17 Mar88 Degree Thermostat

I was digging through an original copy of the parts book today and noticed that the 1500 Spitfire had an 88 degree (celsius) thermostat listed (GTS106) not just for the US cars but for ALL cars. It seems that by the mid 70s, the push towards efficiency and reducing emissions had encouraged Triumph to make the ‘winter thermostat’ standard fitment.

I’ll be trying one soon instead of the 82 degree c stat that’s currently in there now to see the difference. With a full width radiator, thermostatic oil cooler and electric fan, I certainly shouldn’t run into problems with one, and in theory it’ll have the following benefits:

– better mpg as it can run leaner
– better mpg and less engine wear as quicker warmup
– more effective heater unit