1994 LT1 thermostat question

1994 Formula LT1
I had my engine coolant system flushed today and the shop suggested changing out the thermostat and gasket. I told them as long as they get the correct thermostat for the 94 LT1 reverse flow coolant system to go ahead. When I picked up the car I asked them if they were sure they got the right thermostat (I was using the stock, I believe 180 degree), and the guy said actually the first one they got was the wrong one so they got a second one and installed it and assured me it is the correct one. I drove it home and the temperature gage seemed normal. I know I am just being paranoid, but as long as my temp gage looks fine I should be ok right? It just bothered me that they didn't get the right thermostat to start with, especially when I mentioned that it wasn't your typical thermostat. I have kept everything stock for last 9 years and dont want to have anything damaged due to something as small as a thermostat.

I know, I am paranoid, forgive me :uhoh:
Thanks

You'd know if it was the wrong thermostat...

You'd know if it was the wrong thermostat...

yeah, they run so hot..you would see the problem right away. i've had my fair share of lt1 coolent problems.

haha maybe its running no thermostat :o

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like I am good to go, was just a little paraniod :smile:

Thanks again.

Don't feel stupid for being cautious about overheating in the LT-1. I've had to do two rebuilds for that. One I'm almost sure was a for a bad thermostat that blew a head gasket. The other time the aluminum heads warped.

Your gauge would go up higher. 220 degrees and more if you have issues.

These engines are designed to run hot for emmisions reasons, but that heat isn't good for power. it kills the incoming air temp, etc...

What you should be asking the mechanic is if they bled the coolant lines after installing the thermostat.

There is a bleeder valve on the hose that allows you to remove a pocket of air that would otherwise from when replacing the thermostat. This pocket can cause serious problems if not removed.

However, if you have driven your car already and there's no issues, then you're probably fine.

If you have installed somehting like a hypertech power programmer and have activated the performance tune, then you'd need the lower 160º thermostat as that program dictates the cooling fans to come on sooner to keep your engine running cooler. the higher (stock) thermostat will just mess that up.

While the LT1s are natorious for their cooling problems, I overheated mine a couple times pretty bad and I never had a problem. Im starting to think I was just real lucky...

While the LT1s are natorious for their cooling problems, I overheated mine a couple times pretty bad and I never had a problem. Im starting to think I was just real lucky...


i did the same, once really bad when my electric water pump somehow broke the lead wire off. Some of u guys prob remember me posting about it. My car was pissing antifreeze everywhere and the engine was making a horrible whining noise...all within seconds of me noticing the check engine light pop on. I took apart the whole front and top of the car convinced i screwed the car up...and found nothing but a leaky waterneck gasket.

HA! fuckin lt1's BUILT LIKE WHOA!