Cool or Cooler
- Thread starter bevers7748
- Start date
Shoot for a target temperature and use a t-stat that allows you to stay there. One guy might need a 160 to try and stay at 200*F, while another guy will run at 185* with a 180* stat.
Also note that a balanced stat will open fully sooner than a non-balanced stat.
In your climate, I'd go with a 195* balanced stat if your cooling system will be overdone. If it won't be, a 180 can give you some fudge factor.
Regarding 'cold start-up mode,' the O2's light off within two minutes of start-up. The ECT plays with the A-F trim during the warm-up strategy but the trim modifications are relatively slight above 160*.
Also note that a balanced stat will open fully sooner than a non-balanced stat.
In your climate, I'd go with a 195* balanced stat if your cooling system will be overdone. If it won't be, a 180 can give you some fudge factor.
Regarding 'cold start-up mode,' the O2's light off within two minutes of start-up. The ECT plays with the A-F trim during the warm-up strategy but the trim modifications are relatively slight above 160*.
If you haven't got a reason to run with a cooler stat (increased engine temps due to high horsepower modifications, excessive load on the vehicle ie Towing) then just stick with the stock 192-deg.
The engine runs more efficiently with hotter coolant running through it than it does with cooler. Warm up times are shorter and running temps are more consistent resulting in lower emissions, better fuel economy and reduced pollutants in the oil.
The horsepower gain observed with running a cooler thermostat is a result of lowering the intake temperature by lowering the over all engine temperature and is insignificant at best. Unless you're experiencing any sort of pre-ignition under load, you shouldn't even be considering lowering the coolant temps...and even then, most of the time it can be cured with a reduction in engine timing, or the addition of higher octane fuel. Swapping out the thermostat shouldn't even be a thought on a stock or even moderately modified engine unless you’re one of those people that likes to create extra work for themselves.
As far as "rebuilding" your coolant system goes….if you’re doing so because there's a problem with it, then by all means have at it....otherwise, its like the old saying goes...."if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!
The engine runs more efficiently with hotter coolant running through it than it does with cooler. Warm up times are shorter and running temps are more consistent resulting in lower emissions, better fuel economy and reduced pollutants in the oil.
The horsepower gain observed with running a cooler thermostat is a result of lowering the intake temperature by lowering the over all engine temperature and is insignificant at best. Unless you're experiencing any sort of pre-ignition under load, you shouldn't even be considering lowering the coolant temps...and even then, most of the time it can be cured with a reduction in engine timing, or the addition of higher octane fuel. Swapping out the thermostat shouldn't even be a thought on a stock or even moderately modified engine unless you’re one of those people that likes to create extra work for themselves.
As far as "rebuilding" your coolant system goes….if you’re doing so because there's a problem with it, then by all means have at it....otherwise, its like the old saying goes...."if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!
My car runs a little hot in the summer with the ac on. Almost everything on the car is the way it left the factory. Im just going to replace the pump, stat and hoses. Aong with a good flush. I will stick with the 192 deg. How can I tell if it a balanced or non balanced therostat? Thanks for your input guys 
Brian, remember he's in Florida. I don't know how bad the temp/humidity combos are out there but in the desert where I am, hitting 115*F is not uncommon. You can't get away with a stock cooling system.
A balanced stat has a shroud around the pellet. Companies like Stewart, Moroso and Mr Gasket (some folks have recently reported that the manufacturing has changed and have had issues with the newer Mr G stats. Shrug) are a few companies.
Balanced stats are more tractable and suffer less hystersis. A normal 195* stat will start to open around that temp and not open fully till 15+ degrees later. A balanced 195 should start to open at about 188-190 and be fully open at or before 195. In other words, going from a normal 195 to a balanced 195 should reduce the system temp if the system is not overwhelmed.
If you post up more info about when it runs hotter (idling, at speed, etc), maybe some pointed suggestions can be made. A lot of similar issues arise from a weak fan clutch or broken fan blade.
Good luck.
A balanced stat has a shroud around the pellet. Companies like Stewart, Moroso and Mr Gasket (some folks have recently reported that the manufacturing has changed and have had issues with the newer Mr G stats. Shrug) are a few companies.
Balanced stats are more tractable and suffer less hystersis. A normal 195* stat will start to open around that temp and not open fully till 15+ degrees later. A balanced 195 should start to open at about 188-190 and be fully open at or before 195. In other words, going from a normal 195 to a balanced 195 should reduce the system temp if the system is not overwhelmed.
If you post up more info about when it runs hotter (idling, at speed, etc), maybe some pointed suggestions can be made. A lot of similar issues arise from a weak fan clutch or broken fan blade.
Good luck.
so if i go to order one of these balanced stats do i ask specifically for a balanced stat or just one from one of these company's?peace
john
87GT Drop Top
Member
so if i go to order one of these balanced stats do i ask specifically for a balanced stat or just one from one of these company's?peace
john
You go to your local speed shop and look at the t-stats, choosing a balanced one (you can tell by looking at it). Or do some research online and order from Summit or your favorite vendor.
Ok I understand what a balanced stat is now. For those who havent figured it out .... You can look up termostats on summitracing and read the overview. It tells you if its a balanced termostat or not. The ones I seen look different too. Thanks for all the help guys. With my stock cooling system I think Im going to go with a 180 balanced termostat. If I had a 3 row radiator, highflow pump and stuff I might stick with the 192 thermostat.
The 192-deg thermostat is in place because on a stock engine because the higher coolant temps promotes cleaner emissions and better fuel economy....which in turn indicates that the engine is running more efficiently.....therefore "ideal"
Swapping out to a 180-degree will drop the coolant temperature some yes, but will also increase emissions and therefore the rate in which the oil is contaminated...and as a result will also increase engine wear (ever so slightly), indicating that it in fact, is not "ideal".
So yes, you are in fact dropping engine temps, but at a price. As stated....if its warranted because of the conditions I outlined above, then there shouldn't be an issue. But for your average Joe, driving in 90% of the weather and circumstances across North America...a cooler thermostat is a mistake.
