quote:
Originally posted by No Quarter:
A question on 180 vs 192: which is best?
Engine wear and power improve at higher temps. In terms of engine wear 180 is OK, but you wouldn't want anything cooler. Warmer temps improve wear a small amount. In terms of performance, I believe hotter is better, up to about 210 degrees F. There is NO detrimental effect for warmer temps! The 351C came from the factory with 192 'stats. I don't know what each individual person's fear is. The boiling point of 50/50 ethylene glycol & water is about 260 degrees F at 13 psi. So either stat is operating safely below the boiling point with a large margin of safety.
In terms of oil temperature and crankshaft bearings the oil needs to stay below 230 degrees F. If oil temperature closely follows coolant temperature then with a 180 degree 'stat the oil operates about 50 degrees below 230, but with a 192 degree 'stat the oil still operates 38 degrees below 230, that is still a good margin of safety.
