"correct thermostat"

[Gary G.]

I have a question regarding the correct thermostat for a 75 L48 coupe. I believe that the correct stat is rated at 195 degrees with an air pump. My car has a long disconnected air pump. Other 75's without the pump can use a 180 degree stat. In the archives, someone stated that the fan clutch was calibrated for the 195 degree stat in 75.

Which one should I use? I have not removed the old stat, since it is currently working ok. Next flush and fill will be a good time to replace it, and I want to install the proper stat. Which brand is best and reliable?

Thanks for any help

[Joe L.]

Re: "correct thermostat"

I have a question regarding the correct thermostat for a 75 L48 coupe. I believe that the correct stat is rated at 195 degrees with an air pump. My car has a long disconnected air pump. Other 75's without the pump can use a 180 degree stat. In the archives, someone stated that the fan clutch was calibrated for the 195 degree stat in 75.

Which one should I use? I have not removed the old stat, since it is currently working ok. Next flush and fill will be a good time to replace it, and I want to install the proper stat. Which brand is best and reliable?

Thanks for any help

Gary------


ALL 1975 Corvettes were originally equipped with the air injection reactor system---no exceptions. Your car was originally equipped with a 195 degree thermostat. You can use either a 195 or 180 degree thermostat. I would recommend going with the 180. However, I would definitely NOT recommend going any lower than 180. Plus, I doubt that you'll notice very much difference in actual running temperature with the 180. A thermostat only controls the LOWEST temperature that an engine will run at (except, of course, for the warm-up period), not the highest. I doubt that there are very many operating conditions that your cooling system will be able to maintain a 180 degree temperature unless you drive it in very cold ambient temperature or long, downhill grades in the summer.

[Gary G.]

Re: "correct thermostat"

Thanks Joe.