new thermostat?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
new thermostat?
Hi,
Some folks are putting in 160 degree thermostats. Considering how hot the vette runs normally (210 - 230 degrees) and that heat is generally considered "bad" for an engine, is there any drawback to this cooler setup? It sure sounds logical that a cooler thermostat would extend the life of the engine.
Glen
Some folks are putting in 160 degree thermostats. Considering how hot the vette runs normally (210 - 230 degrees) and that heat is generally considered "bad" for an engine, is there any drawback to this cooler setup? It sure sounds logical that a cooler thermostat would extend the life of the engine.
Glen
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
Re: new thermostat? (olefam)
I did the swap myself, but if you don't change your computer, your fans won't come on untill you top 210+ degrees.I forget the exact temp, but the thermostat by itself wont make you run cooler in traffic.
:chevy
:chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: new thermostat? (olefam)
Hi,
Some folks are putting in 160 degree thermostats. Considering how hot the vette runs normally (210 - 230 degrees) and that heat is generally considered "bad" for an engine, is there any drawback to this cooler setup? It sure sounds logical that a cooler thermostat would extend the life of the engine.
Glen
Some folks are putting in 160 degree thermostats. Considering how hot the vette runs normally (210 - 230 degrees) and that heat is generally considered "bad" for an engine, is there any drawback to this cooler setup? It sure sounds logical that a cooler thermostat would extend the life of the engine.
Glen
The engine is designed to operate most efficiently within a certain temp window. Either too low or too high is detrimental for not only emissions, but power and long life of the engine.
Most folks start to get nervous when they see their temp gauge hit 200, as if 200 is somehow "bad". Maybe that's why most cars come only with "idiot gauges which only have a needle or, in some cases just a red warning light.
When the coolant is too low, wear is accelerated and if it's the oil that's running too cool, moisture isn't eliminated.
My engine feels much more responsive at 220 than it does at 180. I'd love to be able to maintain that 220 coolant temp year round, but with the Texas summers, that isn't possible.
So I have to settle for a minimum low temp of 180 and 220 as a max. Of course when working the engine on one of favorite switch-back roads, temps can climb to the 230/240 range.
180 to 200 seems to be the range that most like, but unless the PROM is programmed to command the fan to turn on earlier, or an aftermarked switch installed, just installing a lower temp thermostat won't do much good. It's just take a little longer for the temps to rise to their "pre-stat change" level.
Just my thoughts.
Jake
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 2
From: 1990 383 Stroker Baltimore Maryland
Re: new thermostat? (olefam)
The only reason you should put in a 160 thermostat is if your computer chip calls for it like the Hypertech thermo master chip. If you have the original prom stick with the 180 stat and stay :cool: !
