer use in warmer climates. Others I've not personally tested may have the smaller I.D. as well.
Prestone 700-180. Note: The one I have tested runs at 176 degrees, occasionally 174 degrees (fan mod engaged). Made in Mexico by Cooper Standard/Robertshaw. Or cross reference the Stant 180-degree thermostat #13078 at your local auto parts store. $8 or less.

170 degree thermostat for LX Hemis (my personal favorite):
Robert Shaw 383-170. Note: All 3 I have personally tested run at a precise 176 degrees (fan mod engaged). Made in Germany by Cooper Standard/Robertshaw.
63.5mm vice stocker's 63mm. Requires small flat blade driver, or similar, to help tuck rubber gasket into receiver due to slightly tighter fit.
Heavy Duty, has brass dog-bone wobbler in air bleed hole. Orient bleed hole to highest point of the thermostat during install.
Fail-Safe feature insures thermostat valve moves to full open position in event of a failure, a safety feature lacking in the stock thermostat. More expensive at $13, but well worth it.

This, the finest tstat available for LX Hemis, is available through *any* Autozone. The RobertShaw 383-170 can be quickly called up at any AutoZone parts counter by having the counter man go to their "Cross Reference" page and type in 383170. It will show up as RobertShaw. $12.99.
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Blkout
07-10-2006, 03:38 AM
180 degree, NAPA 191.

TALON
07-10-2006, 05:00 AM
Hey Blkout, what % of tint are on your windows ? They look great.
I'm having my window's tinted today.

Blkout
07-10-2006, 05:10 AM
Hey Blkout, what % of tint are on your windows ? They look great.
I'm having my window's tinted today.


6%

mmaloy
07-10-2006, 05:32 AM
180 stat....NAPA #191

Black R/T R&T
07-10-2006, 05:58 AM
Napa 191 180 degree. Fits perfect, and runs at 178-183 on hwy, and 190-205 around town. Even sitting still I have not seen it go over 205 yet.

legmaker
07-10-2006, 07:47 AM
ditto to the aforementioned napa t-stat.......

PaulPaladin
07-10-2006, 02:16 PM
I use the Napa as well.

However, you will be surprised at the difference between the stock and the NAPA's "flow hole". I was concerned it wouldn't flow enough coolant, but I can vouch (with the above) that it at least flows enough to keep the car cool on a hot southern summer day. Around 185-190 on the highway on a hot summer day.

Puropuro
07-10-2006, 02:41 PM
Thanks guys, Napa 191 it will be.

ekaz
07-10-2006, 02:42 PM
FWIW...I have the 170 thermostat and it works just fine as well.

GoManGo_1269
07-10-2006, 03:06 PM
FWIW...I have the 170 thermostat and it works just fine as well.
When did you put it in? (Just wondering how the 170 will work in Illinois winters.) Also - running on the highway in current temps (mid 80's to low 90's) what is your highway temp like?

Thanks,

Michael

Tor-Rojo
03-08-2007, 11:12 AM
Does anyone know where is the thermostat located... bottom or top hose of radiator... i just boght the 180 Jet therm... but i want to save some time... tnx guys

SVRSRTCDN
03-08-2007, 11:22 AM
Using the Napa 191 may be ok, but no one knows the long term effects because the STOCK stat is a "bypass style" (its actually 2 thermostats in 1) and the Napa is not.

The closest one to stock is the Valucraft 4128 from autozone but in a 180 degree.


There was a big post about this a while back and although the Napa "seems to work" is not operating the cooling system as the stock system does.

Mecha
03-08-2007, 12:39 PM
Does anyone know where is the thermostat located... bottom or top hose of radiator... i just boght the 180 Jet therm... but i want to save some time... tnx guys

top hose.