This seems to not be as popular as it was some years ago, and I think I have heard of a 170 thermostat too (?). I just did my swap over the weekend, the job is 15-20 minutes, I didn't remove the air intake stuff at all. There are only 3x 10mm bolts to get out (fine thread) in order to remove the thermostat housing. The gasket is reusable and bleeding the system is pretty damn easy, just bring it to temperature with the coolant fill cap off in order to let air bubbles escape - its the highest point in the cooling system.

I didn't do any software adjustments just yet, knowing that cruising on the freeway it would still be cooler than stock. My oil temps are down too since overall block temps are down. Even after driving for 45 minutes or so, if I'm moving fast enough the car gets cool enough that it things its not up to a full acceptable temperature yet so its warning me to stay out of upper rev ranges.

Sharing my experience, curious how others feel about this. I've seen some debates on the usefulness of such a mod, but my experience with the stock thermostat is that after a ~2 hour drive my whole car gets hot as hell. The secret compartment behind the stereo screen, floorboards, trunk - everything gets hot on the underside. So even though I'm running my AC and cooling through the (competition) seats my backside is a bit sweaty from the heat. I think the competition seats aren't as good at cooling as the standard seats, but still, the whole car produces a metric ton of heat!

 

I did this swap myself. I started driving with the gauges in touring mode so that I didn't have to see the the dynamic redline anymore.

 

I know some people feel this is a bit too cold for this car, even though 20 years ago it was a hugely popular swap. I will say after a day of driving though, I'm not sweating all over my backside and my trunk and floorpan is not hot enough to bake cookies on, so that part feels like a big improvement.

 

What was the outside air temp when it would not get hot enough to display the normal tack redline?

 

Which thermostat did you go with? I've heard that all brands seem to be hit or miss on quality.

 

 

Does it on 95* F days for me. Base car though.

Mishimoto

 

What? No that's not normal. Are you sure it's not 200?

 

 

I heard reports that the stock tune does not like 160 as the engine does not think it was warmed up so first I tried a 180 stat for about a year and then I changed to a 170 stat. I like the results with 170 myself. No tune on my car, but I do have a Dewitts radiator and that really helps in the Florida Inferno. Temps will creep up to the normal 190 at stop lights and traffic as my fans do not come on early. Still totally worth it IMHO.

I used a Mishimoto and kept the stock stat in case I ruined the Mishimoto. It is very easy to press the 160 bulb out of the Mishimoto or base stat and replace it with another temp bulb from another state and just use it in the OEM housing. Or you can go with the fancy aftermarket housing instead with a standard stat of your choosing.

I have seen some reports of members regarding the Mishimoto but it has been great for me.

 

if he has a 2014 it is normal. they made some changes for 15+.

 

I thought the change was 194 to 185 tstat.

 

My 17 had a 194 thermostat like my 16 Z06 and 14 Stingray. They all got LMR 160s. I think GM changed the water pump and calibration, can't really remember exactly.....