Is it possible for an LT1 to run to cold?

[Cerwin Vega Fan]

Ok I need answer to something of a myth I have been hearing. I plan on buying an Hypertech 160 Degree Thermostat but I heard that since the temp setting is so low it actually will reduce the life of my LT1. Something about the piston sleeves staying to tight causing the rings to go out quicker. I could understand this say if the engine stayed around 100 degrees, but the 160 thermostat should be hot enough right?

[Injuneer]

You'll find that even with a 160degF t'stat, the car will still run 175-185degF on the open highway, and if you don't change the fan on/off settings in the PCM, it will run 210degF in heavy traffic. Reset the fan temps, and that can be cut to 180-190degF.

Those temperatures will have no negative affects on the engine. The PCM only needs temps in the 120-140degF to go into "closed loop" control. Oil temperature will reach levels sufficient to drive off water condensate and other contaminants. Piston clearances aren't an issue... one of the supposed benefits of the hypereutectic piston materials used in the LT1 is better thermal stability.

You could actually lose HP by going to a lower coolant temp, unless you make corresponding changes to compensate. The lower the combustion chamber temperatures, the lower the thermal efficiency = lower HP. But, you offset some of this with less pre-heat of the incoming air. Throw in a couple degrees more timing, and you've gained a little HP.

There is nothing wrong with running the engine with the 180degF that GM put in the engine at the factory. The higher temperatures reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. It's just that a lot of "old school" people can't get comfortable with this concept.

We found in tuning my engine that it made the best HP with a 195degF coolant temp.