thermostat question

[97gtconv.]

is the same thermostat used in a 97 gt and 2003 gt? i'm getting my stuff ready for the p. i. intake swap. thanks, jason

 

[Mike97gt]

yes it's the same.. but while you are in there drop it too a 160 degree stat

 

[97gtconv.]

is it as simple as putting one in? or do i have to use my programmer so it runs right? thanks jason

 

[jivepepper]

You need to tell the computer to turn the fan on at the appropriate temp. 180 is low enough of a temp.

 

[DBMSTNG]

yes it's the same.. but while you are in there drop it too a 160 degree stat

160* is too cold for the 4.6L

 

[LI98GTStang]

You need to tell the computer to turn the fan on at the appropriate temp. 180 is low enough of a temp.

Agree with jivepepper. 180 is low enough of a temp for our engines. This is not the day of the musclecars where a 160 could help more than a 180.

 

[Mike97gt]

180 is ok too.. but 160 does work fine ona 4.6 as long as the pcm is flashed for it. i have done it in a 2000 GT i tuned.

 

[Darkhorse845]

160* is too cold for the 4.6L

Agreed don't get
anything colder than a 180 degree thermostat on a 4.6L engine.

 

[timeless2]

Agreed don't get
anything colder than a 180 degree thermostat on a 4.6L engine.

Confirmed. Run any less than 175 and no matter what tune you get, you're going to be running sloppy. Fuel injected engines like to have warmth to burn fuel most efficiently.

The only way I would say a 160 thermostat would be necessary is if you were running the Gumball 3000 or making daily drug runs out of Tijuana, avoiding law enforcement for extended periods.