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Thermostats
The thermostat is a small but critical component in any engine's cooling system, acting as a valve that regulates the flow of coolant. For high-performance Pontiac V8s—especially those built with increased horsepower, compression, and high-flow components—the standard factory thermostat is insufficient. Butler Performance advocates for and supplies specialized High-Flow Performance Thermostats to ensure proper thermal management and engine longevity.
Choosing the correct thermostat for a performance Pontiac is about more than just the temperature rating; it's about the design's ability to handle the extreme operating conditions of a muscle car engine.
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1. High-Flow Design: Resisting Pressure Variations1
One of the biggest issues with standard thermostats in high-performance engines occurs at high RPM.2 As engine speed increases, the water pump also spins faster, creating significant coolant pressure variations within the system.3
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The Problem: Ordinary thermostats can be prematurely forced open or closed by these pressure spikes, leading to inconsistent coolant temperature control—a phenomenon that can cause overheating or excessive cooling cycles.4
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The Performance Solution: Butler Performance stocks High-Flow Thermostats (such as those from Mr. Gasket). These high-performance units are specially designed and constructed (often with brass and copper) to be "balanced." This design resists large variations in coolant pressures, ensuring the thermostat opens and closes precisely at its designated temperature, regardless of engine RPM or system pressure.5
This consistent thermal control is vital for maximizing horsepower and protecting internal engine components from thermal shock.
2. The Right Temperature: 160 vs 180
The second critical decision for a performance Pontiac builder is the opening temperature. Butler Performance offers the most common high-performance temperatures:
| Temperature | Primary Application | Characteristics |
| 160 (Low-Temp) | Race/Strip/Extremely Hot Climates | Opens sooner to start cooling earlier. Ideal for engines with very high compression or those spending extended time at high RPMs. Often used in conjunction with full racing cooling systems. |
| 180 (Performance Street) | Performance Street/Strip & Modified Engines | A great middle ground. This temperature provides a cooler operating temperature than the stock 195 unit while still allowing the engine to reach a temperature that promotes good fuel atomization, efficient combustion, and complete oil moisture evaporation. |
Butler's Recommendation: For most high-performance street Pontiac V8s, the 180 High-Flow Thermostat is the preferred choice. It provides the necessary temperature drop for better performance while ensuring the engine operates warm enough to maintain excellent street drivability and prevent excess wear due to incomplete combustion.
3. Compatible Components
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High-Volume Water Pumps: A high-flow thermostat is only effective if the water pump (such as a Flowkooler or Meziere unit) can move the required volume of coolant when the thermostat opens.
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Billet Housings: Paired with a precision billet aluminum thermostat housing, the performance thermostat can seal properly and reliably, eliminating leaks and ensuring all coolant flow is accurately regulated.
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Gaskets: Butler Performance supplies application-specific gaskets to ensure a perfect, leak-free seal between the thermostat housing and the water neck/intake manifold.
By selecting a high-flow, pressure-resistant thermostat with the correct temperature rating, Pontiac owners can guarantee their modified V8 runs at a reliable and optimal temperature, maximizing the longevity and performance gained from their engine build.