84 4+3 Thermostat question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 448
From: Upstate NY
84 4+3 Thermostat question
My cooling system is in great shape and the Vette will run nice and cool. Driving, after installing the ported intake and the 160f thermostat that came with the Hypertech chip, on the NYS Thruway on a 45f day, it wouldn't get above 168f -so no overdrive!
The od needs about 185f to operate, but when I was looking for thermostats, I could only find a 180f -will I be able to find a 185f or will this 180f do like the 160f and run warmer and hopefully go above 185f?
I just figure if it will run cooler, why go with the stock 195f -or am wrong?
Thanks.
The od needs about 185f to operate, but when I was looking for thermostats, I could only find a 180f -will I be able to find a 185f or will this 180f do like the 160f and run warmer and hopefully go above 185f?
I just figure if it will run cooler, why go with the stock 195f -or am wrong?
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
A 160 degree 'stat doesn't determine the coolant temp. That value represents the temperature the coolant needs to be in order for it to open. The Hypertech chip will change when the fans come on based on temperature.
I would install the stock (correct) thermostat for the car. In addition to allowing the proper coolant temp for the OD to operate (I think the temp is 176 degrees), the higher coolant temps aid in reducing emissions. If the car has to be smogged, the chances are the low coolant temp will cause the car to fail the test.
I would install the stock (correct) thermostat for the car. In addition to allowing the proper coolant temp for the OD to operate (I think the temp is 176 degrees), the higher coolant temps aid in reducing emissions. If the car has to be smogged, the chances are the low coolant temp will cause the car to fail the test.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 448
From: Upstate NY
A 160 degree 'stat doesn't determine the coolant temp. That value represents the temperature the coolant needs to be in order for it to open. The Hypertech chip will change when the fans come on based on temperature.
I would install the stock (correct) thermostat for the car. In addition to allowing the proper coolant temp for the OD to operate (I think the temp is 176 degrees), the higher coolant temps aid in reducing emissions. If the car has to be smogged, the chances are the low coolant temp will cause the car to fail the test.
I would install the stock (correct) thermostat for the car. In addition to allowing the proper coolant temp for the OD to operate (I think the temp is 176 degrees), the higher coolant temps aid in reducing emissions. If the car has to be smogged, the chances are the low coolant temp will cause the car to fail the test.
I know that the higher temperature thermostat in 84 was to aide smog reduction, but does that also have a negative impact on performance?
My vehicle is old enough that it is smog exempt.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
LOL, I never get tired of these threads and all the BS info about thermostats and engine operating temperatures.
T-stat determines MINIMUM engine operating temperature ONLY.
Last I checked MOST modern engines operate at higher temps than even my LT1 does.
Which FYI, runs 192-194 down the highway all the time. Which FYI, makes about 95 more HP than your 84. Stick a stock t-stat in it and be done with it.
I know for a fact many other engines operate much hotter. My new Sentra runs 200+ all the time once warmed up. Makes 124hp from 1.8L and gets 40+ on the highway. Hell of a lot more efficient than the old L83 and runs hotter....catching my drift, put the dang stock t-stat back in the car. End of Discussion.
T-stat determines MINIMUM engine operating temperature ONLY.
Last I checked MOST modern engines operate at higher temps than even my LT1 does.
Which FYI, runs 192-194 down the highway all the time. Which FYI, makes about 95 more HP than your 84. Stick a stock t-stat in it and be done with it.
I know for a fact many other engines operate much hotter. My new Sentra runs 200+ all the time once warmed up. Makes 124hp from 1.8L and gets 40+ on the highway. Hell of a lot more efficient than the old L83 and runs hotter....catching my drift, put the dang stock t-stat back in the car. End of Discussion.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
No negative effect on performance. Lower operating temps allow you the opportunity to exploit methods to get more power (more so in the L83 than in an LT1). In other words, changing the operating temp won't by itself, or directly affect power in any meaningful way. Unless I am misunderstanding your mission and goals, I agree with those who are suggesting to run a higher temp stat.
Last edited by Tom400CFI; Apr 1, 2013 at 08:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 448
From: Upstate NY
Yes. If it runs 185 now, with you 160 stat, then it will run hotter (at least 195) with a 195 stat.
No negative effect on performance. Lower operating temps allow you the opportunity to exploit methods to get more power (more so in the L83 than in an LT1). In other words, changing the operating temp won't by itself, or directly affect power in any meaningful way. Unless I am misunderstanding your mission and goals, I agree with those who are suggesting to run a higher temp stat.
No negative effect on performance. Lower operating temps allow you the opportunity to exploit methods to get more power (more so in the L83 than in an LT1). In other words, changing the operating temp won't by itself, or directly affect power in any meaningful way. Unless I am misunderstanding your mission and goals, I agree with those who are suggesting to run a higher temp stat.
Thanks to everyone for your input!
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