calgary_z28

Is it worth running a 160 t stat in conjunction with the power programmer tune on a 97 SS 6 speed car? Any negative trade offs? I'm in Canada, so on cooler days I'd imagine the engine would be slower to heat up as well as the hvac heater. I've read a lot of conflicting posts about whether 160 t stats combined with running a PP3 tune to have the cooling fans engage sooner. Let's hear some facts and real world experiences. Don't expect to gain more than 3-5 hp. I bought the tuner to correct the speedo for 3.73 gears soon.

BALLSS

The Hypertech as a "performance" tune is a fail. Good for changing things like tire size or rear gear changes

So using it to then run a 160 stat, while it will adjust fan on temps lower....the "tune" part will do nothing. Way back when the local LT1 club had a dyno day. One car was done with a Hypertech/160 stat...lost 1 HP on the dyno

IMHO if you want performance you need a 160 stat, fan temp on lower...BUT a real "performance" tune (more timing & fueling) which a mail order tune from a qualified source can do. The Hypertech does not add any "performance" to the motor so just having a 160 stat and lower fan temps on is no benefit for performance using it. Yes in cold weather a 160 stat can leave you with little "heat" out of heater

shbox

I wouldn't run a 160 'stat in the winter in your part of the world. ****** pointed out the heater temp, plus if you do short trips, the engine needs to able to heat up enough to rid itself of any water vapor. I used to swap back to the 180 in the winter where I live and it doesn't get near as cold as where you are.

calgary_z28

Thanks all. And shbox, your website has been invaluable for me in chasing evap P0441 related codes. Thank you. I don't winter drive my Camaro, but we do get a lot of cool weather. Is it worth adjusting the cooling fans to come on earlier with the factory 180 degree t stat?

BALLSS

The only beneficial reason to lower fan on temps is to add more timing in the tune, along with fuel, for more power. the lower operating temp of the motor with more fuel and timing prevents detonation that would otherwise occur if engine was left at stock operating temp but you added more timing and fuel in the tune.

Just lowering the fan temp on would make the car motor run a little cooler if that is what you want...but not necessary from the function standpoint of a stock motor.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

You'll be fine with a 160* stat as long as you don't get some 30 below arctic blast. Just drove mine today which has always had a 160* stat. This morning was in the high 20's*F and car was toasty after about 10min run time. And performance wise, a cool running LT1 is a happy LT1.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

19*F for this morning's commute. Was just fine inside the car.