Ford 302 Thermostat recommendation

[Lee Patterson]

Looking for thermostat recommendations (manufacture and temperature rating) for a Ford 302. Street application around 400 hp. Read all the posts possible and still see a lot of variation regarding 180 vs. 195 degree rating and make.

Looking at Robert Shaw 330 or Motorad high flow 2000 series.

Not sure you can drill a bleed hole in the Robert Shaw.

Appreciate the input.

 

[Randy V]

I’d run the 195° thermostat and drill a 1/8” hole in the perimeter to allow for better transition of air to the highest spot in the system.
Running an engine too cool is harder on them than running just below atmospheric boiling point. Your pressure cap will keep you from boiling over if everything else is well sorted.
I’ve run Shaw stats without issue. Stant is another good name.

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

Also suggest you test the stat with hot water and thermometer. A shocking number of new stats out of the box are not correct. Also pressure test the radiator cap. On Safir P1116 we had a cooling issue, had the rad checked, replaced a water pump and more. The culprit? A 13# cap that vented at 8#! Pulled one off my inventory and rated at 13# it bypassed at almost 14# so that went on and no more issues!

 

[Devin]

Also suggest you test the stat with hot water and thermometer. A shocking number of new stats out of the box are not correct. Also pressure test the radiator cap. On Safir P1116 we had a cooling issue, had the rad checked, replaced a water pump and more. The culprit? A 13# cap that vented at 8#! Pulled one off my inventory and rated at 13# it bypassed at almost 14# so that went on and no more issues!

Rick, do you have a way to test those radiator caps or a reliable brand? I learned to test those thermostats from my dad years ago (1980s) when we first saw Cheapanese stuff causing issues.

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

Rick, do you have a way to test those radiator caps or a reliable brand? I learned to test those thermostats from my dad years ago (1980s) when we first saw Cheapanese stuff causing issues.

Most cooling system pressure testers have a "rad cap" adaptor that will test the cap release pressure. https://www.amazon.com/WNZ-Universa...d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

 

[Bill Kearley]

190 deg thermostat and 200 deg fan switch 13-15 psi cap
I have a rad/cap tester The Stant I bought was good to go !!

 

[Lee Patterson]

Thanks all!!! Stant is now Motored.