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  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

what thermostat should i run?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 19mustang65
  • Start date Start date Oct 2, 2004
1

19mustang65

New Member
Apr 25, 2004
201
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0
Phoenix AZ
Oct 2, 2004
#1
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #1
im running a 185 degree thermo in my 302 and im getting about 14.5 miles per gallon both freeway and city driving. i was told today by a guy that i should go with a lower one like a 160 and i could pick up a couple miles to the gallon, he was kinda a trashy guy so im not sure weither to follow is suggestion or to stick with what i have. if i went lower would it give me better mpg, but at the same time cut down my hp? what are my option...pros and cons? thanks
 
R

Ronstang

New Member
Apr 4, 2004
1,294
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Houston Texas
Oct 2, 2004
#2
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #2
The thermostat determines how fast your car warms up, not the temp it runs at unless that temp is lower than the thermostat ratng and it keeps cycling. If your car runs hotter than 185 under normal conditions you should stick with what you have.
 
1

19mustang65

New Member
Apr 25, 2004
201
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0
Phoenix AZ
Oct 2, 2004
#3
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #3
my car runs at 185 in most all conditions unless idleing in traffic and 100 degree weather.
 
R

Ronstang

New Member
Apr 4, 2004
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0
Houston Texas
Oct 2, 2004
#4
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #4
I don't see any reason to change what you have.
 
1

19mustang65

New Member
Apr 25, 2004
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Phoenix AZ
Oct 2, 2004
#5
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #5
hmmm...darn...i was getting hopful of better gas mileage
 

Great68

Founding Member
May 16, 2002
691
0
16
Victoria BC
Oct 2, 2004
#6
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #6
I can't imagine how you'd get increased mileage by going to 160 degree. In fact you'd most likely get WORSE mileage because your motor is not running very efficient.
 
1

19mustang65

New Member
Apr 25, 2004
201
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0
Phoenix AZ
Oct 2, 2004
#7
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #7
im glad i asked for more opinions on this before changing my thermo.
 

Hack

15 Year Member
Mar 23, 2004
1,945
13
69
Minneapolis
Oct 2, 2004
#8
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #8
A couple things I've read about engine operating temperature.

The rate of cylinder wall wear DECREASES as you increase the operating temperature.

Carbon and oil residue will also build up faster in an engine that operates cold.
 
C

Carizzma

New Member
May 23, 2004
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0
Oct 2, 2004
#9
  • Oct 2, 2004
  • #9
Keep the one you have.
 

WORTH

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 18, 2002
2,166
44
98
Cape Cod, Ma.
Oct 3, 2004
#10
  • Oct 3, 2004
  • #10
19mustang65 said:
hmmm...darn...i was getting hopful of better gas mileage
Click to expand...

In reality it will run more effeciently hotter, not cooler. Your buddy has been snorting out of the wrong nostril.
 
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