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A new T-stat is on the "To Do" list and I was wondering if anyone is running a 160 Degree T-stat. I am asking to be on the safe side.
180 or 160 Degree T-stat?
Thank you much for your time.
Posted by: JoshMcMadMac
This is a common dispute with the Camaro crowd I deal with. I would recommend 180º. The 160º is too cold in my opinion, and cause several issues. The heater will never seem to get warm enough, your fuel mileage may suffer slightly, and the computer may not appreciate it. Just my 2¢.
Posted by: driller
I have the 160 degree HyperTech thermostat yet to be installed. I just haven't had time or the gumption to take an antifreeze bath yet.
While I cannot say what it will or will not do on the Mark VIII, let me offer my opinion based solely on my experiences with cooling systems. Installing a 160 degree thermostat does not mean the engine will run at 160 degrees. The thermostat will begin to open at 160 degrees. There is a difference. While I would expect it to run cooler than with a stock T-Stat, IMHO it will not be at 160 degrees. The cooling systems in most automobiles are marginalized so much, the T-Stat is more for quicker warmups than constant temperature regulation. I know of people who have run NO T-Stat with no ill effects with the exception of obviously longer warm up times in cold climate.
Older vehicles or some industrial equipment have far more cooling capacity than required by engine load. In these instances, the T-Stat does play a large role in operating temperature. I've seen cases where 30% or more of the tubes in the radiator are plugged with normal operating temperatures. You get much more than 5%-10% blockage in todays radiators, you've got problems.
Posted by: CaptainZilog
The only thing you need to watch out for is not being able to enter closed loop operation because your engine temps are too low. You won't pass emissions and you'll lose TONS of gas mileage with no appreciable increase in power.
Posted by: StraDog
Thanks for the replys, guys. I knew going with a 160 might cause some problems of some sort. I have decided on the 180 T-stat. I hear alot more people going with these than 160's anyways. Thanks again, Have a great day.
Posted by: 68torino
The only reason to run a 160* stat is to 'richen' up the mixture for racing. The computer 'sees' a cold motor and richens up the mixture same as keeping a choke partially closed on a carb. This leads to washing the oil off the cylinders and more engine wear.
