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The thermostat located in the top/front of your intake manifold is one of the most misunderstood devices on an engine as many owners believe it somehow "determines" how hot their engine can get.
The thermostat is a small temperature sensitive valve that is rated at 160, 180, 195, or 205 degrees and it prevents coolant from flowing into your radiator until it's rated temperature is reached. The purpose is to force your engine to run at a minimum temperature before allowing your coolant to enter your radiator where heat is then removed by the passage of air thru the thin brass tubes.
Studies have found an engine is most efficient when operated at temperatures between 195 and 225 degrees as the fuel ignites and burns more efficiently than when operated at lower temperatures. So your thermostat is there to ensure your engine is operating at a hot enough temperature for good overall performance.
Once your thermostat opens it's solely up to your radiator to remove heat from your coolant and the larger your radiator is the better it removes heat so size does matter. Your C3 came with a 3-tube radiator unless you have A/C or a big block and those options came with larger 4-tube radiators.
The thermostat is a small temperature sensitive valve that is rated at 160, 180, 195, or 205 degrees and it prevents coolant from flowing into your radiator until it's rated temperature is reached. The purpose is to force your engine to run at a minimum temperature before allowing your coolant to enter your radiator where heat is then removed by the passage of air thru the thin brass tubes.
Studies have found an engine is most efficient when operated at temperatures between 195 and 225 degrees as the fuel ignites and burns more efficiently than when operated at lower temperatures. So your thermostat is there to ensure your engine is operating at a hot enough temperature for good overall performance.
Once your thermostat opens it's solely up to your radiator to remove heat from your coolant and the larger your radiator is the better it removes heat so size does matter. Your C3 came with a 3-tube radiator unless you have A/C or a big block and those options came with larger 4-tube radiators.