thermostats

[cockergod]

Hey guys i was just wondering if aftermarket thermostats do anything, if so what do they do and which is better a 160 or 180 .

[trever1t]

Yes they do something, they regulate the cooling temperature. A lower thermostat will allow the cooled water in the radiator to flow into the engine. Running at a lower temperature will allow more spark advance and give more power, if tuned.

 

I personally dont mess with it. At least i havent yet!

[bowtie_pasta]

Stay with the stock temp rating. You'll regret it and switch back if you mess around.

[fossil]

A 160 thermostat will run the engine too cool and sludge up your engine in short order because the engine oil will not be up to proper temp to boil off the condensation that occurs normally.

[yukondave]

Modern engines run more efficiently with a hotter thermostat: with all the EPA mandated stuff on there. The PCM would constantly be trying to compensate for a lower temp engine and you'd get less overall power, efficiency, and you'd be more prone to detonation and carbon buildup. Hot engine/cold air is where it's at.