[A26B]

Russ,
I'm going to echo some of what has already been said here, but here's my 2cents worth.

The LT5 bypass is a simple, spring loaded valve that begins to come off seat when coolant flow gets high enough to create back-pressure, from the radiator inlet to the water pump suction..... which includes going through the thermostat.

The solution is to reduce backpressure by increasing flow capacity through the restriction. Understanding your intended purpose is track related at speed, 70~150mph, I recommend the Ron Davis Radiator (I have one in my ZR-1) which is specifically designed for racing. With added flow capacity, you are also going to get more cooling capacity, so a 2 for the price of 1 special.

As for the thermostat, I have had 3 holes drilled in my thermostat for years and have never had a need to install the 160F T-Stat in my tool box. An open thermostat is open whether 160 or 185. Drilling the holes helps to reduce the restriction/backpressure at the thermostat.

At 70~150mph, I don't think the fans are going to be needed, but if they are, you can always add them later.

Keep us posted on how it works out!

I'm glad we got to meet at BG!

BTW, you can also remove the rubber seal at the rear of the hood to facilitate air flow under the hood.