Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

[nascar24jd]

1993 3.4L Firebird

I am in need of a new thermostat. The one in the engine now is stuck open and the coolant temp will barely get above 100. I do not want the stock 195 degree stat, I would rather it run a little cooler. I have read many threads on this but I am wondering what you all suggest. Does the ECM/PCM operate normally at 160 or is that too cool? I would like opinions / suggestions whether I should install the 160 or the 180.

Also, does it use a rubber seal, or a paper gasket?

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

i run a 160, but would rather have a 180 drilled, either way.....iots really not gonna matter.

[FireBird_Fr3ak]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

180 if you still want your heater to work well.

And it uses rubber seal, you have to reuse your old one.

[97rs4life]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

180 if you still want your heater to work well.

And it uses rubber seal, you have to reuse your old one.

there isn't that much of a difference with the heater. It is really a personal choice between the two. Gains are extremely minimal if any from the two

[nascar24jd]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

I was looking at it this morning, what is the best way to access the bolts? It looks like the upper intake manifold is in the way. Is there a trick to get at the bolts?

Socket & Ratchet, Extension, Universal joint, Open End Wrench???

Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

[nascar24jd]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

I think I will go with the 180 degree thermostat. I do not drive my car hard and 180 is not that hot.

[FireBird_Fr3ak]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

if you worry about that, get a drilled 180 then, thats what i have.

[slow6]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

not a fan of the drilled
youre right 180 is not that hot

[Sean76]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

I went and got the 180 drilled, and now I can go from home to work in the mornings, and not get heat at all coming out. LOL And the temp guage barely gets past the 160 mark by the time I get there. Its an 8.6 mile drive of stop and go for traffic lights and traffic, about 20-25 min. But I wouldn't go back to stock. =)

[97rs4life]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

I went and got the 180 drilled, and now I can go from home to work in the mornings, and not get heat at all coming out. LOL And the temp guage barely gets past the 160 mark by the time I get there. Its an 8.6 mile drive of stop and go for traffic lights and traffic, about 20-25 min. But I wouldn't go back to stock. =)

it takes you 25 minutes to go 8.6 miles, that has to suck

[nascar24jd]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

youre right 180 is not that hot

That's what I was thinking, glad you agree.

I was reading a write up in the tech section and Jordan Musser writes really clear what tools are required to get at that bolt that I mentioned earlier. If anyone else has any tricks please post them.

Thanks...

[nascar24jd]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

Also, now that I know it is a rubber o-ring seal, do you guys (and girls) use any sealant on the housing itself, or just assemble it dry?

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

apply it dry. do not use sealant ever unless you remove sealant that was applied from the factory.

[slow6]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

I went and got the 180 drilled, and now I can go from home to work in the mornings, and not get heat at all coming out. LOL And the temp guage barely gets past the 160 mark by the time I get there. Its an 8.6 mile drive of stop and go for traffic lights and traffic, about 20-25 min. But I wouldn't go back to stock. =)

On a N/A engine I would prefer my engine being 195 rather than
< 160! You're probably screwing your gas mileage
Again, not a fan of drilled

[FireBird_Fr3ak]

Re: Thermostat - 160 or 180 ???

Thats why in winter i have my stock one in...it takes like 10mins to swap them out.