Here is my view on thermostats:
To be on the safe side, I wouldn't go lower than 180. More is not
necessary better in this case.
Even if your cooling system can keep it around 160 deg (thermostat would
constantly be opened), your computer would think your engine is still
warming up and therefore run using "warm-up" program. It will richen up
the mixture and kill your mileage. Your engine will make the most power
at an air-fuel ratio that's close to pinging/detonation. Too rich means
less power!
Oil temperature is another consideration. You want the oil to reach
about 200 to burn moisture otherwise it'll contaminate and you'll
accelerate wear.
Since we have a "speed density" system the computer may not be able to
compensate for the mods (headers, TB, intake, etc). More air would need
more fuel. So maybe by fooling the computer to run richer it may
actually help. Who knows?! At best this is a band-aid solution.
I don't know detail information about the computer's programing to have
a definitive answer but since this is now my daily driver I rather be on
the safe side.
Alan
'88 x-CHP Mustang LX (off to the glue factory)
'89 Mustang GT (347, Griggs, S-trim and the list goes on...)
'98 Dakota R/T (360ci to be unleashed)
-----Original Message-----
From: W. Jack Hilton III [mailto:hemi@mindspring.com]
Sent: Monday, July 20, 1998 12:13 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: 160 stat versus 180
I read some of us ( maybe the majority that switch the
stat) are running a
180 degree version , while still others are using a 160
.
I have the R/T CC as some of you know , and I live about
a half hour
southwest of Atlanta .
The temps this time of year (and for about the past week
or two) are
steadily in the upper 90s and sometimes top 100-102 .
The humidity is
usually above 95 percent .
I am wondering which one should I go with ?
What are the advantages of using the 160 over the 180 if
any ?
how low is "too" low ?
I know that I read on the list somewhere that someone
found that the
optimal running temp is like 182 or 183 degrees , but
would the 160 hurt it ?
Is there any measureable difference between them ?
P.S.- For those of you that still think that you
shouldn't use a lower stat
like I used to , on that show "Motortrend Trucks!" the
other day , they
changed the factory stat to a cooler running one in an
Impala SS they had
installed headers , exhaust and pulleys on . They said
it was to greatly
reduce spark-knocking or pinging .
Jack Hilton
Black '98 R/T Club Cab
http://www.mindspring.com/~hemi/jbd1.html
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