jims ss

If I add the 160 degree thermostat to my 2000 ss. Should I?, Could I? do something to have the fan come on earlier than the (what is it? 210 degrees) that it would under normal circumstances , and no I wasnt planning on buying a programmer just to get my engine running cooler. Thanks for your help.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

If you add the 160 without fan tuning, the motor will only run cooler at higher speeds when you have air being forced across the radiator. At idle/in traffic/slow speeds, the car will not run any cooler with just the stat, you need to cut the fans on sooner with tuning or get a manual fan switch.

Flawless02SS

iTrader: (9)

If you dont want to buy a programmer, you can go toa camaro performance shop and they will do it for like $50. I think Fender's gangs does it by mail, check them out to see. www.fbodymotorsports.com

LS1Maniac

Everyone I have talked to has told me the 160* thermo isn't worth it. There was a thread not even two days ago discussing this. If it was just a $5 thermo like in normal cars I'd say knock yourself out but since it costs upwards of $50 to put one on an LS1 I say spend your money on something else.

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=3&pcid=81

Blacker

iTrader: (3)

The 160* Thermostat helped me especially in the summer. The 180* is not worth it and runs close to stock.

RahuL

iTrader: (10)

I'm dunno.. my car runs around ~ 168 every since the 160* Stat and tuning [ fan 1 @ 168* and 2nd @ 172* ]

I agree with the $50 price tag being excessive for a thermo.. But, if it'll prevent from loosing HP [ hot motor = loss of HP, KR etc.. ] .. it's worth it..

Plus, running a cooler engine [ I understand the engine HAS to run at a certain min temp. for optimum performance and reliability ] might, and probably does, cause less wear and tear..

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

LS1s don't need to run at 16X to make their best power. Actually, most have found their dyno numbers and trap speeds to be higher with opperating temps in the 19X to low 20X range. I know mine was.....

Blacker

iTrader: (3)

Even with the 160* T-Stat, my car runs ~182* on the highway.

CamTom12

iTrader: (1)

The temp. rating on the thermostats is where they start to open. It's not the temp where your car will run, especially in town. You can add a shim to help it open earlier, I think it's worth another 10*, but I would just leave the stock 180 in there. LS1s actually like a bit of heat...

SmokingWS6

iTrader: (1)

Higher dyno numbers with a hotter tstat might be due to a stock pcm running leaner at higher temps. That can be corrected with tuning. Personally I ran my best 1/4 times with the 160. I only replaced it since the stock tstat gasket broke or else I never would of bothered. I have my low fan set around 180 and high at 190. During the summer the low fan runs non stop after it gets up to temp, helps keep temps constant and transmission temps down.

Another_User

98s need the Spark vs. ECT table adjusted or you will get timing pulled with a low-temp stat.

matts22

iTrader: (2)

So basically, the consensus is that if you can tune the car easily to add more timing, the 160 degree stat is good?

Another_User

Correct.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

How cold do the ECT readings need to be for this to be an issue?

Another_User

I think as high as 176 or something. I will look later.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

So timing is lower at 176F and below on '98s? I know "at or above" 176F is referanced a few times in the tech manuals for performing certain tests so that makes sense.....

matts22

iTrader: (2)

Is this only for '98s or for all f-bodies?

Another_User

I think they changed it on later years. In fact, the table shows up differently in the later years PCMs. I know most later years this does not apply. I still need to break out my laptop to give you solid numbers though.

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

AnotherUser: Did you find anything on this table? I've got a 160 and I don't believe I've messed with this table at all. What are the recommended values for the table?

Cahill93Z28

i'll be putting in a 160 stat, and redline water wetter this week