Does anybody have an opinion about what type of thermostat and the minimum rating I should be running on a 440 +0.60 six pack? I am currently running a 195 and begin wondering if that would be a little too warm for this engine? Never overheats. Always right there at 195 . Just wondering.
Thermostat?
- Thread starter wedg2go
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Mopars & Missiles
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Well, nothing wrong with 195. You obviously have an efficient cooling system to maintain that temp. Are you going by the factory gauge, or do you have a more accurate aftermarket gauge to measure it with? Infrared gun on the radiator and water pump for accuracy?
I wouldn't go any lower than a 180 stat, but that doesn't mean your car would run any cooler. It may still run at 195 even with a 180 thermostat.
I wouldn't go any lower than a 180 stat, but that doesn't mean your car would run any cooler. It may still run at 195 even with a 180 thermostat.
It's equipped with a mechanical gauge. It is consistently showing 195 at operating temperature. When I drive the car uphill for, some distance, it will go up to 200 but no more. I've always heard that Chrysler big blocks needed to run a little warmer than the norm to get the most horsepower out of them.
Unfortunately, I currently do not have an infrared gun.
Unfortunately, I currently do not have an infrared gun.
Mopars & Missiles
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Sounds to me like your setup is fine the way it is.
I hope so...I get a little nervous when the temp starts to rise above 180. "Some" of the old engine really weren't designed to run too hot. I thought I would check in here and see which way the consensus leaned. Much appreciated Mopar & Missiles! 
Mopars & Missiles
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The following is from the 1970 Challenger Factory Service Manual (FSM) concerning the thermostat.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat is actuated by a pellet containing a
copper-impregnated wax, as shown in (Fig. 5). As the temperature of the pellet increases, the wax expands and opens the valve.
A 190* thermostat is standard equipment.*
The use of 160° thermostat or alcohol type anti-freeze is not recommended.
If the thermostat does not close completely when cold, the engine will warm up slowly or not at all,
and heater performance will also be impaired. Poor
heater performance may also be due to valve opening
at too low a temperature. Too high a valve opening
temperature or a valve that will not open can
cause overheating.
*318-383-2BBL have a 195* thermostat.
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat is actuated by a pellet containing a
copper-impregnated wax, as shown in (Fig. 5). As the temperature of the pellet increases, the wax expands and opens the valve.
A 190* thermostat is standard equipment.*
The use of 160° thermostat or alcohol type anti-freeze is not recommended.
If the thermostat does not close completely when cold, the engine will warm up slowly or not at all,
and heater performance will also be impaired. Poor
heater performance may also be due to valve opening
at too low a temperature. Too high a valve opening
temperature or a valve that will not open can
cause overheating.
*318-383-2BBL have a 195* thermostat.
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