160 Degree Thermostat ??????

[Dragcity]

What do you Modular Pros feel about a 160 degree thermostat for these engines?

I know a lot of folks are running 180 T-stats, colder plugs and their tune. What if I went with a 160 T-Stat and colder plugs with my tune.???

Ford engines always used to like to run on the cool side, although they always seemed to run on the hot side....

Just thinking out loud here, would like your thoughts.

I know my Marauder runs really good just before it reaches normal temps.

[Local Boy]

That's a good question....

I, too, 'am interested in the responses...and have noticed the difference as she gets hotter...

ALOHA

[Zack]

A 160 stat will only work as designed on a Non-blower car. (From my experiences)
The optimum combustion temp is 190-195 degrees.

I had a 160 in the Kenne Bell car and it ran at 190+. Could be the giant heat pump on top of the engine :confused: :lol:

Now i run NO thermostat and the only time it doesnt get to temp is when its freezing cold outside. However, one WOT run and the temp comes up to 185-195 and remains there.

[RF Overlord]

Dragcity, conventional wisdom has it that you should only run a thermostat that cool along with cooler plugs if you have a VERY aggressive tune, and only if your tuner recommends it. Dennis used to recommend a 180° thermostat and 2-step cooler plugs with his tunes, but I don't know if that's changed...we've come a long way in the last few years.

[Dragcity]

This is the scoop.

I have nearly 70,000 miles racked and no power adder. In the spring I will need new plugs (haven't been replaced yet) I figure I may as well do a lower temp T-Stat, and feel I could go to 160.

What do you guys think about the 160 T-Stat and the NGK-TR6 plugs? I do mostly highway driving and like to run aggressive tunes. I do have 4.10s, and UD pulley.

In my days of racing I used cooler plugs but ran 12.5:1 compression. My Brother modified his T-Stat in his mustang by drilling a series of small holes to allow a certain amount of coolant to constantly circulate, but still allow the mechanical action of the 160 stat to do it's job. Worked well for him. May want to consider that Zack. I know you have been tinkering with stuff like that.

Thanks for the input guys, I could use your collective advice..

[Zack]

Put a 180 in it, unless you have a twin screw on top.

Thats the best advice

[Marauderjack]

Joe,

I read somewhere (maybe here) that 190*-210* is the optimum temp for these engines with regard to performance, fuel economy and wear??:cool:

Colder is not better so you might try other measures to control detonation if that is your concern.....like back some timing out.....run slightly richer......better fuel (if that is possible)....etc.:beer:

I have a 180* t'stat and I routinely see 195*-220* depending on ambient temperatures and how much I go into boost.......I have a BUNCH of miles on her and she's still going strong!!!!:bows:

IMHO, I'd go with a 180* t'stat but no lower for a street car in the "Great White North"!!!:beer:

Merry Christmas!!:D

Marauderjack:burnout:

[Dragcity]

Oh, it will be white today.

Thanks guys.

[Pat]

What Drag City ^^^^^say's.

I'm sure there is a good deal of engineering done on our aluminum engines but
a part of it seems shorted. I'm referring to the cooling for the drivers side head.

DR established that a circulation path was needed for our engines to better cool the drivers side head. Coupled with a 180 thermostate saftey was achieved with more aggressive tunes than stock.

The operating temperature of an engine is important to the combustion process and to emission control. A radical departure from 185 stock to 160 may upset the computer in it's effort to control emissions.

The DR mod did not lower the overall block temp it just corrected a hot spot.

IMO stay stock or no less than 180.

[CRZYBIKER]

Joe,

I read somewhere (maybe here) that 190*-210* is the optimum temp for these engines with regard to performance, fuel economy and wear??:cool:


I have read writeups from some engine experts that agree that cylinder wear significantly increases at temps below 180. Also keep in mind it will affect the engine oil temperature which is also designed to be at optimal viscosity at 180 degrees.

[RedMerc04]

Hmm, I have a DR tune thats been tweaked for the mods described below, how much more could i possibly get out of my car if i did a 180 degree stat and colder plugs? Im pondering possibly doing this with that EMP Stewart water pump... Worth it?

[Marauderjack]

Hmm, I have a DR tune thats been tweaked for the mods described below, how much more could i possibly get out of my car if i did a 180 degree stat and colder plugs? Im pondering possibly doing this with that EMP Stewart water pump... Worth it?

Probably nothing power-wise.....the colder plugs and stat will help prevent detonation while the tune provides the additional power!!:beer:

You may be able to run a little more timing with colder plugs and stat but for the small gain you may get you put your engine in jeopardy!!:shake:

Marauderjack:burnout:

[Dragcity]

Guys,

Thanks a lot for the insight. Your experience with these engines is a real benefit.

After careful consideration, I will remain stock with the T-Stat, but may get the NGK-TR6 plugs in the spring.

You all have really been a big help..