im gettin ready to put the 160 stat in. i've never done one on a genIII, I know how to install everything, but Im curious as to how much coolant I'll need to add after its all installed? also, does most everyone use prestone? I kinda wish it was like the old school stats being on the intake. oh well, just lookin for some tips/tricks.

 

you have to use dexcool

 

any idea how much drains out usually? I just dont wanna have to run up to the autoparts store twice for coolant. its a PITA

 

i dont really know but not much should run out

i just replaced my water pump radiator and stat and fan but i had to replace it all so i cant help ya but i went with a 180 stat

just a get a gallon mine didnt have a drop of fluid in it and i put a gallon of antifreeze and about a half gallon of water and i could drive it out without getting a coolant light

im waiting on my fan to finish up and check fluid levels

 

id get 2 gallons just to be on the safe side. if i remember right i used a gallon on mine when i did the 160 swap. but then again my truck had only cooled off for 30 minutes. yeh i know im an ediot but i was in a hurry as soon as i seen the box on my front door and it was about to come a flood outside.

 

1 gallon dexcool and 1 gallon distiled water. Its nice to have an empty 1 gallon jug. Fill it 50 distiled 50 dex half full. Test it for it freezing level for your area. Make adjustment and fill it up. Then put in truck. Make sure to go through un pressure warm up then pressure warm up to get all the air out. Your motor should run around 175ish

 

un pressure warm up? like leave the rad overflow cap off?
never heard of that.

thanks for the tips, keep em comin

 

FYI, Prestone does make a Dexcool antifreeze. That's what I use in my truck. If you drain the coolant you just fill it back up through the reservoir then crank it up with the cap off to let the coolant cycle through the engine then top it off. I think that's the un-pressure mentioned.

 

i just use the antifreeze that clearly says gm dexcool across it. iv never tried anything else.



btw stroker i didnt get the m.o. today so it should be here tomorow i guess and il get everything ready to ship.

 

cool beans. I might install the stat tomorrow afternoon if I have time. I really gotta get rolling on the dune buggy project too