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colder thermostat....worth it??

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Old 05-02-2007, 02:08 PM
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Default colder thermostat....worth it??

Is it worth it to go to a colder thermostat. If so, what is everyone going to. Ive heard it makes the engine run a little richer, any truth to this?
Old 05-02-2007, 02:29 PM
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I went to a 160 when I was putting in the cam. Otherwise I proabbly wouldn't have done it and just have the fans kick on sooner.
Old 05-02-2007, 02:58 PM
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I did a 160 when I did my cam also. if you don't have the fans reprogrammed then the only time you the motor will run any cooler is when you are at cruising speed. You can get one at orielly's I forgot the part number my friend works there. he is at lunch right now and is going to look it up once he gets back. but it was like $17.00 compared to the $50 for a hypertech. And it is the exact same motorad piece just without the hypertech box.
Old 05-02-2007, 03:13 PM
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When my thermostat went, I replaced with the stock 180*. im a firm believer in running these motors around 190* ECT
Old 05-02-2007, 08:15 PM
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hmm, 160 or 180. Did you noitce the engine run any better? Possibily and richer?

thanks lt1formula, I'll check out orielly's
Old 05-02-2007, 08:58 PM
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I only went as low as a 180. The low stat while causing the car to run cooler will mess with how efficiently the mixture burns in the cylinder. A more completed combustion process will take place at the normal operating temperature with the stock thermostat. I am not sure how low the 160 takes the car, but with the 180 I am about 5 degrees cooler than stock. I believe the stock stat is a 187 from what I hear.
Old 05-02-2007, 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Sigforty
I believe the stock stat is a 187 from what I hear.
IIRC:
1997 - 2000 got 187
2001+ got 180
Old 05-03-2007, 09:40 AM
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No gains from a T-stat w/o tuning unless you are currently getting knock retard.

They are also good A4s for helping keep tranny temps down when you have a big stall since the fans run more and the fluid going to your cooler starts out at a lower temp..

I have a 160 T-Stat but use fan settings closer to a 180 T-stat.
Old 05-03-2007, 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by GuitsBoy
When my thermostat went, I replaced with the stock 180*. im a firm believer in running these motors around 190* ECT

I am with you sir..GM designed these motors to run hot...
Old 05-03-2007, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by slt200mph
I am with you sir..GM designed these motors to run hot...
Yes, but keep in mind where you live has to do with it.
Having a 160 stat doesn't mean that your motor is at 160 temp. It just means that coolant will flow through motor when 160 stat opens.
I'm in very hot area with A4, 160 stat and fans at 180. Temp stays nice and steady.
Old 05-03-2007, 01:28 PM
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I just installed a cam and went ahead and did a 160 stat programed the fans for 180. i live in GA so i figured it couldnt hurt.
Old 05-03-2007, 06:34 PM
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I live in Texas and it gets hot in the summer and i run a 160
Old 05-04-2007, 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
Yes, but keep in mind where you live has to do with it.
Having a 160 stat doesn't mean that your motor is at 160 temp. It just means that coolant will flow through motor when 160 stat opens.
I'm in very hot area with A4, 160 stat and fans at 180. Temp stays nice and steady.

hell yeah its hot there! I landed there when I was leaving Qatar. That is the hottest muggy place I have ever been.
Old 05-04-2007, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by slt200mph
I am with you sir..GM designed these motors to run hot...

I disagree.....Emissions dictated GM ran them hot. If they wanted to "run hot" why would letting the car cool down at the track or on the dyno....make more power? An engine is an engine, and heat is the enemy. If I could I would run the oil at temp, and run the engine as cold as physically possible.



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