There are two separate threads going on regarding thermostats and I didnt know which one to post this on so decided to start a current one.

I called Mike at Extreme Auto today regarding my 160 I bought from him. I was concerned about it being the correct temperature and if it was a modified stat. This is for my 04.

Here is the info I learned. First this is an import from same manufacturer as the stock stat. There is no cut spring...it fits flush on retainer. There is a little copper plug which fits loosley...this is the bypass. You can tell which temp stat it is by looking at the copper plug inside the hollow tunnel of the stat. It clearly says 160 stamped by the manufacturer because it would be impossible to stamp it after being assembled.

I don't know how well it works because I still don't know when or if I am going to install it.

I will take pictures if there is anybody who would like to see it....MrLeadFoot..??

I would definately recommend getting these from Extreme Auto as they know what they are talking about and have VERY fair pricing and excellent service. Thankyou Mike!!

 

I think a relevent question is : Do cold T-stats hurt your motor ?

 

i put 1 in my car and notice a little more power it seem to like it at highway speeds, 160 hangs around 172-185 on highways, in the city traffic temp can reach normal 200-220

 

I am no expert for sure, but I have read the similar threads posted here by Evil/TopCat/MrLeadFoot and others.....and a couple of things are clear.

There is an operating temperature range of the coolant and oil that is safe. Within this range one may gain some performance advantage by preventing ping/knock/knock retard and timing changes without causing engine harm. This ideal temperature may vary from car to car depending on mods and tuning. This ideal temperature for performance may be attained with a non-stock aftermarket Tstat. The stock Tstat may have had to compromize optimal performance for emissions considerations

 

Oh No !!!!

 

Your description fits to a "t" the Hypertech 160. Of course, the people who produce this stat may indeed sell it to other vendors, and I'm not surprised if it's made overseas. But, I find it hard to believe it's made by the same people. I would think the manufacturer would design the similarly, if they were indeed from the same maker. But, the 160 is different in nearly ALL aspects of design, which makes me doubt that piece of info you got.

For example, the stock stat is not stamped with a temp rating down in the tube. The stock stat's spring is of a different design altogether, and the bypass is a ball on the stock stat, while the 160 is a needle seat. The way the 160 seats in the housing when closed is also different than the stock one. Of course, maybe GM used multiple manufacturers, I don't know. I know that my stock '01 stat is probably NOT made my the same manufacturer

FWIW, the problem with the spring on the "bad" stat referred to in the other threads was not the issue of the spring sitting flush with the retainer on the top, but rather how it sits flush on the bottom where it comes into contact with the stat itself. This flush fit allows the stat to move on a level plane up and down the post, which results in even opening and sealed closing.

On another positive note, did you notice how the diameter of the spring coils are uniform? Once you get your stock stat out, you'll notice the diameter of the coils on the stock stat are varied, and you'll also see that the spring on the 160 is composed of a thinner wire.

And, yes, the stat is stamped 160 down the tube on which the stat rides.

Sounds to me like you have an authentic 160 stat. Good to see you at least verified the model you have.

 

 

No one is sucking me into the s.h.i.t. again. My car runs great with the stat of MY choice... And Don't ask

 

I will definately take some good pics and post them here by sunday nite so you can see what I got.

 

Excuse MEEEEEEE!!

You sucked me into this stat S.H.I.T by making me think about your other posts!!! Now I know more about stats than most mere mortals should ....Thanks!!

 

That is great "Grasshopper".. now you can go on into the world and Teach !

 

Here are a few pics of the 160 stat from Extreme.
Notice the spring is not cut and that it seats flush. You can also see the small round bypass.

 

Oh, that's right, you have an '04. That makes it REAL cheap to try different stats; $19 compared to $55 is a BIG difference.

 

Hey now... I've got an '04 and mine cost the big $55!
Did I miss something?

 

Where did you buy it from?
And are you sure it was a 160.??
And how is it working???

 

Macinamouth -

More info on temps with a 160..........

Ambient temp outside today - 52-56F
Coolant Temp on Interstate @ 70-75 MPH: 172-176 (mostly 174-176)
Oil Temp: 190-192

 

Those coolant and oil temps seem real good to me. And the ambient(52-56) temps are around the low end that I see even in the winter here in southern california.

 

Same stat SLP, TByrne, and LPE sells. Same vendor, whomever that is?

 

I went for broke. i got a 100 deg stat for ultimate power

 

Yesterday was 73 here, we had a cold front blow through.

I couldn't wait til it passed and promptly jumped in the car for a ride specifically to see what the temps might drop to compared to the mid-90 degree days we'd been having.

178 on the highway
178-183 in town traffic

Same as before. Today was 83, same thing, although I did touch 185 once for a second.

Oil temps have ranged from 187 to 201. I've been trying to stay away from getting on it when the oil is below 190, but I swear, when I have gotten on it, it seems more responsive when the oil temps are still below 170. Of course, I try not to tromp it then, but have done so. I try to just cruise it until the oil temps are higher.

BTW, your comment about the fans always being on is probably true since my first fan is set to come on at 178 and go off at 172. That means that once I hit 178 (which seems to be my car's running temp when moving), that first fan must never turn off again, because I never drop to 172. I've been thinking about upping the "on" and "off" temps to 182 and 178 respectively, but since my car runs right in what feels to be the best zone, I don't want to mess with it. And, since I don't have any software yet, I'd hate to impose on a tuner to go back and forth just to set fans, you know what I mean? Besides, is it really that bad to have fan 1 running all the time? I have been told that I could possibly be subjecting the fan to premature failure, but it's probably impossible to gauge how much less of a life in precentages, you know what I mean?

Maybe someone will chip in here to lend more advice on the fan.