Hi all,

need to buy a new thermostat, as mine is a 160degree that I used for troubleshooting.
I have the following options
180 fahrenheit or
187-192 fahrenheit

i guess the 180 would be the way to go?

I'll be shopping for a new alternator as well :-) I'm currently using one from a ford escort from a scrapper after mine died and that doesn't charge properly at idle

 

I always do 180 with carbs.

 

I have a 190 Robert Shaw high-flow in mine and it works just fine. Stays at 195-210 all day, which is where it should be.

My luck with stock replacement thermostats hasn't been as good. The first 192/195 I used wouldn't let the car drop below 210.

 

Ford engine designers specified a 190°F thermostat for best engine performance and economy.

 

That's 2:1 :-) I'd like to get one of those with a bleeding hole. Like the originals. Could I just drill one?

 

I think im running a 180 at the moment...ive been considering a 185 or 190...During the winter it reads cold...maybe the 187 would be a good compromise..The 190 may indeed have been best for the original engines but hardly any of us run those engines anymore...Do you still think "190 is best" with our cams, "modern" intakes, higher compression and modern oils? What determines an optimum temp? Timing and compression?

 

ive got a 160 in mine and with the big electric fan in mine on a 90 degreeday i cant even get mine up to 158 but my fan runs with the key on all the time lol i guess thats 1 of the reasons im replacing everything that this last hack job person did on the wiring

 

but when i pull motor out and rebuilt it the right way, im gonna go with a 180 or a 190, if im not mistaken if a ford motor is like a chevy you get the best power out of it around 192 degrees, i may be wrong but i know chevy 350's are at peak performance around 190-192

 

I run 195. More engine heat = more efficient combustion. Better mileage, power etc. A cooler thermostat is mainly to keep the heads cooler in instances where detonation is more likely. And the heater works off engine coolant temp, so high thermostat = hotter heater during the winter.

 

I think the genuine Ford one still has the vent. And yeah, the old-timers used to drill a 1/16" hole in the top. Really take all the pain out of putting the coolant in.