themostat

[cutt]

can i install a lower temp (160) thermostat without any different programing or chip without any adverse affects?

[2003_MM_FYRE49]

Cutt,

Give Dennis Rienhart a call or e-mail him, he'll be able to answer that question for you.

Tim :fire: 49

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by cutt
can i install a lower temp (160) thermostat without any different programing or chip without any adverse affects?

cutt:

The short answer is: No. The long answer is: it depends on a lot of variables... Dennis generally doesn't recommend replacement of the thermostat with a lower temp one unless you have a more aggressive program installed...the reason for installing a lower temp 'stat is to reduce the chances of pre-ignition and detonation due to advanced timing. A hotter engine is more efficient and will make lower emissions, but is also susceptible to pinging for the reasons above, hence the replacement of the thermostat with a lower temp. BTW, if you ARE going to do this anyway, a 160° 'stat is way too low; you will have plug fouling problems...stick to a 180°... (the stock is 188°)

[cyclone03]

The shorter answer is it depends...

I installed a 160 in my marauder about 5 months ago.
NO plug fouling at all.
My reason for the change was to help cool the car at the track.It cut my cool downs some but without being able to turn on the fan with out the A/C running I don't know how much differrance it made.

As for driving around I can't prove it but I THINK it was a little peppier.

The milage did fall off about 1/2- 1mpg.

Now it's hot down here so in a cooler climb YMMV.

I can also tell you I let the car idle in the garage about 20 mins and the fan never came on so it will hold that low temp.

You will see needle movement with the A/C on,in traffic etc.

[cutt]

did the temp gauge stay closer to the C at all?

[cyclone03]

OH YEA.
If we say the normal reading is 1/2 way between c&h the 160 runs about 1/4-3/8 up from c.

But it does seem to move around but never got to even the normal mark,it was always below 1/2 way.

I removed it before my last trip to CA. I wanted to see if I could crack 25mpg,but alas the call of cruzing at 80-90mph was too strong..... 23 .87 was as good as I got.

[cutt]

any special process to refilling the coolant.maybe bleeding the air out of it etc.?

[sailsmen]

Fill via black metal pipe that runs trnasverse with a round screw cap, use 1/4" extension