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| | | Forums66 Topics128,193 Posts1,057,244 Members48,465 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 182 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 182 | Which is preferred for a stock engine? From what I gather 180 degree was stock, but folks use the 160 degree to have extra protection against boil-over even though it doesn't let the engine run as efficiently. | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | 160 was the stock rating for most years.
Bill Burmeister | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | What year 235?
As Bill posted, a 160 degree thermostat was standard on 235s from 1954 up through the late 60s. Some manuals state that 235s went to 170 degree thermostats in 1960/61 when they also supposedly had 13 psi radiator caps (4 psi in 1954 and 7 psi in 1956 and later). I use 160 degree thermostats.
160 degree thermostats became fully open at around 180 degrees.
Most likely a 180 degree thermostat would not be a problem, but it most likely becomes fully open at about 200 degrees.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | 180 works good year round if you have a good pressure cap on it. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 182 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 182 | Good information. Thanks! I bought a 160 degree thermostat, so that's the route I think I'll go. | | |
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