Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

[Cammy98]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

Noob question I know but what EXACTLY is the temperature reading on the gauges, as in where is this sample temperature being taken from?

When I got my headers done I noticed the temp gauge rising faster on a cold morning and lowering quicker while on the freeway.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

i thought 97-02 gauge faces are the same?

the faces are the same, except for the odometer, but the mechanics behind it aren't after '99

explain this a little further? why would 99+ guys have a less accurate gauge then us 99 and below guys?

Not much more to explain. People were complaining at dealerships about inaccurate readings on the temp gauge, so starting in 99, they changed the parameters of how/when the computer moves the needle. If you car is dangerously hot, then the temp gauge will reflect that...same if your car's been sitting overnight. Both the temp gauges in my Firebird and Formula (both 99's) go from stone cold to normal operating temp, in about a half minute, after the car's been idling for a while...Do you really think the internals heated up that quickly, in that a short amount of time?

If you don't believe me, search on LS1tech about it

[ssms5411]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

There taken off the upper intake the sensor is right under the TB. Your temps should drop when at high speeds since the air dam sucks up the air to the radiator, and at higher speeds the more air can flow through it disapaiting the heat quicker out of the fins of the radiator, and the fans kick off at a certian speed. At lower speeds and sitting in traffic is where the fans kick on to cool the radiator at a certain temp and turn off once the temp. is lowered. I think the headers allow more unrestricted exhaust flow out so the engine breaths better, so it will heat up quicker.

[BallerMaro13]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

i'm not suggesting my gauges run completely accurate, but in both my '00 ls1 (stock thermo) and '02 3800 (with a thermo and manual fan switch) the temp doesn't do that. it takes several minutes to warm up on a cold start and eventually rises to the normal operating temp, usually requiring a bit of throttle or driving a bit to warm up the engine---never once has either car read cold to operating temp that quickly (under a minute). i used to have a '97 which behaved exactly as the newer models...so i can vouch for the consistency of the gauges in my experiences.

smoke-are both of yours tuned or stock?

[ssms5411]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

the faces are the same, except for the odometer, but the mechanics behind it aren't after '99


Not much more to explain. People were complaining at dealerships about inaccurate readings on the temp gauge, so starting in 99, they changed the parameters of how/when the computer moves the needle. If you car is dangerously hot, then the temp gauge will reflect that...same if your car's been sitting overnight. Both the temp gauges in my Firebird and Formula (both 99's) go from stone cold to normal operating temp, in about a half minute, after the car's been idling for a while...Do you really think the internals heated up that quickly, in that a short amount of time?

If you don't believe me, search on LS1tech about it

I scanned mine today with 90 degree temps outside, it took it about 5 minutes driving to reach 160 degree temp, then hit a max of 178 degrees after about 30 mins to 45 mins of driving. I do have a drilled 160 thermo and fans reprogramed. I'm glad my 96' the gauge is accurate.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

never once has either car read cold to operating temp that quickly (under a minute).

I never said mine did that. Re-read my post

Both the temp gauges in my Firebird and Formula (both 99's) go from stone cold to normal operating temp, in about a half minute, after the car's been idling for a while...Do you really think the internals heated up that quickly, in that a short amount of time?

really now...are the temps gonna rise that quickly, then stop heating up right around the 210 mark naturally?

smoke-are both of yours tuned or stock?

the V6 was HPTuner'd, and we didn't touch the fan cut-on temp. The Formula was dyno-tuned by the previous owner, so who knows what the shop did or didn't touch.

[BallerMaro13]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

gotcha---missed that line. i plan on having mine dyno-tuned after my full exhaust is up and running, so we'll see if that effects my gauge readings.

[Rob Bell]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

I wonder if you could hardwire the sensor to the temp gauge or if the gauge only works off the computer.

[ssms5411]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

If you have HPtuners or a scanner it would be the same thing, you can moniiter it.

[candyblueta]

Re: Installed a 160 thermostat on my v6.... runs no cooler.. help? or normal?

thanks for all the help... i picked up a hypertech so i can tune the fans.... i know the hypertech doesnt do much but atleast i can set the fans