Sunset_Orange_WS6

I'm pretty new to the LS1 engine. Ive only had mine for about 3 months now. Ive been reading on several threads that when you replace your factory thermostat for a 160 you have to reprogram the fans and reflash the computer to actually see benefits. How do you do all this? I was also wondering if there was anyone within two hours of Northwest Arkansas that can tune my car? I have a feeling it is running rich.
Now that you're reading this maybe you can check out my edited racing videos of my car and other f-bodies doing damage in my area. My Youtube username is leonelalbarran.
Thanks! I would really appreciate some advice.

highgear

Sorry but I can only tell what I have read here. Most would not change down to a 160 thermo as the stock thermo is only 186 and about $25 bucks from my local dealer. Most have said they could not find any benefits in the 160. I live in the Mojave Desert where the avg temp is 105 in the summer and my stock thermo works fine. Instead, get a Fan Switch from SLP. Works great! See my Sig.

Sunset_Orange_WS6

Well Ive noticed my cars temperature needle climbs a little when in traffic but goes right back down to 210 when it starts driving. Ive been told a 160 thermostat would help. I also just replaced my stock radiator for a 2 row. Could possibly be my headgasket but oil looks fine and i dont see any oil in my coolant. Also coolant doesnt disappear like it would if it were a headgasket

kenp

iTrader: (9)

The 160* thermostat will open before the 185* thermostat, but unless you reprogram the temps that the fans kick on, you are still going to see the higher temps.

In the stock tune the #1 fan is set to turn on at 108*C (226*F) and the #2 fan is set to turn on at 112*C (233*F). If you're running the A/C, the fans can turn on independent of coolant temp based upon line pressure.

It really doesn't sound like your car is behaving outside normal parameters.

chrisfrost

iTrader: (8)

Hello , how goes it today ? I've been a mechanic for a long time ,,,,,,about 28 years and the best thing You can do is increase the radiator capacity and either have pcm reprogramed to turn fans on at a lower temp or like the last poster said and bypass computer and manually sitch the fans . If You do that , make sure and use the fan relays and switch the low current / primary side of the relays because You don't want to try and switch the full fan current as each fan draws something like 40 amps . Also , if You have an automatic get a small to med sized tranny cooler , they're pretty cheap and effective at keeping tranny temps down and they help the engine a little also . Good luck

Sunset_Orange_WS6

I appreciate the advice from everyone and I know I'm supposed to re set the fans and computer but what I'm wondering is how do you set the computer for the new thermostat and the fans for the new thermostat?

Paul 75 L82

iTrader: (1)

I'm running a 186 but when I had the dyno tune I talked my tuner into setting the fan on temp a little lower. Ne didn't want to but he did it.

br408408

iTrader: (1)

Not that your car is overheating, but it is a common misconception that a lower temperature thermostat will solve an overheating problem...it will not. If the cooling system can not remove as much or more heat the the engine generates, the engine will overheat. A low temp thermostat will only slightly delay the inevitable

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

in the desert.....i would feel safe with a 160

chrisfrost

iTrader: (8)

Yes I hear You about being in the desert . I'm in phx and it gets plenty hot . Since the O/P did get a larger radiator He should have no problems unless racing alot and then for sure 160 thermo and a reflash to the comp. To answer the O/P question You would need a Tech2 which is about $3500 or a knock off Tech2 for $1000 to be able to reflash You're pcm for the fan temp . You would have to pay someone like $125 to do that so You might want to wait until You know more about LS1's so You can have as many things reflashed at the same time all for the same $125 .

farmington

iTrader: (14)

A 160 stat will help if you are tuning on the edge of detonation with timing and fuel mixture. To tune the fans to come on earlier you will either need a handheld programmer that has that capability or use something like HP Tuners (or find a tuner to do it for you).