ttorres

Is it better to go with a 160 degree thermostat compared to a 180 degree stat? Are there any benefits to switching to a 160 degree stat? If so is it just plug and play or are there any other adjustments needed? thanks in advance.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

I chose the 160 stat because I think it's the best choice for me. Not to cold, but just right. You'll want to have the fans reprogrammed to take full advantage as well

BALLSS

typically people install a 160 stat so the PCM can then be tuned to have more timing thus more HP if running at a lower operating temp. Putting one in alone would not really do much other than open at 160 vs 185 degrees but if the fans are still stock on/off temp settings they will still come on & go off at those settings

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

What in your particular situation would lead you to think that you would get some benefit from switching from the stock configuration and spec?

Is there a problem you are looking to solve?

ttorres

honestly I was just thinking it would be beneficial. I appreciate your advice. I'm just trying to improve the car as much as possible.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

There is no benefit for a stock vehicle. And the benefit is debatable even for modified examples, depending on the degree and type of modifications (there is a ton of reading on this, you can investigate and decide for yourself as not everyone agrees).

Regardless, as mentioned above, you would need to reprogram the fans to get the full effect of this change.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

+1. Automotive Engineers are good at optimizing this sort of thing. That's what they do...

On a stock car, this would throw off the fuel efficiency for no gain. A modified car could be a different story.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

I agree on a stock setup it's not worth it. For a heads and cam high compression like mine it definitely was. We were able to add another degree of timing with no knock. Whereas before with the stock thermostat we could not

ttorres

my car is a 2002 camaro with prc head, mild cam,long tube headers with true duel exhaust with no cats. ls7 lifters, cold air intake. lowering springs with lower control arms with relocation brackets. ls7 clutch. upgraded fuel pump. I might be missing something not sure. I'm pushing about 420hp at the rear tires. i figured i would benefit with doing this. but Man thanks for all the input.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

The cooler temps would typically be more beneficial if compression was raised or boost was added, and/or you were using an intake that was subject to significant heat soak. Best power will usually be made when you have a cool air intake charge and a combustion chamber that's as hot as it can be without leading to detonation on an optimized tune.

All of my stock compression, NA LS1s with nylon intakes have usually performed best with 180°-187° t-stats and fan settings that keep coolant temps in the 190°-205° range (both stock and non-stock cam).