Trying to figure out what to stick in there... 160* or 180*? Warmer climate here, and many people feel a 160* is too cold and the coolant won't stay in the radiator long enough to cool. I don't want the car to overheat, but am trying to figure out what will be best for performance at the same time. (an oxymoron) A 160* was the hot set up in my LS1 cars, but entirely a different animal than an old school big block.
Factory SCR was a claimed 8.5:1. The big thing is DCR... I measured a stock block, piston, etc. that I have out in the shop... came up with 8.4:1 SCR & 7.365 DCR. I measured my engine in the Chevelle and came up with 9.65:1 SCR & 8.57:1 DCR. I know those will affect detonation and octane requirements.
My tuner was unhappy with my choice to throw a 180* stat in my old 2001 SS. He felt it limited the amount of timing that could e thrown at it, thus limiting power.
All input welcome!
I may just do a 160* stat with a small hole drilled in it. The Chevelle guys I interact with swear by it. I'll give it a shot, if it doesn't pan out - I have other options. Thanks again for the input, I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions as I go. (and shelves full of mistakes)