I know there was a heated debate over this a few months back, I just want a final answer. I'm all but done with my header swap and was wondering if i should run a cooler thermostat now. I was thinking 180*. Should i stay stock 195, go to 160, or get the 180? What are the reasons for doing any of them.

My thinking was i knock like there is no tomorrow, I'm hoping the new EGR valve thats comming and the exhaust leak that is taken care of will help remedy that. I also found out detonation can be attributed to cylinder heads being too hot, and thought a 15* cooler stat would help fix that.

-chuck

 

What is your base timing at and what fuel do you run? A thermostat change shouldn't cause you problems. I run 180 without a hitch. I would only go lower if you burn your own proms.

 

Everything is stock (well, was, i got the 2055's now). I just got a timing light so i'll start screwing with that this spring. I run 87, I've run up to 91 with no improvements on gas milage or knock counts. Dewey316 had a post where he explained how a bad EGR valve could cause detonation, i think that may have been the cause of my knock, and so its getting replaced.

-chuck

 

Well a bad valve will throw a code in most cases. I would vacuum cheak it to see if it opens and closes properly. I would defiinately check your base timing though.

 

If you go to a 160 T-stat dont expect to pass emissions...

I found out the hard way.

your hydrocarbons will be through the roof!

 

so how you like them 2055's?

 

I had a 160 and then switched to the 180, the gas milage increased a tad and the heater worked so much better. 180 is probably the best for an L03, except during emissions time.

 

I love my 160, especially in the middle of the summer when it gets really hot. Gotta love a cool engine


Oh btw, went through emissions today with a 170, and passed.


In case anyone was curious

 

my car passed with a 160 thermostat. with the mods below... all you have to do is make sure your collent temp is over 200 before you take it. i passed with flying colors once i did this with anctual working cat on.
i love my 160 but its not my primary driver anymore so i really think it depnds on how often you drive the car and in what conditions you drive the car.

 

dunno yet, tell you after spring break (1 week).

No emmissions in MI, i dumped cat and AIR.

New EGR is on the way.

I'm getting into prom burning the next $200 i can come up with. What are the advantages of running under 180*?

-chuck