Heavy Duty Thermostats

The water temp thread has me wondering. Last time I was at the iFLAPS, I asked for a thermostat for my 231 and they offered me regular and a "heavy duty" thermostat. The heavy duty t-stat had a bigger copper piece and the iFLAPS guy said it had more wax in it. Not much difference otherwise for the extra $6, so I took the regular one.

Just wondering if anyone had thoughts on these.

 

i have never heard of a "heavy duty" one before

 

I've something like that at AutoZone a couple years ago. I forget the brand name.....dang it...but it's some guy's first and last name, I think. The HD 'stats have a larger diameter opening to allow more volume through. I have one in my '71.

 

These I think were made by RobertShaw, but were sold under the Prestone Brand. The overall frame and spring seemed to be the same, but the temperature sensor (copper thingy) was larger on the heavy duty. Opening Diameter seemed to be the same.

Please note that I used the iFLAPS acronymn - idiot FLAPS.

 

When I got one last year at Checkers (Kragan), they gave me a choice of 3, yes THREE! The standard one, the HD one, and the "Best" one. The "Best" one, if it stuck, it stuck in the OPEN position.

I just used the HD one, but I can see the advantage of the "Best" one.

 

I'm going to try a Robertshaw themostat next time. I read once that allow more coolant flow than other thermostats. The best part is our V6's use the same thermostats as small-block Chevys so they're easy to find.

 

That's the one! Thanks sparky.