SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

Yep, one of the few advantages of a 98 over the later models.

BTW I have tested two of these t-stats and both start to open about 160* but do not fully open til 170*. These cars go in open loop at 160* so once they reach that point they are just as efficient gas wise as the higher 185* t-stat.I have read GM runs the hotter t-stat to get a more efficient burn of the fuel and produce less emissions.

In addition to a possibly cooler intake charge the advantage would come if your car was pre-detonating and pulling timing, The cooler temps would help reduce pre-detonation.

I run one in my car in summer along with a dual core radiator cause after the H/C my car would get 230* in city traffic with the A/C on

99345hp

I dont think that you would see a difference in intake air temp with a 160 degree t-stat. Especially at WOT where the air is moving so fast. Closed loop or not the engine still isn't at its optimal operating temperature at 160 degrees. It will help keep detonation down a little, but its not a meracle cure for having too much timing.

WS6addiction

iTrader: (1)

Intake Air Temps do effect Intake Charge Density, but they're just one variable.

Imagine you're an O2 molecule in that fast moving air. Of course you're the fastest so you're ahead on all the other O2 molecules. All of a sudden you run into a closed intake valve, kinda like rushing the barricade at a general admission rock concert. Would you rather that baricade be 160*, or 210*?
Now, as the intake valve opens and the intake charge (a/f mix) flows past, it cools the valve by absorbing heat from it. If the valve is 160* there is less heat to be disipated than if it were 210*.

Optimum operating temp is dependant on what you're goal is. Do you want higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions, or more power?

MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

Its running cooler, dont worry about it. My car always ran hot, it ran 230* on the dyno then I installed the 160 therm and now it runs about 175* all teh time.

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

AGREED........

They may not be for everybody they are very beneficial for some of us with proper fan recalibration.....

And they REALLY function as 170* not 160* so they do see see closed loop.......

wht01ws6ta

iTrader: (45)

Yes, and also the engine is not lubricating properly by running too cool. You want to be at least in the 180s-190s with an aluminum block LSx but its ok to run a little cooler than that with an iron block LSx engine. There is at least one good thread discussing the proper ECT and oil temps on here and it references another good thread on the corvette forum but the consensus is that a 160 thermo is too cool for most aluminum block LSx applications. A lot of folks run at least a 180 and if it gets warm enough in the summer then maybe swap to a 160.

dark ws6

I dont know if you have been in AZ in summer time, but believe me on hot days you can cook an egg on the pavement. Not to mention that even at nigths it's still like 90 degrees +

HWI

iTrader: (2)

It's always warm in Hawaii, I'll keep the 160* t-stat.

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

Gotta rub it in ,huh

wht01ws6ta

iTrader: (45)

Yeah you're probably ok running a 160° vs a 180° or 185° thermo in AZ but it just depends on what kind of ECT you are actually getting. Cooler is not always better is the point I was trying to get across. Once we get up to 90+ here I'll see if I will go down to a 160° but not if I will be seeing anything below 180° after the engine is warmed up.