Only benefit to them running hot.
160 Stat
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 793
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From: Wheaton Illinois
160 Stat
Most of the people I have talked to said there is no downhside to going to a 160 thermo, and that there are distinct advantages. If that were true, then why does not GM simply use 160s in the car to begin with? My question is this. What are the advantages and disadvantages of replacing the thermo? I live in Chicago and drive in very cold weather (13 degrees last week). Any issues?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 153
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From: chicago il
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,796
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From: Annandale VA
I have a 160 in my '06 A6. Last full tank I got 24 MPG in mixed (mostly highway) driving. This is measured from the mileage and the gas receipt, not the DIC (which is very accurate also). I average 23-24 MPG every tank.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Originally Posted by Wingrider
Most of the people I have talked to said there is no downhside to going to a 160 thermo, and that there are distinct advantages. If that were true, then why does not GM simply use 160s in the car to begin with? My question is this. What are the advantages and disadvantages of replacing the thermo? I live in Chicago and drive in very cold weather (13 degrees last week). Any issues?
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,527
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From: Arizona
The car is designed to run generally at a higher temperature for maximum efficiency and low emmisions.
All the 160 does, is lets the coolant circulate sooner than, say a 180. But the ultimate and equilibrium temperatures end up the same. The motor does not run cooler. We have no trouble here in AZ (with common temps over 110) with the std thermostat.
All the 160 does, is lets the coolant circulate sooner than, say a 180. But the ultimate and equilibrium temperatures end up the same. The motor does not run cooler. We have no trouble here in AZ (with common temps over 110) with the std thermostat.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Arizona
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: az
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
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From: Chandler Arizona
I would normally run around 210 to 220 in town with the std tstat in Phoenix. I changed to the 160 and the car became much more consistent and I hardly see anything above 200 even in the summer.
Here's the real proof: 2 dyno pulls on a hot June evening, the engine pulled timing on the second pull and I lost 18 hp between runs. Came back 1 week later after installing a 160 stat, still a hot evening, and I gained 1 hp on my second pull.
If you live in Arizona or any hot climate, it is my opinion that the 160 stat will make your car more consistent. I never see steady state temps below 176 or above 200 in all weather and driving conditions.
Here's the real proof: 2 dyno pulls on a hot June evening, the engine pulled timing on the second pull and I lost 18 hp between runs. Came back 1 week later after installing a 160 stat, still a hot evening, and I gained 1 hp on my second pull.
If you live in Arizona or any hot climate, it is my opinion that the 160 stat will make your car more consistent. I never see steady state temps below 176 or above 200 in all weather and driving conditions.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: stafford country, va. Avatar: Me on turn 3 @ Bristol (The World's Fastest Half-Mile)
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,527
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: az
if you try it you will find out for yourself. i think glennhl just about cover it all. just about everyone on this forum that runs a 160 stat will agree cruising temp is right around 178-180 / stock stat is more like 198-200*....if you let it sit there and idle for 20 min stright and not move or turn the fan on earlier then yes, the temp will be the same as the stock stat. if you want the pcm to pull the timing at 212* coolant temp / 86* iat in this AZ heat, the stock stat will help get there much much sooner. it is your car after all.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: az
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,527
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
if you try it you will find out for yourself. i think glennhl just about cover it all. just about everyone on this forum that runs a 160 stat will agree cruising temp is right around 178-180 / stock stat is more like 198-200*....if you let it sit there and idle for 20 min stright and not move or turn the fan on earlier then yes, the temp will be the same as the stock stat. if you want the pcm to pull the timing at 212* coolant temp / 86* iat in this AZ heat, the stock stat will help get there much much sooner. it is your car after all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
I don't think the 160 stat will give you a gain. My point was that I did not lose 18 hp on the second pull after the 160 stat. To give you the numbers:
Stock: 1st pull: 334 rwhp, 2nd pull: 316 rwhp
After 160 stat and LG Pro Headers: 1st pull: 359 rwhp, 2nd pull: 360 rwhp
Stock: 1st pull: 334 rwhp, 2nd pull: 316 rwhp
After 160 stat and LG Pro Headers: 1st pull: 359 rwhp, 2nd pull: 360 rwhp
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,533
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From: az
Cruising temps may well be lower since the cooling system is not maxed out. I could see that. But what will a 20* drop in temp at cruising really do for you other than give you a nice cool fuzzy feeling? Will you not lose that 18 HP if you suddenly hammer it at that lower cruising temp? Better fuel economy? Will the temps or HP be any different with racing, where you're maxed out most of the time?
Last edited by cbrf4i1; Jan 4, 2007 at 08:17 PM.