Hi guys -

I would really like to swap out my stock thermostat for a 160, but I understand that in order for the 160 stat to be effective in regular driving conditions (not highway driving) I really need to change the chip to have the fans kick on sooner.

My question is...the Hypertech chip that is recommended to go with the 160 stat costs $200.00...is it really worth the expense to have to have this? Should I just leave the stock stat/chip in it, and forget about it (waste of time/money?)

Thanks for any input.

:)

 

I'll attempt to humor you with my lack of mechanical knowledge and just reply to you with my interpretation of what I have read. No, a chip will not turn on your 160* tstat. The tstat opens on its own when the coolant temperature reaches the specific temperature of your tstat. In your case, a 160* tstat will open once the coolant temperature reaches 160 degrees and remain open until or unless the coolant temp falls below 160. The same would be true with a 180, 190, 195, etc. tstat.

My understanding of the Hypertech chip is that it will tell the fans to turn on sooner and adjusts the spark advance at wide open throttle.

Don't count on my word as your final answer since it may be missing other important information. This is just my understanding of these aftermarket chips. In my opinion, if you're looking to replace the stock chip, I'd suggest looking into an Ed Wright chip or a chip burned by Marcho Polo here on the forums.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

fast90 -

Thanks for the reply - the points that you make were things that I was aware of. I'm just wondering if it's worth my time/money to go ahead with this swap?

I see that you have the 160 stat and a different chip...how hot does your motor run with these changes? Thanks.

 

Ack! I knew I forgot to answer the main reason behind your question. Well, the chip isn't a 'bad' idea and worth the money if you're looking to enhance the performance of your vehicle by any means possible. It's definitely worth your money if you are planning more performance modifications down the road. If you're going to buy a chip, I would suggest looking into Ed Wright's Fastchips as I stated to you earlier. First, they're about $40.00 cheaper than Hypertech. Second, they're better than the Hypertech chips due to the fact that they are 'always on'. Hypertech chips only make noticeable differences at WOT. Ed Wright's chips start 'kicking in' around 400rpm and do everything else (and more according to the folks at Ed Wright's facility) that the stock and Hypertech chips will do.

As far as my engine temperature, it now runs alot cooler at a comfortable 170* - 180* since installing the 160* tstat (plus help from the fans coming on sooner due to ed wright chip). If your state has emissions testing and you get the 160* tstat, you might want to make sure that they don't test your car until it is thoroughly warmed up (thought you should be aware of this).

Finally, after I had all the little cheap/free mods done that are listed in my sig, along with the new chip, I was able to notice a slight increase in response and acceleration. I don't know how much horsepower I added and really wouldn't know unless I had it dynoed or run at the track. However, after driving a car for awhile, one gets to know how it performs and only you would know if the mods made any difference once they've been installed.

Hope this helps :)

 

Try to get that chip on e-bay. I got an '87 Stage II chip for $50 for my '88.

 

Try pcmforless.com he did a custom chip for me for $150 and that included HOT Cam tuning

 

fast90 - Thanks for that response. That was the kind of info. that I was looking for. :yesnod: Can you tell me if Ed Wright has a Web Site that I can take a look at? I'd appreciate that. I was balking at the $200.00 price tag on the Hypertech, just thought it was a bit too high.

65Z01 - Thanks for the input about checking ebay - certainly can't hurt. :)

 

http://www.fastchip.com Just ask whoever answers the phone any questions you have about their chips.

65Z01 is definitely someone to listen to. He has replied to many of my posts with very helpful information.

 

Do not buy a hypertech unless you get it cheap off ebay. Hypercrap is a waste of money. I would get just a custom burn to make the fans come on sooner. Craig Marcho did one for me. (Marcho Polo on the forum)

My fans are set on at 195, off at 175. Car runs right in the middle of that range.