160 degree thermostat write up?

[ava1219]

can anyone give me instructions how to install a 160 degree thermostat on an 02 3.8 camaro? i know its easy but idk what to do with my coolant.. drain it.. dont drain it.. idk alot of people are saying different things.. so if anyone could just give me a complete write up on how to install a 160 degree thermostat in my 02 3.8 camaro, that would be great.

[vr4gasm]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

i am not trying to be an ******* bu tthis has been covered a million times there is a search button..

[ava1219]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

i tried to look, and its just everyone saying there opinion about if its worth it or not.. i cant find a write up on it:(

[cam98aro]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

you take 2 bolts out of the housing, let the fluid pour out, take the old thermo out, and replace the new thermo and gasket and put the 2 bolts back in, then fill the rad up with more coolant

thats about it

[Rob Bell]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

And I think you need to tune for it, otherwise you're going to get the SES light if the engine keeps running too cold as far as the PCM is concerned.

[Blizzard242]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

And I think you need to tune for it, otherwise you're going to get the SES light if the engine keeps running too cold as far as the PCM is concerned.

You think right Rob. Your pcm also needs to know when to turn the fans on and off. So just putting a 160 thermo in without a tune will just make your car heat up to operating temperatures slower. Depending on where you live if it's your daily driver I don't think right before winter really hits would be a great time to install one.

Regarding the actual install. If your scared to spill a little bit of coolant, drain a small amount. Otherwise, just pull the housing off. You won't loose a lot anyways.

Secondly. Do Not attempt to install the thermostat until your car has been sitting for a long time and the coolant is cold or has lost pressure. You can check by squeezing the rubber hose.

3rd.. I wrote this because I'm bored. This information is all over this website. Where do you think I learned from?

[ava1219]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

And I think you need to tune for it, otherwise you're going to get the SES light if the engine keeps running too cold as far as the PCM is concerned.

how do i tune for it?

and thanks all for the replys

[Rob Bell]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

HPP3, HP Tuners, mail order tune or probably take it to the dealer.

[Shodown]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

or probably take it to the dealer.

No, they cannot.

HPT is your only tuning source.

[Blizzard242]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

No question about it. Get HP tuners. Not just for the thermostat but for any and every performance mod you plan to do in the future.

[Mighty Thor]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

And I think you need to tune for it, otherwise you're going to get the SES light if the engine keeps running too cold as far as the PCM is concerned.

I had mine for over 10 years and I have never seen a SES light come on. It really is ideal for force induction, but others here have it and they don't have force induction.

With 160* your car will operate at 165* temp. most of the time and prolong driving will bring it up to 180-190*. If you get stuck on a heavy traffic your temp will still go up to 210* and your fan will kick in.

When you replace the gasket though be sure the surface is nice and clean and smooth. Otherwise you'll experience coolant leak.

[Blizzard242]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

Ok, HP tuners is definitely used by anyone with forced induction because of the necessity. But to get the full benefits of mods like intake, exhaust, valvetrain, etc... HP tuners "unlocks" that power.

So I wouldn't nearly exclude HP tuners to just FI.

[ava1219]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

what exactly does the hp tuner do? and how do i get it to do what its supposed to do?

[Shodown]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

what exactly does the hp tuner do? and how do i get it to do what its supposed to do?

www.hptuners.com

[ava1219]

Re: 160 degree thermostat write up?

thanks