[eightvalver]

Whats the correct thermostat to run supercharged? There was a thread on here that said that the 5.0 motor loves 180 degrees? Right now I have a 160 to run cool but would 180 be better? The weather over here is fair...not too hot nor too cold.
Thanks

[93 red snake]

a 160 in the summer works perfect in my car. and i don't drive it much when's it's cold. but a 180 would be the best choice when the temp falls.

[nestle_2000]

I ran a 160 for a long time. I find that 180 runs better no matter what the weather. If it stays below 180 I think it makes the computer think funny. I think it needs to see the temp float just around 180. jmho

[maxxxxd]

I, too was victim of falling for the, "dude, you gotta run a 160 thermostat to fatten the fuel." NOT. I had issues with cooling, since the radiator wasn't keeping the water/coolant long enough to get cooler and saw "dragons" when warming the car up in the mornings. I run a 180-degree Robert Stant that has a bearing in it to let out air bubbles. When you change your cooling system, make sure to fire it up, turn the heater on (if you have one) and let the air out of the system, then top it off. The best situation is to run (depending on your area/climate/temperatures) 40 coolant/60 distilled water and a bottle of "Water Wetter". An Edelbrock Victor water pump will also help you keep your pony cool. A good aluminum radiator doesn't hurt either.

It is true. The small-block 302 loves to run between 180-200 degrees to achieve maximum combustion potential.