Thermostat improvement (?)

[GEN 3 SHO FAN]

Checking spare parts (old Ford and third party ones) for the SHO.

It's seems the original design of thermostats change over years. Our F6DZ ones (original) doesn't have the same design as the news for sale today. I'm wondering if it worth the trouble to change it for the improvement in his shape ? The opening is larger and a part was added to create turbulence in the flow to reduce the brutal heat changes. Anyone with some knowledge can help me to see clear with that ? Thanks.



Also, all the ones I saw sold as "normal operating temp" are 180 degrees but when I search here, I read some comments from Paul Nimz saying the normal operating temp for them is 195 degrees... (?)

 

[gamefanatic]

180F is the stock opening temps. Aftermarkets may open sooner, but most open later (190F). All depends on your goals. If things are working, I'd stay stock 180F. I live in high temp area's where 115F ambient air isn't uncommon in the summer, and winters can get to 20's (which isn't harsh). 180F is good for the daily driver. Fuel performance is generally best if engine coolant temps are maintained between 195-210F (racing).
If there are issues with maintaining temperatures, then I wouldn't look to the T-Stat, except for replacement, but rather at head gasket, water pump, or radiator failure.

 

[GEN 3 SHO FAN]

Ok but what about the different shape improvement ?

 

[gamefanatic]

I'd like to say there was something to the shape, but I have seen different manufacturers come out with different shapes as well over the years. If we could discern why the change, or how they react differently. We might be able to go from there.

If I am tracking right, the bottom T-Stat is what you are referring to as the newer style, and has a dual spring design. You will also notice the second flow-cut-off disc on the rear. This second disc is to divert water from the normal recirculation back to the Heater Core when it's fully opened. Allowing the coolant to flow more towards the radiator when fully opened. The design alone would help prevent any spikes in temperatures.

Keep in mind T-Stats open slowly to their full position, and close just as slowly purely based on the heat of the coolant. So there isn't much chance of a huge spike in temperatures, and it would be the radiator that would be on the receiving end. Their is a pressure barrier on the radiator side which would negate anything the T-Stat was doing as the water gathers in it's tank to spread amongst the cooling passages.

Much like the air tank reservoir on the upper intake manifold negates anything done before the Throttle Body to improve airflow, with the exception of boost.