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160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

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Old 05-04-2002, 04:00 PM
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Default 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

I'm still running the stock Thermostat but I have the fans set for a 160* thermostat, the fans run all the time and the gauge seems to be where it was to start with, anyone ever run into this? it still read 210* but I know that it's basically a dummy gauge, will a 160* help out a good bit? I always ran 160* thermostats in my older EFI cars (L-98) with good results, I keep seeing posts about a 160* thermostat hurting the performance on a LS1, how could this be? I live in Florida and need all the cooling I can get! we are seeing 100* weather right now!

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />
Old 05-04-2002, 06:40 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

i have one on a all bolt on car, it runs around 178 degrees, as far as hurting, i dont know how that would be possible
Old 05-04-2002, 11:24 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

this is a real dummy question, but...how do you set the fans to start at 160? when i installed my 180* thermo, they won't come on unless i turn them on manually
Old 05-05-2002, 03:27 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by navyblue2000:
<strong>this is a real dummy question, but...how do you set the fans to start at 160? when i installed my 180* thermo, they won't come on unless i turn them on manually</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You need the HPP3 (hypertech power programer)
Old 05-05-2002, 08:07 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

Anyone else with any 160* info? I don't see how a lower temp stat could hurt performance at all, actually, it should help!
Old 05-05-2002, 03:04 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

The 160 stat will not hurt performance, it should help. Mine runs around 172 degrees with the 160tstat and HPP3 fan settings. It would really benefit you in the florida heat.
Old 05-05-2002, 05:13 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

I've had my 160 t-stat for awhile in my 98Z. It is a worthwhile mod, especially in warm climates. Have not had any problems with mine, nothing but improvement. Along with the HPP3. Cooler running engine = more HP.
Old 05-05-2002, 07:50 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

I have a 160 stat in my car. I'm not convinced it gained anything. Dyno testing appear to back that up nothing gained.

If I was doing over I'd probably just program the fan settings and leave the stat alone for a bolt on car.
Old 05-05-2002, 08:41 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

running the 160 stat with hpp3.works fine also for backup installed a manual switch to turn on and off the fans while sitting on long lines either in traffic or at the track. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Old 05-06-2002, 05:12 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

I have the manual fan mod
http://www.ls1info.com/article.php?sid=171
basically takes pin 42 to ground through
a switch. I have an aftermarket temp gauge
and with ac on hot days traffic 200.
Hwy seems to run about 185 with 160F t-stat.

The manual fan switch helps in traffic with
no ac on.. AC causes the fans to come on..
Old 05-06-2002, 11:04 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

IMO 160 is too cool on the LSx AL motors, they move heat really well. 180 is the best bet - makes us 98 owners luckey. At least they got it right that year.
Old 05-06-2002, 11:47 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

Stock 98s have a 180* thermostat? I had never heard that before.

My 98 runs around 195-200*.
Old 05-06-2002, 03:37 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Chris Spiess:
<strong>IMO 160 is too cool on the LSx AL motors, they move heat really well. 180 is the best bet - makes us 98 owners luckey. At least they got it right that year.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I had a '98 T/A and had heard that they came with 180* thermostat but I went ahead and added a 180* and the temps dropped! it seems that the stock one is more like 185-190 according to a tech 2.

<small>[ May 06, 2002, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: LS1JAY ]</small>
Old 05-07-2002, 09:22 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

I have the 160 T-Stat. It is helpful with an A4 because it contributes to lower tranny temps.

Lower operating temp allows you take advantage of running a bit more timing if you have a HPP3 or LS1Edit.
Old 05-07-2002, 09:27 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

I have a 99 and I'm pretty sure it and the 98s came with 195* thermostats. I think it's in the owner's manual. 2000+ cars may have a 180* stock.

I added a 180* and temps dropped dramatically. A-tap showed 225* and sometimes up to 228* before while sitting in traffic. The only time it gets above 200* now is when it's sat for a few minutes after running. I didn't really notice any performance difference but I felt a lot better about driving it in summer heat.
Old 05-07-2002, 08:59 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jake99SS:
<strong>I have a 99 and I'm pretty sure it and the 98s came with 195* thermostats. I think it's in the owner's manual. 2000+ cars may have a 180* stock.

I added a 180* and temps dropped dramatically. A-tap showed 225* and sometimes up to 228* before while sitting in traffic. The only time it gets above 200* now is when it's sat for a few minutes after running. I didn't really notice any performance difference but I felt a lot better about driving it in summer heat.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree, the same thing happened when I installed a 180* in my old '98 T/A. I was told that it would not help but it DID! that leads me to believe they are NOT 180*'s from the factory, GM has always used 195*'s as an average in all of there cars!
Old 05-07-2002, 11:40 PM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

The 00' came with a 180* stock!

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Old 05-08-2002, 12:42 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

I set my HPP3 fan settings for a 180* thermo on my 98...and my coolant temp is still 195* when cruising. It must be a 195* thermo and not a 180* for 98s.

Looks like I should get a 180*. Anybody have the part # for a 98?
Old 05-08-2002, 01:27 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

My 01 Z28 runs at 200-210. Ive usually switched to a colder stat and I never noticed any performance increase. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
Old 05-08-2002, 11:38 AM
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Default Re: 160* Thermostat, who's running one ???

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Chris Spiess:
<strong>IMO 160 is too cool on the LSx AL motors, they move heat really well. 180 is the best bet - makes us 98 owners luckey. At least they got it right that year.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">are you saying everything after 98 has one. Because i know my 2001 has a 180 stat stock. Hence i dont get why people buy an aftermarket one.


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