BoneStock

Got basically a stock 2002 Trans Am. Would it help going to a 180 or 160? If so which one? Are there any draw backs to this? ANy help would be appreciated.

Thanks

<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

MadIceV8

iTrader: (12)

I'm also intrested in this, is it worth it?

ratio411

Go with the FREE one!
http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=180

If you lower your stat, you also have to turn your fans on sooner. Otherwise the stat can't function properly without air going over the radiator.
http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=222

I did the above 2 mods. I have about $20 total in them. My car runs a consistent 175*. These mods were also key in ridding my car of detonation/KR problems... The power robbing condition that is so common to our cars.
Very worthy mods.
I highly recommend.
Dave

Boo Yeah

I bought one so i could switch during the winter!!! i like my hot heater and with the 160 it is not that hot.

ratio411

I dunno about that... I moved from TN to MN and it gets a whole hellva lot colder here and I don't have a problem. I also have the TB bypass and have no problems there.
Dave

Boo Yeah

Yeah but I really like to have my windows down alot. And if the heater is only a little hot it does not make that easy. Also i like it to wear the heater feels almost painful, then wear the vent feels like it is going to melt. Then I can roll down my window almost all the way. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

BoneStock

Thanks for all the insight! But I do still have one question. What is the factory thermostat? Thought it was a 195.

MadIceV8

iTrader: (12)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Fast Eddie's 02 T/A vert.:
<strong> My 02 T/A shows i'm at 200 degrees on my gauge all the time.Do i have a 180 or is there a 200 thermostat? Not sure what i have and not sure what to do.It runs good but smells a little hot when i park it in the garage after driving it.

I would like an opinion on whether i should change it or not.I'm not racing the car.

Thank you. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yep, my 2000 Z28 is the same.

ratio411

fwiw: Whatever temp stat you run in the car, figure on the actual engine temp being about 15* higher. That is generally how it works. So if you have the stock 195*, your actual engine temp would be around 210*.
The 99-02 temp gauges are notoriously inaccurate too, as a side note.
Dave

AZ28driver

Ditto on what Ratio411 said about the gauges being wrong. Our gauges are nothing more than a fancy idiot light. Even with a 165 thermostat my gauge nver changed. If you view the water temp with a scan tool can see the true temp change.

DaddySS

180 in colder temperatures, 160 in warmer climates, that's what Hypertech recommends. Either way you'll need to reset the fan temp to get the full benefit.

WS6 RULES

Your 2002 came with a 180. Check the water temp your self, don't look at the gauge. If you go to the Pontiac dealer and ask for a new one guess what!? There going to hand you a 180. IMO 180 is not too hot unless your going to drag race all day.

Fast Eddie's 02 T/A vert.

My 02 T/A shows i'm at 200 degrees on my gauge all the time.Do i have a 180 or is there a 200 thermostat? Not sure what i have and not sure what to do.It runs good but smells a little hot when i park it in the garage after driving it.

I would like an opinion on whether i should change it or not.I'm not racing the car.

Thank you.

jerflash

the reason why the gauges dont move in 99-02 cars after you put the fan switch and the stat is that gm made it into nothing more then a good looking idiet light after 98

they were araid that the drastic temp movments would scare customers (so i here)

my friend has a 98 and the temp gauge works great but in my car it stays at 210
only time it will be hight is if you over heat and it flips it to the red

thats why i plan on puting an aftermarket gauge when i get my pod