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Thermostat Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter StangClear
  • Start date Start date Jan 5, 2004

StangClear

Founding Member
May 21, 2002
112
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0
Elkton, MD
Jan 5, 2004
#1
  • Jan 5, 2004
  • #1
Is it worth it? I know there are a lot of guys installing the 180, but does it do any good? I even saw a 160 out there somewhere, can't remember where though. I heard lowering the engine temp decreased the performance because they were designed to run at spec temps from Ford. So anybody notice any difference?

 

2000GTnoExtras

Founding Member
Apr 2, 2002
990
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0
Rocklin
Jan 5, 2004
#2
  • Jan 5, 2004
  • #2
Yup, i have a 180, got it at napa, runs cooler, takes longer to warm up. Doubt it's so cool that it's hurting anything.
 
R

Rio96

New Member
Sep 11, 2003
99
0
0
Jan 6, 2004
#3
  • Jan 6, 2004
  • #3
Use the 180, strongly recommended.
I use a 180 in the winter, 160 in the summer.
(Texas)
Hint, you can turn the electric fan on by turning the defrost (full clockwise) on.

Rio96
 

Sam98

Founding Member
Mar 15, 2002
1,625
1
0
Albuquerque, NM
Jan 6, 2004
#4
  • Jan 6, 2004
  • #4
StangClear said:
Is it worth it? I know there are a lot of guys installing the 180, but does it do any good? I even saw a 160 out there somewhere, can't remember where though. I heard lowering the engine temp decreased the performance because they were designed to run at spec temps from Ford. So anybody notice any difference?

Click to expand...

No it isn't worth it. First of all, unless you have the ability to reprogram the fans, the engine temp will still creep up to around 220. Second, I installed a 160 degree thermostat and reprogrammed the fans so the engine temp stayed at 160. I noticed no increase in power, mileage dropped off slightly, my car passed its smog check this way, and if I didn't live in a desert climate there would have been an accumulation of condensation in the oil pan. Steeda sells a 180 degree thermostat for the 4.6, but unless you are having overheating problems, I wouldn't do it. Good luck.
 
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