The guy said I'd lose horsepower!

[bigpanther63]

I decided to get the 180 degree theromostat for my 1996 Firebird. I went the AutoZone and asked for the thermo. He said that I would lose horsepower because the computer is set at 195. And he said some others things too that made it seem like a bad idea to get one. Why did he say that? Is it true? If I do buy it is there something that is complementary to the thermostat?
Suggestions?

[Wicked 3800 V6]

Don't listen to him. And while your at it, get a 160* insetad. And make a fan switch. And, don't listen to everyone ...
-Rob

[John_D.]

The jury is still out on whether the 160 is cold enough to cause the computer to run in open loop (not monitoring sensors for feedback for making adjustments, thinking that the car still has to warm up first). The 180 should be fine. A lot of people run the 160's, but there are those who question it.

[bubba]

Just in my opinion Dont go below 180. The new car are built to run around 190-195. if you get a 160 themo. you will be running rich all the time because your computer will still stay in warm up mode. That can lead to a burnt up cat and lower gas milage than usual. The fan switch would be a better idea just because it can cool down your car fast an you can just make one if you are into that stuff. Also you wont get any power out of running rich at least not noticable and if you run your engine to cold it will cause it to wear down faster. And thats my essay to you, Hope its helpful. :cool:

[Skullcamaro]

Somebody posted a while back about the open loop question. Try doing a search. Basically it said that the 160 degree wouldn't cause an open loop scenario. I haven't noticed any adverse effects from the 160 degree t-stat in my car. Try it, its easy to reinstall and change if you have any problems. Also the guy who told you that is an idiot. You won't loose any horsepower, plus your stock fan won't come on until 215 degrees I believe is the temp, unless you reprogram the computer or have a manual fan switch. All the T-stat does is allow the coolant to flow more at a lower temp.

[ May 08, 2002: Message edited by: Skullcamaro ]</p>

[SilverTAWS6]

When I had my 2000 Camaro, I went through the same thing between 180 and 160. I got a Stant 180. My friend has a mechanic's scanner and hooked it up to test it out on a 60* night. Running I ran around 174-176. Sitting of course I went up higher. Oh, and the car ran in warm up mode until 160*, so a 160* will be making it go from closed to open and back again. I wouldn't go with 160* and take the chance (besides, 180* is pretty cool. How much power are you really going to gain from going down to 160?)

Chris

[chevcamaro18]

i wouldnt change it at all if you do dont go below 180

[Blue Jay]

Can I quote myself?

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>the bad: The engine is designed to run at a certian temperature. A hot running engine is an efficent engine. If the Coolant is circulating more, more energy is being dumped into the radiator and out into the surrounding air. That energy could have been used to make your car move, so among other things your gas milage will decrease. Also enigine life can be greatly decreased.<hr></blockquote>

[Patrick Javert]

The main reason that people have said it is bad to run the car cooler is because the rings may not seal at temps below 195*. This can cause blow-by, and ruin the engine. I believe that a 180* thermostat wil be good. if you were to do something that produced more heat, like sc, displacement, uncoated headers, ect. that will raise engine bay temps, get the 160*, then, get the HPP3 to reset your fan startup temp for the 160* thermostat. 180 will be fine for now w/o any adverse effects.

[bigpanther63]

Lets say I dont get either the 160 or the 180. This fan switch would be my alternative to both, right. How much do they cost? How do I install it? But the basis for this is the lower the tempature of the engine the better its going to run, right. Or does this mean the cooler it is the more power I will have?

[Skullcamaro]

All the t-stat does is allow the coolant to flow at more at a lower temp. The t-stat will cost around 10 bucks or so depending on where you get it. The fan switch can cost anywhere from 10, if you make your own, or up to 70 if you get the SLP one. The lower t-stat will stil allow your car to reach the higher temps but it allows more coolant to flow at a lower temp, this does help in some ways. Just to let you know, I haven't noticed any decrease in gas mileage or any other effects and I've had mine in for quite a while. Ask the cardinal about his he has had it for longer then me with no problems.