Thermostats & Parts

Car engines are designed to operate within a relatively narrow temperature range. It goes without saying that serious damage can occur if that temperature is exceeded and an engine overheats. You might be surprised, but there is also the other side of the coin. An engine can be damaged and performance and mileage can suffer if the engine runs too cool as well. To keep the optimal temperature range every vehicle has a thermostat, a special device that regulates engine operating temperature to prevent its damage and ensure good performance, fuel economy and minimal emissions.

A thermostat can fail and stick in the open or closed position. If it fails in the closed position, coolant flow will be restricted and the engine will overheat, possibly causing extensive damage like a blown head gasket, cylinder head warpage, and excessive stress to other engine components like pistons, rings, and cylinder walls. If the thermostat fails open, the engine will be slow to warm up, and may never reach the proper operating temperature. This can result in poor output from the heater in cold weather, and also cause performance, fuel economy and emissions problems.

Regardless of your thermostat’s mode of failure, we have the replacement thermostat that will restore proper cooling system performance and engine operating efficiency. When choosing a replacement, always select a thermostat with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended temperature rating. In addition to thermostats, we also have the necessary gaskets and seals required for installation. And if you should find that your water outlet or thermostat housing is cracked, corroded or otherwise damaged and unusable, we have OE spec replacements so you can complete the repair.

A standard thermostat may not allow sufficient flow for optimal heat dissipation in the radiator, and most standard thermostats can’t function properly at high RPM when the engine has been modified with a high flow water pump. Performance thermostats are structured to provide increased coolant flow when open compared to standard thermostats. Many are of the balanced design, which equalize the water pressure on both sides of the thermostat to prevent being forced close from increased coolant flow, a condition that can occur with a standard thermostat when the engine is abruptly revved. Performance thermostats are also much more accurate than standard thermostats, and usually open within a few degrees of their rated temperature. Their sensing elements are also typically more sensitive than standard thermostats, enabling them to respond faster to coolant temperature change.

We offer performance thermostats for most engines in a range of opening temperatures, most commonly 160ºF, 180ºF, and 195ºF. We also have a selection of plated water outlets/necks for many of the same applications, so you can add style to your engine bay while you’re upgrading your cooling system. Although thermostats are highly recommended for street and street/strip cars, we know that many racers prefer water outlet restrictors, so we offer kits that include plates with various diameter holes to dial in the coolant flow. And in addition to the above, here you’ll also find fluid control thermostats for oil coolers, and remote and in-line cooling fan control thermostats.