Ryan, the magnum PCM's for the 3.9/318/360's actually have an ideal
temperature of 182* or 183*. That is why everybody is able to run a 180*
thermostat without tripping a code and setting a mil. That is also why most
everybody experiences some sort of power increase.The power increase is
minimal, most people that have done it have done it to help prevent the
pinging/detonation common in the Magnum motors. Some people have run 160*
thermo's and I think a few of them tripped a code for the engine being too
cool for too long, but I've never heard of it with a 180*. The factory
installs 195* thermostat for emmisions purposes. Remember that the factory
tunes the motors to pass emissions, and a colder running engine will produce
more emissions. The 180* thermo will not decrease power, but the power
increase may not be enough to feel. I would definitely change it out, just
because I like a cooler running engine, and it will help prevent the pinging
problem.HTH,
Will Coughlin willcoughlin@hotmail.com
'00 reg.cab,2wd,4.7L/NV-3500HD5-spd/3.92sg(9.25")
http://www.geocities.com/willcoughlin/index.html
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Ryan Ingram" <fatblkdak4x4@hotmail.com>
okay so you're saying you gained 1/100 or so mpg by switching to a 180 deg.
thermostat?... hmmm. I've heard so much about this mod as a performance
increaser but is that true? I was about to swap mine today just to see if it
really works (plus it's cheap), and I ended up leaving the parts on the
counter after "enrique" at Kragen talked me out of it. He didn't look like
an expert auto mechanic, but he did seem to strongly believe that changing
it would only result in a *decrease* in power because the newer engine is
designed to run hotter (may work for older vehicles), and the computer is
set for that temperature range out of the factory. I'm not sure but I don't
want to waste my time changing it if it's not going to work. Does anyone
have any real proof of this working? what does the manufacturer/Mopar
reccomend? how much HP it it supposed to add?
Ryan Ingram
'99 Dak Sport CC 318 4x4, *195 Thermostat*
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