89' 2.8L 'Bird

K.... I was thinking about doing a simple mod I read about somewhere. It's where you replace the 210* thermostat with a 160* one, and install a switch onto the fan by running the wires up into the dash area to a switch so that I can turn the fan on manually to keep the engine at 160*, instead of the 210* that GM wants it to run at for cleaner emmissions. I reckin' this might give me a few more horses, maybe even better gas milage. But before I do that, my question is: Will the lower temp make my ECM beef up the fuel mixture? If so, that would slaughter my milage I'm sure. I just want yall's take on it before I spend the next week trying to figure out if it killed my milage or not.

Thanks!
EVA-02

 

Maybe you should replace the sensor for the fan so it turns on at 160.

 

EVA,

A 160° 'stat may be a little cool for a stock ECM PROM. 180°F will keep the engine cooler, but still allow the ECM to reach full closed-loop operation.

Here's what worked for me:

Engine Cooling.pdf

 

Thats the better way to do it. They make many aftermarket switches do do so, hypertec is the easyest one to find. They also make an adjustable fan switch that I use made by Imperial and Be Cool and a few other's have thier names on it. You can get it at any autoparts store for less then $25. They also have a 180* fan switch factory style replacement for a turbo buick/TTA, it would be better then having the system run everything at 160* You can overheat if there is no cycle time in the radiator so watch closely when you install the new thermostate.