i have always heard that 160 was a more power producing temp. then i hear 200-220 is better since it burns better. what does stangnet think? to me high temps dont give you much room to work with before overheating.
The local SCT tuner gave us about a 15 minute explanation on why not to run 160*. I don't remember all the specifics but he said it is too cold. The engine has to be at a good operating temp. Colder operating temps also let condensation build up.
Anything much below 180-185 will start to really confuse the computer. The computer will think the car is still warming up and run the engine really rich, and I think may mess with some other parameters as well. Surf this website to learn more specifics:
If your engine was optimized to run at that temp it would be fine. On paper an engine can make more power at a lower temp but i dont think thats your case. I would suggest staying around 195. I think thats what thermostat came stock... don't quote me tho?!
There's a difference between what temp to run at the track vs what temp is most efficient and best for the longevity of the engine (as a daily driver).
Carb vs untuned EFI also makes a difference.
For a street car, I'd shoot for 190-210*F, which is pretty optimal with regard to cylinder wear.
Well,this is coming from experiance with my Lightning,but with a 160* stat (engine runs about 170-174 with e-fans and was the same with the stock fan) after cool down and getting it up to about 140* befor making a pass,I would always pull about .3-.5 mph more than once at 170+ after 5 laps with about 10 mins cool down,Im down almost a whole mph.
Now wether this is from intercooler heat soak or reduced timing/cylinder cooling (the EEC V adds timing when its cool,and will retard slightly when its warm,total timing is 16* either way though) I can't say for sure,but cooler runing definitly will improve your et/mph. My IAC2's witch is after the blower and intercooler is always about 10* above ambient witch is really good for a stock heat exchanger and open filter w/o shrouding. Never measured them with the stock T-stat in there though. I also have no fender shrouds.
I noticed no differance on the street however,between it and my stock stat. HISSIN50 is right on,cooler operating temps will slightly reduce fuel efficency,and could possably cause more ring wear due to decreased bore expansion = more friction on the rings.
I wish a couple friend would believe me when I tell them this. They have holes drilled in their t-stats, and brag about how on a cool night it never goes past 150 and such.