Like the subject says....is this alright for a stock 305 TPI with just high performance cat and a flowmaster? My 180 degree went, so i got the 160, and got better results. Any input on this?

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1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

from what i have heard a 160* thermostat is too cold for our cars (unless ECM has been reprogrammed to enter closed loop sooner). since the thermo opens at 160* it keeps the computer in open loop mode longer. thus a little more gas is used. A 180* would allow the computer to enter closed loop like it should.

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88' IROC-Z, 350 TPI, 700-R4

 

I have had mine for years and I have no problems even with the stock chip in.
I know it goes into closed loop because I have checked it in field service mode.

 

I have heard the same thing, i just wanted to double check. I went to pep boys, and they pulled it up on their computer-which thermostat's would work with my motor....the first two that came up were the 195 from the factory and the 160-thats what confused me-beacause i heard of the open loop mode. I couldnt find a 170 degree thermo that was for my car....maybe i will switch back to the 180. Thanks for your help.

------------------
1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

Keep her at 180-195. I put in the 160 and got very minor if any performance out of it. The motor obviously ran cooler, but I never really felt it. When it came time for emissions check...I was almost 4 times the limit...changed the stat...next day I passed. Just cuz I didn't beleive it I changed back to the 160...waited a day and again failed miserably. Makes ya wonder what effect this has on your cat?

 

this would damage the cat???? If so, then i will have to go back to a 180...damnit....well, its just a pain in the @$$ to get to.

------------------
1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

Will the 160 Degree thermo damage the cat or anything else?

 

I can't see any reason why it would hurt the cat but for all around season and temp on your beast I would stick with a 180

 

Yea...i agree....i'll do the switch this weekend probably...back to a new 180. I just wanted to make sure that it wouldnt hurt anything like my cat or anything else. Thanks.

------------------
1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

I don't actually know if it's bad for the cat, but it would seem that if there is that much extra emissions running through your/my exhaust system...it would shorten the life of the cat. Anyone know for sure?

 

Yea, if anyone has any additional info on this, that would be great and much appreciated. Thanks.

------------------
1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

Also, in relation to my 160 degree thermo, what is the temp reading right in the middle of the guage, between 100 degrees and 220? I am curious because that is where I am running 90% of the time now with the new thermo and my fan wired to a aux switch. Thankx.

------------------
1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH

 

Anyone know the temp at that point??

 

I figure it's right at 160 to 180 for the mark.

I'm running a 160° thermo for the past 3 years and have passed emissions each and every time.

If you have problems passing the sniffer with the 160° thermo, then turn on the a/c and let the car idle until it starts getting hot.
Or just disconnect the fan motor for a few minutes before arriving at the sniffer.

If there's a will there's a way.

 

LOL, thanks for the useful info subitz But thankfully, out here in PA they dont check emissions Not yet, anyway.

------------------
1986 WS6-Equipped 5.0 TPI Trans Am
Random Tech High-Flow Cat
Two Chamber Flowmaster Muffler
Megs Custom 4.5" Stainless Steel Rolled Tips
1999 Grand Am GT In-Dash CD Player w/Equalizer(fits like '86 original)
5% Tint On Rear, 35% On Sides
http://www.pitt.edu/~zyhst/trans86/

OTHER RIDE:
1998 C5 6Spd. Corvette Coupe
Silver w/Gray Leather Int.
12/14 Options
Stock(for now)
Best 1/4th: 13.5 @ 104.4MPH