1950 Ford V8 thermostats

[kiwi nz]

Hi I see that thermostats are available at 160 degrees and 180 degrees.

What is the best temp to run an 8BA at?

Should I purchase two of each and just try them? Thanks

[19Fordy]

180 is most commonly used. Don't waste your $$$.

[JayChicago]

Agree. Use 180 degree stats.

160 degree is what was originally installed. But that was when the common antifreeze was alcohol, which starts boiling away at 173 degrees. After "permanent" antifreeze became available in the fifties, higher temp stats came into use. Better for the engine to run at the higher temperature. Better combustion, better elimination of contaminants in the oil.

[kiwi nz]

Thanks for that, I thought that might be the case.

I will get 180 degree thermostats, I am sure there will be less wear at hotter a temp as well.

There used to be a lot 1951 Fords used as Taxis in NZ, they were always hot and did hundreds of thousands of miles on the engines with little wear.

[Gene1949]

1 more vote for 180. I use the ROBERTSHAW 330 hi-flow balanced sleeve type down here in the desert SW. Flows much better than the "pill type".
In both the '69 BB Camaro and the '49. Same part number

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by Gene1949

1 more vote for 180. I use the ROBERTSHAW 330 hi-flow balanced sleeve type down here in the desert SW. Flows much better than the "pill type".
In both the '69 BB Camaro and the '49. Same part number

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Gene1949

1 more vote for 180. I use the ROBERTSHAW 330 hi-flow balanced sleeve type down here in the desert SW. Flows much better than the "pill type".
In both the '69 BB Camaro and the '49. Same part number

Finally, a reason to own a Chevrolet.