Engine Thermostat Brands

[Flynt]

What brand engine thermostat do you think is the best for a small block Chevrolet engine? Are there any thermostats that are different in design or performance or is a thermostat a thermostat? What brand do you think is the most dependable?

Six weeks ago I ordered a Stant brand thermostat for my 1969 Oldsmobile 442 convertible from RockAuto. It turned out to be a Motorad brand made in Isreal but in a Stant box. When did Stant become Autorad and made in Isreal?

I prefer to purchase a thermostat made in the USA but I think that would be difficult to do in today's "global" economy.

Any suggestions?

 

[Hogdaddy]

CHEVROLET Edelbrock 8604 Edelbrock High Performance Thermostats | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Edelbrock High Performance Thermostats with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Thermostats, Mechanical at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

CHEVROLET Meziere Enterprises WN0070185 Meziere Thermostats | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Meziere Thermostats with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Thermostats, Mechanical at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

CHEVROLET JET Performance 10170 JET Low Temp Stats | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - JET Low Temp Stats with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Thermostats, Mechanical at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[Flynt]

CHEVROLET Edelbrock 8604 Edelbrock High Performance Thermostats | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Edelbrock High Performance Thermostats with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Thermostats, Mechanical at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

CHEVROLET Meziere Enterprises WN0070185 Meziere Thermostats | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Meziere Thermostats with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Thermostats, Mechanical at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

CHEVROLET JET Performance 10170 JET Low Temp Stats | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - JET Low Temp Stats with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Thermostats, Mechanical at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Thank you for the information/links!

 

[FS87LT]

Many USA brands have grown into or have been acquired by "equity firms" which are multi-national, by observation. Even GM produces parts "Made in Poland", or similar.

The ONE thing about GM is that no matter where it is made, it is made to GM OEM specs. Other replacement brands can't make that claim. But that claim might only apply to the "OE" level parts, rather than the many other ACDelco levels of parts.

Decades ago, I used to look for a better thermostat, back when we could still find the old "Robert Shaw" brand of thermostats every so often. Then they disappeared, resurfacing years later in the Mr. Gasket brand. Although they allegedly had a better regulation mechanism in them, they worked no better than a normal style of thermostat. So I usually had toward ACDelco, now.

Stant used to be a good aftermarket brand, too. But I came to be a bit suspect of their "HD" line as it looked to be a bit over-priced when compared to their normal level of parts.

Another orientation might be to shop the local auto parts stores and see what they might have. That way, if it might fail, within the warranty period, with a valid sales receipt, much better than having to do things "by mail".

From my experiences,
FS87LT

 

[Flynt]

Many USA brands have grown into or have been acquired by "equity firms" which are multi-national, by observation. Even GM produces parts "Made in Poland", or similar.

The ONE thing about GM is that no matter where it is made, it is made to GM OEM specs. Other replacement brands can't make that claim. But that claim might only apply to the "OE" level parts, rather than the many other ACDelco levels of parts.

Decades ago, I used to look for a better thermostat, back when we could still find the old "Robert Shaw" brand of thermostats every so often. Then they disappeared, resurfacing years later in the Mr. Gasket brand. Although they allegedly had a better regulation mechanism in them, they worked no better than a normal style of thermostat. So I usually had toward ACDelco, now.

Stant used to be a good aftermarket brand, too. But I came to be a bit suspect of their "HD" line as it looked to be a bit over-priced when compared to their normal level of parts.

Another orientation might be to shop the local auto parts stores and see what they might have. That way, if it might fail, within the warranty period, with a valid sales receipt, much better than having to do things "by mail".

From my experiences,
FS87LT

Very valid points. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[sandlapper]

yup, local parts stores and local auto mchine shops gotta eat too --- toss em a bone now and then or they won't be around when you need em.

 

[Flynt]

yup, local parts stores and local auto mchine shops gotta eat too --- toss em a bone now and then or they won't be around when you need em.

That is true. I purchased a fuel pump and two disc brake calipers at my local O'Reilly's Auto Parts last month.

 

[Ihada70Z28B4]

Robertshaw was always good quality.

 

[Flynt]

Robertshaw was always good quality.

I have been told they were a quality thermostat.

 

[muscl car]

I'm running a AC Delco 160 deg thermostat that I also modified by drilling two 1/8" dia holes 180deg apart from ea other . Temps stay at 180° on a very hot and muggy summer day here in Middle Tn