5.3 Thermo-stat change out

toddgotfish · October 9, 2003

with the new body style truck i have never noticed any

fluctuation in the temp gauge

has anyone changed there t-stat to a cooler 180-170-160???

and noticed a drop on the gauge??

i'm just curious to see if you will know if your old t-stat has

gone bad causing the truck to run much cooler than normal?

i know it's a stupid question

but when i had a 93 my t-stat was bad for over 60k

of course i could tell it ,heater and gas mileage decrease

but i figured less heat=less wear

ANYWAYS- any tech support or your own exp much appreciated

Thanks

Rotorwrench · October 13, 2003

I put a 160 in my 2003 5.3 and took it out a couple of weeks later. The temp would run nice and cool when I was moving but would climb to over 220 in traffic. Gas mileage also went to crap. I put in a 180 and it works fine. Temp stays steady moving, towing and in traffic. Gas mileage is better than ever.

1999GMCZ-71 · October 13, 2003

i've got a 180 to put in mine too. Hope it works out! I think 200 is a little to hot.

Bish · October 13, 2003

I put a 180 in mine a couple years ago. Also Hypertech PPPIII with advance timing option. I think it stays a bit cooler but I don't notice it in my temp guage.

elboberino · October 13, 2003

Speaking of which, my buddy just ordered one of these and has no idea on how to install it. Anyone with an install guide or any tips? Do you think he can do it himself or should he get it done by a mechanic?

sting5841 · October 14, 2003

hey I put a 160 in my 03 with electric fans

its the best thing yet my temp never get hotter

than about 180 even in traffic on 100 degree days

ctoliver · October 15, 2003

sting

where are you getting the lower degree thermostats at? i cant find but one source and thats hypertech they too dam high! i want a 180 degree thermostat.

ct